| (ARA) Minneapolis, Minn. -- Have you ever experienced the damage a
simple pebble can do to your windshield when traveling at 55 miles per hour? What starts
as a small crack, or ding, can cost you an entire windshield (which can run as much as
$1,200) if you don't catch the damage early. Jim Olson, the resident "Ding
Terminator" and director of training and development at the nation's largest
windshield repair franchise, NOVUS Windshield Repair, offers the following suggestions for
catching windshield dings early enough to initiate minor repairs and avoid costly
windshield replacement: Ding Detection.
The first thing you should do is find the impact point in your windshield. Examine the
spot. If the spot has a cone, a circle deep in the glass or some little legs in the damage
area that make it look like a star, you have a ding that needs repair. The spot will need
immediate attention or it could develop into a long crack that will stretch across the
entire windshield and require the replacement of the windshield itself.
Ding Band-Aids
Place a small piece of clear plastic tape (clear packaging tape works well) --
approximately one-half inch by one-half inch in size -- over the impact point on the
exterior of the windshield. Do not place tape that will block or obstruct your vision
while driving. The tape will not prevent the damage from spreading, but will keep dirt
from getting into the cracks while you await repair. Repairing a ding can cost as little
as $50, and most insurance companies will cover the cost regardless of your deductible.
Ding Don'ts
- Don't use your defroster, the rush of hot or cold air could cause the ding to crack.
- Don't wash your vehicle; the water will contaminate the damaged area and could cause a
crack to grow.
- Don't touch the ding with your finger or any tool. You could contaminate or cause the
damage to spread.
- Don't slam your doors shut. The excess pressure combined with the impact of the door
could cause the ding to continue cracking. Leave a window slightly open when shutting
doors.
- Don't dig a surface scratch in the glass over the tip of the crack. This seldom prevents
a crack from running and only causes additional surface damage on the windshield that can
not be repaired.
Keep Dings Cool
Avoid parking in hot, direct sun. Leave the windows slightly open to reduce
temperatures inside the vehicle -- hot windshields are weaker and tend to crack easier.
See a Professional Ding Terminator
Avoid contaminating the damaged area with a household glue or off-the-shelf ,
do-it-yourself windshield repair kit. Most of these home remedies do not work and will
eliminate your chances of completing a quality, clear repair. Contact a professional to do
it right the first time.
With more than 500 locations in North America, NOVUS is a leader in windshield repair.
To be connected with the nearest NOVUS location in your area, dial toll-free
1-800-77-NOVUS. In Canada, consult your local telephone directory.
|
