A gleaming windshield is great, whether you’re looking at it or looking through it. But it’s more than a pretty piece of glass. Windshields are an important safety feature that protects passengers and helps drivers see the road ahead clearly. Do you know what else windshields are?
WINDSHIELDS ARE THE MOST DAMAGED GLASS ON YOUR VEHICLE
That makes sense, doesn’t it? You can be on the highway when another car, traveling at high speed, flings a bit of debris from its tire. Or you can find yourself behind a dump truck or some other construction vehicle, and a small rock comes flying your way. Mother Nature can even get into the act, dinging your windshield with hail.
REPAIR YOUR WINDSHIELD PROMPTLY
Chips can turn into cracks, so you shouldn’t put this maintenance off. Clear vision through your windshield is crucial, so visit Jiffy Lube® at your earliest convenience for windshield crack repair.
Typically, chips no larger than a quarter can be fixed, and damage that measures no longer than 6” are usually windshield cracks that can be repaired. Here’s what to expect when you bring your vehicle to one of the more than 2,000 Jiffy Lube locations across the U.S and Canada.
- Visual inspection of exterior glass. The Jiffy Lube® technician is trained to look for all types of windshield cracks, as well as chips and scratches to outside mirrors and backlights.
- Professional assessment. The technician will explain the extent of the damage, answer your questions, and present service options.
- Fixing the windshield. With your approval, the damaged area will be thoroughly cleaned and then injected with a polymer to repair and seal the damage. After the seal cures, the site will be polished until the repair is almost undetectable. This should take about 30 minutes.
Most insurance companies will cover repairs like this, free of charge. (That’s how important your windshield is to safe driving!)
WHEN IS REPAIRING A WINDSHIELD NOT A GOOD IDEA?
Hopefully the Jiffy Lube® technician will report that your minor windshield cracks can be repaired easily. But sometimes — like when the crack is longer than 6” or if it’s located close to the edge — repairing a windshield may not be the best option. Replacing it is. Here’s why: your windshield helps protect the structural integrity of your vehicle. In addition to coming between you and the wind and rain, your windshield performs important safety features, like protecting your front-seat passenger in the event of an airbag deployment. Rather than risk driving around with a compromised windshield, a replacement is in order.
Jiffy Lube service centers do not perform windshield replacement, but most are happy to assist you in coordinating with an outside facility
It’s important that you choose a service facility that follows AGSC (Auto Glass Safety Council) procedures. The AGSC is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the safe repair and replacement of auto glass, especially windshields.
You’ve selected a glass repair facility. Now what?
- Your existing windshield will be removed, and care will be taken with the bonding surface. Damage to the bonding surface could result in leaks or corrosion.
- An Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) quality windshield will be professionally installed using AGSC-approved adhesives.
If a forward-facing camera is part of your vehicle’s safety system, it will be recalibrated. That way, you can be confident that your ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Safety) system works, including the automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist.
NOW LET’S RECAP
- Windshield cracks that can be repaired should be handled promptly, so bring your vehicle to Jiffy Lube® as soon as you can
- Repairing a windshield is often covered by insurance
- When fixing the windshield isn’t possible, it should be replaced by a service provider that follows AGSC procedures
TURN TO JIFFY LUBE® FOR WINDSHIELD CARE
We’ve already explained how trained technicians will efficiently handle windshield cracks that can be repaired. Jiffy Lube® also offers a special windshield treatment that will help increase visibility, even in the wettest weather. Your wipers will glide across the glass! Ask for details next time you bring your car in for a Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change.
In the meantime, drive safe, and remember, when you have a question about maintaining your car, truck, SUV, or minivan, come back to jiffylube.com. New content is added often.
Learn More About Jiffy Windshield Repair Service
Please note: Not all services are offered at each Jiffy Lube® location. Please check with your local Jiffy Lube® service center or visit jiffylube.com for specific services offered.