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Auto Maintenance: Choosing One Repair Shop

One of the things I learned from my dad is that it pays to find a good auto repair shop and stick with it. True enough, I have tried using more than one shop, based on what I needed done to my car. Every time, I found myself going back to one shop that knew my car and the car's history. I had found that shop not too long ago. They had offered help with everything from rebuilding engines to dent repair. The shop is located near my home, and they keep records that went back for years. Thanks to the long history, they always knew what to do when something was not working as it should. If you think that finding one shop to meet all your needs is a good idea, let me help. With a little effort, you'll know exactly where to take your vehicle any time it needs some work.

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Auto Maintenance: Choosing One Repair Shop

Why You Shouldn't Put Off Fixing a Chipped Windshield

by Noelle Snyder

If you're putting off repairing a chipped windshield because you don't want to spend the money, you may be playing a risky game. Delaying the repairs could actually cost you more money if the chip develops cracks that spread across the glass. Here's a look at why you should call an auto glass repair service and get your windshield fixed without delay.

Damage Will Probably Get Worse

It's hard to predict how a chip in glass will progress. You may be able to drive for months without the damage getting any larger. On the other hand, it may get significantly worse on your drive home today. That's because several things have an effect on the stability of the glass. Jarring from hitting potholes and speed bumps could be a problem. Water seeping into the crack from rain is a big problem too, especially if the temperatures drop below freezing at night.

Glass contracts and expands as it responds to temperatures dropping and raising. This adds stress to your windshield. Even a sudden cool rain on a hot summer day could be enough for cracks to suddenly spread out from the chip in your glass. When the damage gets worse, you'll have no option but to have the glass totally replaced, which costs more than a simple repair job.

Driving with a Cracked Windshield Is Illegal

If you get caught driving with a damaged windshield, your costs could skyrocket. You'll have to pay the violation fine, but even worse, your car could get towed away and impounded on the spot. To get your car back, you'll have to pay towing and impound fees, which accumulate daily.

Driving with a damaged windshield is illegal because it is unsafe. You put everyone in your car at risk as well as other drivers on the road. Even though the damage may not be all that bad right now, if you hit a bump on the road, a crack could spread that distracts you or impairs your vision. This could lead to an accident. If your windshield is not strong and able to support the structure of the car like it is designed to do, it will fail more easily. It could even affect the way your airbags are deployed. Your windshield actually protects you during an accident, so you want it to be in good condition at all times.

You May Not Have to Pay Upfront

You may not even have to pay out of pocket to have your windshield repaired. Your insurance company may pay all of the cost and the auto glass repair company will probably bill them directly. Talk to your insurance agent first to understand your coverage, as each company has different policies. If you have comprehensive coverage, there is a good chance you will be covered for windshield repair and replacement. Whether your deductible comes into play and whether the claim affects your insurance rates will depend on your individual policy. It is worth learning the details if you don't have the money to pay for repairs yourself. If you pay out of pocket you could have to pay up to $150 dollars for repair, or a few hundred dollars for glass replacement.

Getting your auto glass replaced or repaired is a fairly simple process that doesn't take very long. You can take your car to a shop like All Auto Glass or call a mobile repair van to come to your home or place of work and do the repairs while you go on with other things.

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