Auto Glass News

Your Windshield and the Environment

Today is the 45th Earth Day. An Earth Day was originally proposed to the United Nations to be celebrated on March 21st, and is still observed, but the Earth Day we are celebrating today was founded by former Senator Gaylord Nelson. Earth Day started as an environmental teach-in, with Americans coming together to demonstrate support for environmental reform, and has grown into an international celebration of awareness, observed by over 190 countries every year.

Though key benefits of windshield repair include saving you, as a customer, time and money, those are not the only reasons we advocate for repairing when possible. Repair also restores the structural integrity of your windshield, and preserves existing glass. The other main benefit, however, is that choosing not to replace first helps minimize adverse effects on the environment.

At Speedy We Care is centered on community growth and contributions, but we care about the environment as well. When a windshield is replaced, the material isn’t able to be processed the same way as other glass products, like beverage bottles. Due to special treatments, like lamination, the damaged material cannot be traditionally recycled. Repair can help reduce waste by replacing only when there is no other solution. Our teams are equipped with industry leading NOVUS® technology to ensure the best repair possible.

There are, however, some cases where a replacement is necessary. Having cracks resembling spider webs from edge to edge, for instance, is one situation. If you are able to repair though, our team will be able to take care of your vehicle and help you reduce your personal environmental waste.

Credit for historical info to Wikipedia.

Considering the Types of Windshield Damage

Windshield damage is usually classified in two categories: a chip that can be repaired, or a windshield with damage severe enough that means it has to be replaced.

Chips are fairly easy to diagnose. They are traditionally caused by debris hitting the windshield, like a pebble on the road, and do not break through the glass. The second category, damage requiring a new windshield, is a bit more open. Of course, if damage is so severe that the glass damage resembles the picture to the right, it is time for a new windshield. Other cases would be if the glass has bent, or something has broken clean through it.

What if, however, you only have a crack? Cracks can happen when a rock chip is left to its own devices, and the elements cause it to spread. The last time you had a crack, you might have been told that it wasn’t repairable, and that you should get a replacement.

In some circumstances, however, you can repair a crack! It’s important not to wait too long, however, because the longer a crack sits, the tougher it is to repair. It is always best to get an evaluation done, however. Is a crack right for you? Read up on it and see.