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Most people don’t think about the glass in their car until it’s already broken. But if you’re a new parent or soon to be one, it’s important to know that auto glass safety is an issue for teens as well. This article will teach you how to protect and prevent windshield damage when your teenager gets their driver’s license, what to do if they are in a situation where the glass becomes damaged, and why auto glass repairs should always be done by professionals.
In this article, we’ll discuss topics like how to keep your teen safe while on the road, what to teach them about auto glass safety and care, the best way to deal with cracked or chipped windshields, and more.
As a parent, you want your child to be safe when they’re out on the road. But accidents happen, and sometimes those accidents involve damage to the windshield. If your teen is driving, it’s important to know what to do if their windshield becomes cracked or chipped.
What to Teach Your Teen Driver About Auto Glass Safety
As a parent, you need to educate your teen driver about auto glass safety and care. Here are some things you should cover:
The windshield is one of the most important safety features of a car. In the event of an accident, it protects the occupants of the vehicle from being ejected from the car.
A cracked or chipped windshield can weaken the structural integrity of the glass and make it more likely to shatter in an accident.
If a crack or chip is bigger than a quarter, it needs to be repaired by a professional as soon as possible.
It’s also important to clean the windshield regularly to maintain good visibility. When cleaning the windshield, use a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the glass.
What to Do if Your Teen’s Windshield is Cracked or Chipped
If your teen’s windshield is cracked or chipped, the first thing you should do is call a professional auto glass repair company. They will be able to assess the damage and determine if the windshield needs to be replaced or if it can be repaired.
If the damage is minor, such as a small chip, it can often be repaired by filling the chip with a special resin. This will restore the strength of the windshield and prevent the chip from spreading.
However, if the crack is more than three inches long or if it goes through multiple layers of glass, then the windshield will need to be replaced.
Replacing a windshield is a complex process that should only be done by a trained professional. Attempting to do it yourself could result in further damage to the car and put you and your teen at risk.
When to Replace or Repair a Windshield
As we mentioned before, if the crack or chip in your teen’s windshield is bigger than a quarter, it needs to be repaired by a professional as soon as possible.
However, there are other factors that can affect whether or not a windshield needs to be replaced or repaired. These include:
The location of the damage: If the damage is in the driver’s line of sight, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
The size of the damage: A crack that is more than three inches long or a chip that is bigger than a quarter needs to be repaired or replaced.
The depth of the damage: If the crack or chip goes through multiple layers of glass, it will need to be replaced.
The type of glass: Some types of glass are more susceptible to cracking and chipping than others. If your teen’s windshield is made of tempered glass, it’s more likely to shatter if it’s damaged. In this case, it will need to be replaced.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Replace a Windshield?
The cost of repairing or replacing a windshield varies depending on the severity of the damage, the type of glass, and the location of the damage. However, on average, it costs between $200 and $300 to repair a windshield. If the windshield needs to be replaced, the cost can range from $500 to $1,000.
It’s important to remember that these are just averages, and the cost may be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances.
Auto Glass Safety and Care Tips for Teen Drivers
As a parent, it’s important to educate your teen driver about auto glass safety and care. By teaching them these basic tips, you can help keep them safe on the road and protect their windshield from damage.
Cleaning the Windshield
When cleaning the windshield, use a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the glass.
Inspect it Regularly
Inspect the windshield regularly for any cracks or chips. If you see any damage, call a professional to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Use Caution when Driving on Rough Roads
Be careful when driving on rough roads or in construction zones. These areas can contain debris that can damage the windshield. If possible, avoid driving in these areas until the road is repaired.
Teach Your Teen Driver to Pull Over if they Hear a Windshield Crack
If your teen is driving and they hear the windshield crack, tell them to pull over immediately. Continuing to drive with a cracked windshield can weaken the glass and make it more likely to shatter in an accident.
Taking these precautions can help prevent windshield damage and keep your teen driver safe on the road. If their windshield does become damaged, be sure to call a professional to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
How to Hire a Professional Glass Repair Company
When hiring a glass repair company, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable company with experience. Ask for referrals from friends or family, or search online for reviews. Once you’ve found a few companies, call and ask about their experience, prices, and services.
Be sure to also ask about their warranty. Many glass repair companies offer a warranty on their workmanship. This means that if the windshield is damaged again within a certain period of time, they will repair it for free.
Choosing a glass repair company is an important decision. By taking the time to do your research, you can be sure to find a reputable company that will do a great job at repairing or replacing your teen’s windshield.