Showing posts with label car window repair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label car window repair. Show all posts

Car Window Repair – Do-It-Yourself Instructions

Tips For At-Home Car Window Repair

It's always a hassle having to deal with the annoyance of an automotive windshield repair. And the total windshield replacement cost can add up to much more than originally expected. However, if you want to take on a job like this yourself to save some money, a car windshield repair can be done yourself.

Here's a step-by-step do-it-yourself guide:

Cleaning

The first step is to choose a cleaner that is alcohol based. You don't want to use any cleaners that are ammonia based. After you have finished cleaning the surface, dry the area with a soft terry cloth.

Then make sure the chip or scratch is fee of dirt and debris.

Filling The Scratches

The next step is to make an equal parts solution of jeweler's rouge, glycerin, and water. Add 2 teaspoons of each ingredient and mix well. Once you have done this, apply the solution to the scratched area.

Then fill in the crack with the solution. Just be careful not too press on the surface of the glass, or the crack may become worse. It takes about 30 seconds for the area to cure.

For deeper, more serious cracks, repeat the process until the crack is cured.

Treating Chips

To treat windshield chips, the process is much the same, but the approach is different. You'll first need to buy a chip repair kit, which can be located at almost any automotive supply store or major retailers like Wal Mart for about $15 to $20.

These repair kits will typically contain suction cups and small jigs. Additionally, resin bags will be included to help keep the glass flat. Just follow the instructions provided with the windshield repair kit.

Repairing Water Spots

Water spots are the result of minerals from water left standing on the windshield. The best way to prevent water spots is to thoroughly dry the windshield after it has been wet.

But you can polish away the spots. Much like paint, glass can be polished. Just apply the polish by hand or buffer, and when polishing just be careful not to use too much pressure.

After the polish has begun to dry, quit polishing and buff away the remaining residue with a micro-fiber towel.

When to Have Your Car Window Repair Done By a Professional

It's one thing to take on minor cracks, nicks, abrasions, and chips yourself with a do-it-yourself kit, but if the damage has caused stars, major cracks, huge missing chunks, or spiders, don't make matters worse by trying to take care of the problem yourself.

Go to a car window repair professional and take care of it the right way.

Tips On Getting a Car Window Repair Quote

Always Get a Car Window Repair Quote Prior To Having Work Done

If you are looking to repair a damaged car window, it's in your best interest to get a number of car window repair quotes. Whether the car window is able to be repaired or has to replaced with a new one, getting a number of estimates prior to getting the job done will give you a reasonable price range for the total window or windshield replacement cost.

A written estimate will also ensure against paying for work you didn't agree to having performed. Possessing a good understanding of how an estimate is calculated will give you a better idea of what things to look for in a fair and agreeable window repair estimate.

Auto window repair estimates are calculated by adding up the costs of parts and labor. Once the window repair shop has inspected the damage to your window, you will then be given a written estimate. If the terms are agreeable, you will then be able to sign it and keep it for your records.

The majority of states require service providers to provide an initial estimate free of charge. If additional unforeseen work is necessary, you should be provided with a supplemental estimate detailing those costs. The total agreed upon car or windshield replacement cost will include the initial estimated costs plus the added expenses of the supplemental estimate.

It is highly advised to avoid working with a dealer or shop that refuses to provide an initial estimate prior to working on your car. One other important factor in getting a fair and reliable car window repair estimate is knowing the company you are doing business with.

Deductibles are waived for car window repairs in some states. This has caused some unscrupulous shops and dealers to needlessly replace windows and windshields. This practice is illegal and considered insurance fraud.

If the window or windshield damage is minor, some shops may not provide an estimate if their intention is to replace the entire windshield. In this event, you as the consumer can also be charged with car window insurance fraud because you, in effect, agreed to unnecessary and costly window replacements.

Locating a fair and reputable business for your car window repair doesn't have to be an arduous chore. Just collect a few initial repair estimates prior to the start of the work. And stay away from shops that offer to replace the car window entirely when the damage appears minor.

Lastly, due your diligence by checking the backgrounds of various car window repair companies for complaints on Internet sites such as the Better Business Bureau and RipOffReport.com. Also, don't forget to ask family and friends for their recommendations.