-Windshields can be cracked, chipped, shattered, or pitted and the severity of the damage determines whether a windshield can be repaired or needs to be replaced. Teresa O’Mara, owner of Cal State Auto & Truck Glass in Paso Robles, recently released a summary of the many ways windshields are damaged and the best solutions for the type of damage.

What might seem like a simple crack in the windshield might be just that, or, it could be potentially serious. Driving when the damage interferes with a cracked front or back windshield is illegal in California if the damage impairs the driver’s vision (California Vehicle Code section 26710).

Even a small chip can potentially cause the windshield to crack or eventually shatter if it’s not immediately repaired. A neglected damaged windshield can also cause the driver and passengers to be injured or airbags to fail to deploy in the event of an accident.

When a windshield has shattered, or the damage obstructs the driver’s vision, it’s time for a new windshield. Even when the damage is on the passenger side of the windshield, the rear windshield, or any of the side windows, when it obstructs the driver’s view, replacement is in order.

What can be repaired? Here’s a list of the most common types of chips and cracks from the Paso Robles windshield replacement team:

• Small cracks around the size of a quarter can usually be repaired. However, if not repaired quickly, road vibrations and bumps may cause the crack to grow.
• A stone break is a chip that happens when a rock or some other road debris hits the windshield, causing a minor chip. As long as the chip hasn’t penetrated both layers of glass and it is smaller than 40mm, a stone break can usually be repaired.
• Bull’s eye damage is caused by larger road debris striking the windshield. A bull’s eye chip is typically circular and quite obvious. This type of damage can usually be repaired providing that a chunk of glass is not missing, or the bull’s eye isn’t too big.
• A combination break means that the windshield has cracks, dings, and chips. Depending on where they are located and the severity, combination breaks might be repairable.
• A star break has an obvious impact point with short cracks spreading from that point in the shape of a star. The cracks can spread quickly and this type of damage needs immediate attention.
• Floater cracks originate in the middle of the windshield. These kinds of cracks have the potential to spread and it’s important to have the windshield immediately examined by a professional. The length and depth of the crack determine whether the windshield can be repaired or needs to be replaced.
• Edge cracks start at the edge of the windshield and spreads towards the middle, forming a long crack almost immediately. This type of crack usually requires a windshield replacement.
• Stress cracks can happen as the windshield ages, or exposure to hot and cold weather weakens the windshield. Have a windshield that develops stress cracks inspected as soon as possible.
• Pitting is what happens when a windshield is exposed to damage that creates a “sand blasted” effect. A portion or the entire windshield becomes covered with tiny pits that reduce visibility, cause glare and make it next to impossible to keep the windshield clean. Pitted windshields most likely need to be replaced.
• Scratches caused by aged windshield wipers are another cause of windshield damage. Change windshield wipers at least twice a year, more often during extremely hot or cold temperatures that can dry and crack the wipers. Windshield wiper damage is 100% preventable by changing wipers before they become worn, or as soon as they show damage.

Cal State Auto & Truck Glass has been providing professional, reliable, and superior workmanship for all models of autos, trucks, public agency vehicles, and buses for over 30 years. The team averages more than 70 years of knowledge and expertise in the auto glass replacement industry.

The company is a full-service mobile service that can complete most repairs and replacements at the customer’s location and provides:

• Same-day service.
• Repair and replacement for all windows, the windshield, rear window, side windows, power windows, and power window motors and regulators.

The team gets the job done fast and leaves your vehicle spotless as if nothing ever happened.

Cal State Auto & Truck Glass
2752 Ramada Dr.
Paso Robles CA 93422
(805) 238-3884

-A clean windshield is important for safe driving and for taking care of the windshield and works with the windshield wipers to keep a section of the windshield as clear as possible for the driving conditions but is not the 100% answer to safe visibility. The management from Cal State Auto & Truck Glass has prepared some tips to help choose a washing fluid and get the best performance from that choice.

Windshield washer fluid can be thought of as a sort of detergent for breaking down dirt, dust, debris and bugs so the wipers can sweep it all away, leaving a clear area behind. Thinking of the fluid as a detergent is not to be confused with actual detergent. A few things like plain water, or dish or laundry detergent are not going to deliver good results for the windshield. In fact, actual detergent might cause streaking, even when the wipers are brand new and top quality.

Commercial windshield washer fluid contains methanol and other alcohols such as ethylene glycol, the main ingredient in antifreeze. It is the alcohols that break down the debris on the windshield and also serve to de-ice in the winter versions of washer fluid.

As a caution, the online medical information resource, MedlinePlus.gov describes the alcohols used in washer fluid as toxic. Store and handle the solutions as any other potentially harmful material.

Teresa O’Mara, owner of the Paso Robles windshield replacement company says, “The first consideration for an effective washer fluid is that it works for the climate where it’s being used.”

• Winter climates with ice and snow require a fluid that won’t freeze and is going to help de-ice the windshield
• For rain choose a washer fluid that helps the wipers sheet the rain from the windshield to preserve visibility
• For extra dusty environments, or heavy insect traffic, such as rural regions or highway commutes, a fluid that can clean dirt and insects off the windshield is important
• When planning a road trip, check the weather conditions and use a fluid that delivers the best results for that weather

Washer fluid is not a 100% solution to a clean windshield. It’s only as successful as the windshield wipers and the condition of the windshield. “Yes. You still have to wash the windshield and all the other windows,” says O’Mara. Other important information for maximum safety and visibility include:

• Keep the windshield in good condition, cracks, pitting and other damages interfere with the line of vision
• Change windshield wipers regularly because they age, crack and leave streaks behind instead of cleaning
• Damaged wipers can damage the windshield

The Paso Robles windshield replacement company is a family business that has been serving the California Central Coast for over 30 years. Cal State Auto & Truck Glass provides full-service, lifetime warranty auto and truck glass repair and replacement for all makes and models of foreign and domestic vehicles served, including buses and government vehicles. Call for mobile service or in-shop service. A free estimate is part of the service and all insurances are accepted.

Cal State Auto & Truck Glass
2752 Ramada Dr.
Paso Robles, CA 93422
(805) 238-3884

-There’s more to getting a new windshield installed than simply paying the technician and driving off to work or to pick up the kids. “The new windshield needs some special care for a while,” said Teresa O’Mara from Cal State Auto & Truck Glass, the Paso Robles windshield repair company.”

Whether the windshield replacement is paid for by insurance or out of pocket, it’s an expensive investment. Not following the technician’s instructions about caring for the new windshield for the first few days can result in damage that voids the warranty and additional expense that may not be covered by insurance.

The new windshield is held in place by an adhesive, which also creates a waterproof seal. The adhesive needs time to set and dry. The curing time for the adhesive might vary depending on which adhesive was used, but generally, extra care needs to be taken for up to two days. The technician from the Paso Robles windshield repair company, will give you of a few easy instructions:

• Wait a short time to drive the vehicle. The technician will tell you the amount of time to wait, but generally, the wait-time is around an hour.
• Don’t remove retention tape before the specified time. The technician may have applied the tape to help hold the windshield in place while the adhesive dries.
• Avoid carwashes and power washing for at least the first two days. . Hand washing might be okay, but be sure to ask the technician.
• Leave a window rolled down for at least an inch to help reduce air pressure inside the vehicle. Air pressure can stress the seal as it dries. A day after installation is usually long enough to keep a window slightly open.
• For the first day after installation, don’t cover the vehicle or use a sunshade on the windshield (inside or out). Keep the dashboard free of clutter and park the vehicle someplace where debris is unlikely to land on the windshield.
• Close the vehicle doors gently. Slamming doors increases air pressure.
• Avoid driving on rough roads while the adhesive is curing and the new windshield is settling.

“Overall, go easy on your new windshield for the first couple of days,” said O’Mara. “Clean it gently with a soft damp cloth. Call us if you have any questions.”

Cal State Auto & Truck Glass repairs and replaces auto glass for all makes and models of vehicles. The locally owned company has been providing mobile and in-shop Paso Robles windshield repair and replacement for over 40 years. The company serves the Central Coast of California all technicians are certified by DOW/Dupont the leading manufacturer of adhesives. The company is an approved installation company for most insurance companies.

Cal State Auto & Truck Glass
2752 Ramada Dr.
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 238-3884

-Along with reducing visibility and creating a safe driving hazard, worn windshield wipers are an overlooked contributor to windshield damage. “A little time spent cleaning and inspecting windshield wipers goes a long way towards protecting your windshield,” said Teresa O’Mara of Cal State Auto and Truck Glass, who recently released a report about maintaining windshield wipers.

As a general rule, replacing windshield wipers every 6 to 12 months is a good practice, but there are weather and driving conditions that mean wiper blades need to be replaced more often. Simply taking a few seconds during every gas station stop to clean the wipers at the same time you clean the windows goes a long way towards preventing windshield damage and can help prolong the life of the wiper blades.

In the process of cleaning the windshield, wiper blades drag a certain amount of grit over the glass until the combination of cleaning solution and wiper motion finally removes the dust and grime. At the same time, some of the grit, including road oil, remains on the wipers. Eventually, if not removed, the grit and grime, along with weather, contributes to cracked and pitted wiper blades and can damage the windshield. Plus, old and damaged wipers cause streaking that reduces visibility.

Clean wiper blades are important to the life of the blades, protecting the windshield and safe driving visibility:

• Wipe them off with a wet paper towel or soft rag. Don’t use steel wool as the remnants will scratch the windshield and damage the wiper blades.
• Use hot soapy water or washer fluid.
• Clean the blades from end-to-end until the rag doesn’t show any residue.
• Check the hinged areas and wash with soapy water to remove trapped debris.
• When finished cleaning, wipe the blades dry.
• Thoroughly wash the windshield, outside and inside.

Cleaning the blades is one step. Inspecting them and replacing damaged, cracked and worn blades is also part of safe driving and protecting the windshield. Waiting until the blades are leaving streaks and scratches on the windshield is too late.

The general recommendation is to replace wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. Weather extremes and frequent use may require more frequent replacement.

Regularly inspecting and cleaning wiper blades are an important step in driving safety and in preserving the windshield. In addition to potentially damaging the windshield, dirty, streaked windshields reduce visibility and are unsafe. The top factors for safe driving where the windshield is concerned include:

• Keeping the windshield clean.
• Keeping the wiper blades clean.
• Inspecting and replacing wiper blades before age and wear become a problem.
• Repairing minor windshield damage as soon as possible.
• Replacing a damaged windshield.

Cal State Auto & Truck Glass is the company to call for windshield repair and replacement in San Luis Obispo and the California Central Coast. With more than 70 years of combined experience the certified auto glass technicians provides free estimates and service all makes and models of foreign and domestic vehicles. Full service includes:

• Buses and government vehicles.
• Mobile service, same-day installation.
• Lifetime warranty.
• All insurances accepted and help completing the paperwork
• Military discounts. Senior discounts. Student discounts.

Cal State Auto & Truck Glass
2752 Ramada Dr.
Paso Robles, CA 93422
(805) 544-3065

-A significant portion of the technology for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is found on the windshield. “This makes the maintenance, repair and replacement of smart windshields highly important,” said Teresa O’Mara, the owner of the Paso Robles windshield repair company, Cal State Auto and Truck Glass.

“Smart windshields” have been around for quite a while and with each new feature, the technology becomes more sophisticated and the integration between windshields and on-board technology becomes more complex. General Motors introduced automatic system that sensed water on the windshield and activated the wipers in 1996. Today, in 2020, ADAS operate using sensors that communicate with computers, radar, cameras and other technology that is installed in vehicles. Some of the sensors are in the windshields. Safety technology such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance are the most common sensors that are mounted in or around the front windshield area.

Estimates are that there are over 60 million vehicles on the road using ADAS. The technology is here to stay and getting more sophisticated every year. Any new vehicle will have some level of ADAS installed. This means it is very important to work with a trusted windshield repair company. Paso Robles area, Cal State Auto and Truck Glass is a local company with more than 70 years combined experience in the industry.

Cal State Auto and Truck Glass specializes in windshield replacement and repair for all makes and models of foreign and domestic vehicles. The family owned and operated business offers in-shop and mobile auto glass repair throughout the California Central Coast. Special discounts are offered to military, senior citizens and students.

Cal State Auto & Truck Glass
2752 Ramada Dr.
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 238-3884

–The season of road-bugs and dust on vehicle windshields is about to give way to the season of frosty, icy, rain coated and fogged-up windows. The San Luis Obispo windshield repair experts at Cal State Auto & Truck Glass have some tips to help drivers keep their windshields in good condition in any weather.

Along with keeping bugs, rain and wind out of the car (or truck), windshields are an important part of a vehicle’s structure. The windshield provides structural stability and strength and helps protect passengers in a collision. They protect against the sun’s rays, keep noise level down and help maintain comfortable interior temperatures.

Taking care of your windshield is a safety practice and protects your investment in your vehicle. Driving while trying to see through cracks, streaks, bugs, dust, and fogged-up windows is not safe. A clean and undamaged windshield is critical and in certain conditions, is the law in California. Here are some tips to help:

• Keeping the windshield clean is important for both safety and protection. Remove road grime and dirt with non-ammonia cleaners, outside and inside. Ammonia-based and abrasive cleaners can scratch and cause tint films to peel.
• Use good quality windshield wipers and change them every six to 12 months.
• Use a windshield washer fluid that is appropriate for the climate. If you buy a concentrate, mix it according to the instructions. Check the fluid level regularly.
• Inspect the windshield for chips, cracks, or tiny white spots called micro-pits that can develop from airborne particles. Get small chips and cracks repaired right away before they get bigger.
• To defrost icy windows, start the vehicle and turn on the heater and set it for “defrost.” opening the windows a little helps exchange humid interior air that causes fogging for dryer exterior air. Instead of scraping, use a solution of 2/3 cup of Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol and 1/3 cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the window and wipe. Alcohol freezes at 138 degrees, so the solution can be stored in the vehicle so it’s handy when needed.
• Get rid of those annoying fogged-up windows by turning on the air conditioner, turning air circulation off, and slightly open the windows. This might seem backward, but the air conditioning helps dry the interior air faster, while the air circulation just recycles humid air that is fogging up the windows. Cracking the windows helps exchange interior humid air for dryer exterior air and speeds up the defogging process.
• If the windshield is damaged, have it repaired as soon as possible. Do-it-yourself windshield repair kits are available but professionals have more sophisticated tools and the best resins for a satisfactory repair. Replace damaged windshields that cannot be repaired.

Most auto glass companies have mobile services and Cal State Auto & Truck Glass has both mobile and in-shop service. The San Luis Obispo windshield repair company works with all makes and models of vehicles, accepts most insurance, and provides free estimates. The experienced staff can answer most questions about windshield repair or replacement and can also help complete and process the insurance claim.

Cal State Auto & Truck Glass
8996 La Linia Ave
Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 238-3884

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–If driving with a damaged windshield is illegal in California, why are there so many vehicles on the road with cracked and chipped windshields? “Those drivers are on borrowed time before getting a ticket or the windshield gets worse,” said Teresa O’Mara, the owner of a Paso Robles windshield repair service.

Section 26710 of the California Vehicle Code states that it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle when the windshield or rear window is in such defective condition as to impair the drivers vision to the front or rear. “Even though you can see around a crack or a chip,” said O’Mara, “it’s really up to the police officer who pulls you over to decide if the damage is a violation.” No one wants a traffic ticket or the hassle that comes with the ticket. Even more, No one with a damaged windshield wants the damage to get to the point that it is hazardous.

Cal State Auto and Truck Glass, the Paso Robles windshield repair company, is not providing legal advice of any kind about what to do if a driver is cited for a defective windshield. See an attorney for legal advice and call Cal State Auto and Truck Glass for vehicle window repair.

Most vehicle insurance policies cover repairs or replacement. A small chip or crack that is not impairing the driver’s vision can be easily repaired. The repair can prevent further cracking that can require a full replacement.

Along with the possibility of getting a traffic ticket and being forced to repair the windows, there are real and important reasons for repairing vehicle windows as soon as possible.

• A damaged vehicle window is not safe
• Vision is impaired

Safety

The windshield is considered part of the total structural integrity of a vehicle. There is the possibility that airbags may not function properly with an impaired windshield. In the case of an accident when the airbags do deploy and the windshield is already weakened, there is a chance the airbag can exit the vehicle, leaving passengers even more vulnerable to injury.

Impaired vision

Cracks and chips distort vision. Even though the driver might be able to see around small damaged spots during normal driving circumstances, any sudden change in traffic or driver vigilance can change the line of vision in an instant. A chip or crack can suddenly spread and block the driver’s vision. Driving through dust and sand not only pits and windshield, it can help existing damage spread. Even washing the car on a hot day can spread a chip or crack in the windshield.

Cal State Auto and Truck Glass is the company to call to repair or replace damaged windshields and vehicle glass. With over 70 years of combined experience this company has been providing Paso Robles windshield repair and replacement services for over 30 years.

The company works on all makes and models. All insurances are accepted. Cal State Auto and Truck is an approved installation company for most insurers. The staff can help you complete the paperwork and can bill your insurance company directly

Cal State Auto & Truck Glass
8996 La Linia Ave
Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 238-3884

This press release is by Paso Robles SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (805) 226-9890.

–The first reaction is to “keep an eye on it” when a vehicle windshield or other window gets a small chip or crack, waiting for the first sign of the damage spreading before getting it fixed. The experts from Cal State Auto and Truck Glass, the San Luis Obispo windshield repair company, say the damage can get worse in a split second and waiting can be more expensive, even dangerous.

Usually, small chips can be repaired and add years of life to a windshield. Most vehicle insurance policies will cover repairs and replacements. Some guidelines for deciding to repair or replace include:

• Common sense says always repair windshield damage before it spreads
• If the damage can be covered by a quarter and is not directly in the driver’s line of vision, it can most likely be repaired.
• Depending on state laws and vehicle insurance coverage, more than one damaged spot might require replacement.
• Pitted, or “sand blasted” windshields should always be replaced. Even though the pits are very small, they can contribute to headlight glare, sun glare, and increased difficulty seeing in rain and fog, even when the windshield wipers are full speed.
• Any damage that impairs the driver’s vision requires windshield replacement.
• Rear and side windows can be replaced as well.

A special resin is injected into a chip during the repair. It takes an expert hand to know how to drill to the correct layer in the windshield without ruining the entire windshield. The windshield technicians from the San Luis Obispo windshield repair are trained and certified in all aspects of auto glass repair.

Evaluating and performing repairs or replacement takes experience. Do-it-yourself (DIY) kits attempt to replicate the professional resin injection technique, but do not include the same tools and quality of material used by the experts. In a pinch, a DIY kit might prevent more damage until the windshield can be professionally repaired, but the material in the kit might interfere with properly repairing the windshield.

The best thing to do as soon as possible after the windshield, or any vehicle window, is damaged is to make an appointment to get the window taken care of. Vehicle glass repair companies usually have mobile service and Cal State Auto and Truck Glass has both mobile and in-shop service.

The San Luis Obispo windshield repair company provides free estimates, works with all makes and models of vehicles and accepts most insurance. The staff can also help complete and process the insurance claim.

Cal State Auto & Truck Glass
8996 La Linia Ave
Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 238-3884

This press release is by San Luis Obispo SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (805) 226-9890.