Why You Should Never Drive with Broken Windshield Glass
Broken windshields are not simply a cosmetic nuisance, they can be dangerous. It is important to never drive for extended periods with a broken windshield in order to keep yourself and your passengers safe. At Smiley’s Glass, we understand the importance of replacing broken car glass and make every effort to service your vehicle within 24 hours of receiving your request. Here are the reasons to make the call as soon as possible when you notice cracks in your windshield or other areas of glass on your vehicle.
Five Questions to Ask Your Local Auto Glass Technician
There comes a time for every car owner when glass repair or replacement may be necessary. From excessive chips and cracks to complete windshield damage, you’ll need to call in a professional for help. You may be the victim of road debris, collision, hailstorms, or even poor installation. Proper repair and replacement of your auto glass is dependent upon how your technicians have been trained. Here are five important questions to ask your local auto glass technician prior to hiring them:
Protecting Your Car From Hail
Hailstorms are a scary time for property owners, especially those with vehicles. If your car is parked in an open area, or you’re on the road when a hailstorm begins, don’t panic. There are ways to avoid or lessen the impact of these dangerous storms. At Smiley’s Glass, we want to give you the information you need to make smart decisions and we are here for you if you’re unable to avoid the storm.
How to Properly Use Your Car’s Side Mirrors
Automobile safety should always be your priority. Whether you’re a new driver, or you’ve had your license for many years, it never hurts to take a refresher course on how to properly use your car’s side mirrors. The mirrors in your car are placed so that you can see behind you and to the side of you, but it’s up to you to adjust them so that you’re not getting limited visibility.
What to do if a rock chips your windshield
You’re cruising, driving down the highway, on your way home, when you hear a crack. Suddenly, there’s a rock in the windshield! This scenario is unfortunately all too common, especially on Virginia roads. Often, large trucks and automobiles don’t notice when gravel flies behind them, endangering citizens as they go. There’s always a sense of dread when you realize that your visibility is hindered, and then a second sinking feeling as you know you have to replace your windshield.
HOW HOT WEATHER AFFECTS YOUR VEHICLE
The summertime months typically mean more time to travel. Whether you’re planning a summer vacation, traveling on the weekend to a summer cabin, or just spending your evenings out enjoying the summer nights. It’s summertime and that means it’s very hot out there, Those hot summer months can take quite a toll on your vehicles. The exterior and interior, as well as the mechanical functions, can all be affected as the weather heats up. There are some things to look out for and some preventative measures you can take to keep your vehicle functioning safely and looking its best all year long.
UNDERSTANDING THE AUTOMOBILE GLASS REPLACEMENT SAFETY STANDARD (AGRSS) PROCESS
Like everything else in your car, you want to make sure your automobile’s glass windows and mirrors are safe. The Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) is a not-for-profit national organization that creates the safety standards and regulations for auto glass.
The Purpose and Function of Quarter Glass
The team of auto glass professionals at Smiley’s Glass in Richmond, Virginia are experts in the repair of quarter glass windows for vehicles of all makes and models. We’ve assembled this guide to help you learn about the history of these unique little windows and why they are important to your safety while driving a vehicle.
What To Do If Your Power Window Is Malfunctioning
Today’s vehicles are equipped with numerous conveniences like air conditioning, heated seats, and power windows. Today, nearly every single vehicle model on the market comes with power windows. Those of us who have experienced power window malfunctions know all too well how convenient having a functioning window in our car truly is. That’s why the Smiley’s Glass team in Richmond, Virginia has assembled this guide to help you understand and fix a malfunctioning power window.
Five Laugh-Worthy DIY Side Mirror Fails
When it comes to safety while driving, your vehicle’s mirrors are one of the most important features built into your car. That’s why finding the right replacement for a broken or damaged side mirror is extremely important.
In fact, the mirrors of your car are often specifically designed for their location and therefore cannot be replaced with an ordinary household mirror. For example, the passenger-side mirror is a convex mirror. A convex mirror bends light as it reflects it, and the farther away a point is from the center, the more the light is bent. As a result, an image formed in a convex mirror is smaller than an image in a plane (flat) mirror. That’s why the passenger-side mirror on your vehicle likely came equipped with the disclaimer, “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.”
How Winter Weather Affects Your Vehicle
Winter is a season beloved by many, but it can take a huge toll on your vehicle. Whether it’s ice forming on your windshield or salt building up on the underside of your car, winter conditions can take a much higher toll on your vehicle than in other seasons. That’s why the team of professionals at Smiley’s Glass has put together this guide to help you understand where vehicle damage may be lurking this winter and how you can stop it.
How is Auto Glass Recycled?
These days, recycling is on the rise. It’s becoming increasingly common to see sorted recycling bins in restaurants, malls, and public spaces. There are also a large number of products that can be made using these recycled materials. With the advancement of technology, we can now recycle a number of items that previously were impossible such as auto glass. Recycling windshields, for instance, is not incredibly difficult and is good for the environment. In fact, it’s estimated that for every ton of glass that is recycled, over one ton of natural resources are saved.
How to Take Care of Your Windshield in the Winter
Winter can be a truly magical time of year. From the beautiful snowy weather to the holiday season, winter is a time full of joy and fun. While this season is great for us, it can take a sizeable toll on our vehicles and our windshields in particular. Because the winter weather can be so detrimental to your car’s windshield glass, the glass experts at Smiley’s Glass in Richmond, Virginia have put together this post to help keep you educated about windshield care for the winter months ahead.
How Can Rust be Prevented?
There’s no worse feeling than discovering rust on your vehicle. It may appear as a brown spot on your fender or even a bubble in your car’s paint along one of the door panels. No matter how it appears, rust is an unwelcome sight. It signifies that the iron or steel in your vehicle has begun to corrode, weakening the structural integrity and safety of your vehicle. Furthermore, the presence of rust on your vehicle can also prohibit certain vehicle maintenance from occurring like windshield or window replacements. That’s why the Smiley’s Glass team has put together this guide to help you navigate the different kinds of rust that may appear on your vehicle so you can react appropriately before the problem gets out of hand.
Removing Fried-On Tree Sap From Your Windows
We’ve all been there. You return to your vehicle after finding that coveted, shady parking spot underneath a tree when you realize that perfect parking spot has left your vehicle coated in sticky drops of tree sap. If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, then you’re sure to understand how difficult it can be to get rid of the mess on your car. Simply wiping away the sap almost never works and can often leave an even larger streak of tree sap on your vehicle. For that reason, many people simply leave the tree sap on their vehicle. We’re here to tell you that’s never a good idea.
