When a pop bottle flew off of a freeway overpass and smashed into my car window, I knew that I had a problem. I was already late to work, and I had no idea how I was going to have time to get the damage repaired. Fortunately, a friend of mine told me about a place that offered mobile windshield repair. They came out the same day, worked on my car, and replaced the window--all while I sat at my desk and helped clients. It was really amazing to have their help, and I couldn't have done it without them. This blog is all about mobile windshield repair.
If you've ever been in a situation where your vehicle's window or windshield suddenly shattered, you likely have some experience when it comes to submitting an auto glass claim and taking your vehicle in for auto glass service, such as at X-Treme Auto Glass. Unfortunately, the same hail storms and high winds that can put you at even greater risk of suffering auto glass damage can also make it more difficult to have a windshield replaced or repaired -- and if your prior accident took place on a dry or sunny day, you may be at a loss as to how to keep your vehicle's interior dry and secure while you arrange for a new windshield. Read on to learn more about the options you have when your windshield or window is shattered during a severe storm.
What steps should you take immediately after the window breaks to avoid further damage?
In addition to providing the majority of support to the roof in the event of a roll-over accident, your car's windshield helps keep out the elements -- a very important job that can often be taken for granted. If your windshield is broken while driving in a heavy storm, you could quickly find your upholstery soaked through and your navigation panel or other electronic controls shorted out if you don't take steps to quickly get your vehicle to a sheltered location, like an overpass, gas station, or covered parking structure. From here, you'll be able to call your auto insurance company and make arrangements to have your vehicle towed to an auto glass repair shop without worrying that your interior will sustain damage.
If your vehicle isn't safe to drive even a short distance or you're far from the nearest shelter, often the best you can do is to get a plastic or waterproofed canvas tarp to cover the entire vehicle and prevent moisture from seeping through. Because any damage to your vehicle's interior or other components caused by water from a broken windshield should be covered by your insurance policy, you'll want to take note of any malfunctions you notice so that you can turn these claims in quickly.
How will your vehicle be repaired?
Once you've gotten your vehicle to shelter or taken efforts to shield it from ongoing precipitation, you'll need to investigate your replacement options. In general, having your entire windshield replaced by an auto glass company is the most cost-effective option. You may be able to find a windshield that fits your vehicle at a "pick and pull" salvage yard, but removing and reinstalling the windshield can be costly if you're paying someone else to do it -- not to mention the time this process takes, leaving you without transportation in the interim.
Fortunately, windshield replacements can be performed fairly quickly during either wet or dry weather, as long as the vehicle is in a sheltered location. Depending upon the time of day the replacement is performed and the outside humidity, you may be required to keep your vehicle garaged at the auto glass repair shop overnight to ensure all the seals and adhesives have fully dried before being subjected to outside moisture. However, in most cases, you'll find yourself back on the road with a brand-new windshield within just a day or two of your accident.
Share11 July 2016
