Heat Matters—What to Know About Summertime Auto Glass Repairs
A cracked windshield is an annoyance, whether it happens during the dog days of summer or in the middle of the winter.
For most, a cracked windshield is an annoyance, whether it happens during the dog days of summer or in the middle of the winter. But to a good auto glass repair company, the summertime heat plays a significant role in how they approach the damage.
Hot weather and windshields don’t mix. Specifically, it’s the change in temperature that’s the problem. After all, if it’s 100 degrees outside, the occupants will have the air conditioner cranked at full blast inside. So while they will feel cool and comfy, that cold air will be blowing on the windshield, which is the problem.
The cold air blasts the inside of the windshield, while the hot outdoor air blasts the outside. That dramatic temperature difference can cause an existing chip or crack to spread across the windshield.
But that’s not the only risk facing a car owner during the summer.
If an auto glass repair company doesn’t adjust its work during the heat of the summer, the vehicle owner may end up with additional damage. So, how does one prevent an auto glass repair technician from turning an annoyance into a full-blown problem?
Hand-on-windshield test
See if they place their hand on the windshield before doing anything else. If the windshield is too hot, some problems can arise, including a breakdown in its internal safety layer and resin that cures before it has time to cover the damage completely.
The rule of thumb that auto glass experts go by is testing the temperature of the glass with their hands. If the windshield is too hot for them to leave their hand on comfortably for a few seconds, it’s too hot to repair. That’s why a good windshield repair expert won’t work on a hot day before doing this test first!
Digital thermometer test
A reputable technician will perform a secondary heat test with a digital thermometer. The hand-on-windshield test is a good start, but more is needed. An expert technician will use a digital thermometer to take the windshield’s temperature; if it’s over 100 degrees, they’ll know to cool it before he begins working.
Techniques to cool the windshield
As discussed, dramatic temperature changes can damage a windshield. So, if the auto glass technician thinks it’s a good idea to pour cold water on a hot windshield or to turn the air conditioner on full blast and point the vents toward the hot windshield, they are not the experts they claim to be.
An excellent way to cool the windshield gradually is to use the floor vents with the vehicle’s air conditioner. That way, cold air will slowly make its way up to the windshield instead of blasting it.
Warm the resin
One of the most common problems during a summertime repair is an auto glass technician using resin that’s colder than the windshield. It may not seem important, but cool resin can make the existing damage worse or cause additional damage.
That’s why an expert technician will test the resin’s temperature along with the windshield’s temperature. If the resin’s temperature is more than ten degrees lower than the windshield’s temperature, they will know they need to make some adjustments.
Numerous reputable auto glass repair technicians are ready to help a car owner. Now, it will be easy to see if the auto glass repair company is doing everything right.
Lucid Auto Glass provides mobile windshield repair and replacement in Tacoma, Olympia, Renton, Lakewood, and surrounding areas. Our auto glass services include windshield replacement, rock chip repair, crack repair, and leak repair as well as door window regulator and door window motor repair and replacement. Family owned and operated. Military discounts available.
