Windshield , Wipers, and Washer Fluid

Glass Inspection and Cleaning

To keep windshields and other glass clean, use non-ammonia cleaners and soft cotton or microfiber towels that will remove dirt and grime without causing streaks. Ammonia-based cleaners can damage dash and upholstery materials, and window tint films as well.

A proper inspection of the windshield includes:

• Check the glass, inside and out, for chips and cracks. Minor “star” or “bullseye” rock chips, and small cracks, may be repairable. Any significant damage calls for windshield replacement.
• Tiny micro-pits build up on the windshield over time as airborne particles hit the glass at high speeds. These pits reduce vision when illuminated by oncoming headlights, or a rising/setting sun. The only practical fix for a badly pitted windshield is a replacement.
• Inspect the edges of the glass for damage to the surrounding bodywork or the rubber seal. Any problems that affect the seal of the glass to the body can weaken the structural integrity and need repair.
• Make sure the rubber windshield wiper blades are soft, pliable, and clear water from the glass in a single swipe. Brittle blades can break and allow a metal wiper arm to scratch the glass.

Glass Repair

Today, innovative processes and materials make it possible for auto glass specialists to repair many types of windshield damage. The glass repair process for chips and cracks involves injecting a polymer resin into the damaged area, allowing it to dry, and then smoothing the surface to make the imperfection nearly invisible. The outcome depends on the quality of the tools and resins, and the skill of the technician doing the work, so it is important to bring your vehicle to a proper service department to ensure satisfactory repair. Some auto insurance companies will cover glass repairs with no deductible because it costs less than a windshield replacement. However, other carriers prefer that damaged windshields be replaced rather than repaired.

The size and location of a chip or crack determine whether it is suitable for repair. Chips smaller than a quarter and cracks less than a few inches long are usually repairable. Some states do not allow glass repairs in areas that are directly in the driver’s line of sight because even small fixes create distortion that can affect visibility and safety. Glass specialists also recommend replacing any windshield that has a crack extending from an edge. These types of cracks tend to spread quickly and easily, making it likely that a repair will be ineffective.

Glass Replacement

When replacing a windshield, the use of the proper materials and techniques is critical to vehicle safety. Windshield replacement is usually covered under the comprehensive portion of auto insurance policies, less any applicable deductible. In a few states, insurance companies are required to waive the deductible for windshield replacement. Check with your auto insurance carrier to find out what the replacement cost may be for your vehicle. If your car, crossover, SUV, or truck is equipped with an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that uses a camera mounted behind the windshield, a Volkswagen Certified replacement windshield will be required, and the ADAS system must be calibrated after the new glass is installed. Our factory-trained technicians are well-equipped and capable of properly installing windshields with ADAS systems. After a windshield installation is completed, always inspect the work. Make sure the glass is flush with the body and check for proper centering. Where visible, the gap between the glass and the car body should be consistent across the top and down both sides. If a molding is used, it should lie flat and even all the way around the glass with no visible bumps or gaps. When driving, there should be no “whistling” or other indications of air leaks around the glass.