Yes!! That nice, cool and shady parking spot under the tree is available and all yours. You don’t have to worry about your car getting too hot while parked outside. This is the true definition of bliss. But is it really? That feeling of elation is sure to fade away quickly when you discover that the tree dripped sap all over your windshield. Fortunately, all is not lost. You may not have to replace your windshield. Below, we discuss how sap affects car windshields. We also discuss tips on how to get sap off your windshield.

What is Tree Sap?

Before we discuss our tips to clean sap off a windshield, it’s important to understand what it is. This will help you determine the best way to deal with it. Sap can be defined as the fluid that aids in the transport of nutrients in a tree. It is therefore like the tree’s blood. It consists of various products including hormones, minerals, water and sugars. The sugars are what make this fluid sticky.

While all trees have sap some are known to produce this fluid in greater volume than others. These include maple trees, birch trees and walnut trees. It is best to avoid parking under these trees. You should also note that production of this fluid changes throughout the year. Many trees produce greater volumes during the summer. Fluid is also more likely to be thicker and stickier in the fall.

Best Products to Remove Tree Sap on a Car Window

Because the fluid consists primarily of sugars, it is a good idea to use a cleaning product that can dissolve these sugars. Some good options include:

• Bug remover
• WD-40
• Tar remover
• Soap and water
• Clay bar
• Bacon grease
• Mayonnaise
• Murphy’s oil soap

How To Remove Hardened Tree Sap From a Car Windshield

Dealing with moist sap is relatively easy. Any of the products listed above will easily dissolve the sugars and you’ll be able to get the sticky fluid off your car’s glass without any issues. The challenge is dealing with dried sap on the windshield. For this, you should try rubbing alcohol as follows.

• Clean your windows with a high quality glass cleaner. Use one that is free of ammonia. This will help to get rid of dirt and debris on the glass. Attempting to remove the tree fluid while the window is dirty may result in scratching the glass.
• Use a razor to gently scrape off as much of the dried goo as possible. Be careful not to scratch the glass. You can use a small amount of cleaner on the razor to get rid of rust and to lubricate the blade. Lubrication will allow the blade to slide easily over the glass without scratching it.
• Apply some rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and hold it against the stained spot for at least 60 seconds. This will give the alcohol time to soak into the stain and work its magic.
• Use the cloth to buff the area. This will get rid of the stain.
• Fold the cloth and dap the rubbing alcohol on a clean patch. Repeat the two steps above.
• Repeat the steps above until the stain is gone. Be careful not to use excessive pressure when rubbing the glass to avoid damaging it.
• Clean the windshield again to get rid of any residue.

Restore your Windshield with Protech Auto Glass

If you’re dealing with an especially stubborn stain or other types of damage to your windshield, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, Protech Auto Glass. From getting rid of tree sap on a windshield to repairing cracks, we have the expertise and resources to provide you with an effective solution. Get in touch with us now. We’ll have a technician dispatched to your location as soon as possible.

It’s hard to describe the disappointment and anxiety that hits you when you spot a crack or chip on your windshield. One of the first things that comes to mind is how much it will cost to repair the damage. This is understandable given how expensive everything today is. However, all is not lost. While chips and cracks come in different shapes and sizes, many of them can be repaired. Below, we delve into what windshield chips can be repaired. We also provide guidance on windshield chip vs crack repair. Read on to find out if your glass can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced.

Difference Between Crack and Chip Repair

Do you have a crack or a chip? These terms are often used interchangeably. However, they are different. Learning the difference will help you determine the best way to approach the repair. Cracks are often thin lines. Their length and depth will vary. Chips are damaged areas that have a central point. They may also include cracks that radiate from this central point.

What Kind of Windshield Chips Can Be Repaired

In order to answer the question ‘can windshield chips be repaired?’ you must consider various factors.

1. The location

The location of the damage plays an important role in determining whether it can be repaired or the glass needs to be replaced. If the damage is within the primary viewing area of the driver, then the glass must be replaced. The same applies if the damage occurs on the outer edge of the windshield. This is because the structure of the glass will have been compromised. You may be able to repair damage occurring in any other location.

2. The type of damage

Windshield chips come in various shapes and sizes. The type of damage you’re dealing with will determine whether you can repair or will need to replace the glass. Some of the most common types of chips include:

1. Bullseye – these feature a central hole at the point of impact with circles radiating from outward. This type of damage often occurs as a result of a small object such as stone striking the glass at high velocity. This damage can be repaired if the diameter is less than an inch and if it is not within the field of vision of the driver.
2. Chip with a crack – this type of damage may begin as a small chip. Cracks form on either side of the chip and continue to spread. This damage can be repaired if the cracks are less than 14 inches in length.
3. Combination break – this damage exhibits multiple characteristics including a bullseye and long or short cracks radiating from the point of impact. This damage can be repaired if the diameter of the body (i.e. the central part of the damage excluding the legs or cracks) is less than 2 inches.
4. Half moon – this type of damage involves a partial bullseye. The damage can be repaired if it is less than an inch in diameter.
5. Surface pit – this damage consists of a nick in the windscreen. It is often caused by normal wear and tear and often doesn’t penetrate the plastic or middle layer of the glass. This damage can be repaired if it is less than an 1/8 inch in diameter. However, it should be noted that many pits often require repair when the damage is extensive.
6. Star break – this type of damage includes a series of legs that stem from the central point of impact. This damage can be repaired if the cracks do not exceed three inches in length.

If you have a damaged windscreen, it is best to leave the repair to a professional. We at Protect Auto Glass are known for providing high quality rock chip repair in Kirkland services. Contact us to ensure your safety and peace of mind.

Do you have a cracked windshield? If you’re searching the internet for answers to the question ‘can a cracked windshield break while driving?’ The short answer to your question is, yes. However, there are several factors that are involved. It is important to note that cracks and chips have the potential to grow. It is therefore best to have them repaired as soon as possible. That said, we discuss the answer to the question ‘can a cracked windshield shatter’ and what you should do to avoid this.

Do Windshields Shatter?

Windshields are made from laminated glass or ‘safety glass’. It consists of a plastic film sandwiched between two layers of glass. The risk of this glass shattering is higher when it has a crack or a chip. The glass may shatter when pressure is applied to it or when it is struck by an object. The weakened glass may also shatter when dirt enters the chip or crack.

Will my windshield shatter from a crack?

This is one of the most common questions drivers ask when they discover a crack or chip on their windshield. They wonder if they can drive around safely with cracked glass. For the sake of safety, it is best to seek out the services of a reputable car glass repair service as soon as possible. There’s no telling how fast or how long the glass will remain intact.

Replace or Repair the Windshield?

This depends on the state of the glass. Chips, small areas of damage, are often easy to repair. However, cracks can be more complex. If the crack is 14 inches or more, it will most certainly be best to have the glass replaced. This is also the case when the cracks are in the driver’s field of vision. If you’re uncertain over whether to repair or replace the glass, contact Protech Auto. Our skilled and experienced technicians will inspect your vehicle and help you determine the best way to deal with the damage.

How Long Does It Take for Cracks to Spread?

Have you noticed a crack in windshield growing? If there is one thing you should take away from this article it is this, cracks on auto glass don’t go away when you ignore them. They only grow. You shouldn’t therefore wait around to have your windshield repaired. You should have the crack attended to as soon as possible.

The time it takes for a crack to grow will depend on various factors including:

• Temperature fluctuations

Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause damage to the glass when cracks are not attended to in good time. Heat from the sun will cause the glass to expand while cold temperatures will cause it to contract. This expansion and contraction will result in the crack growing.

• Moisture

When water enters the crack it can cause even more damage to the glass. When temperatures fall and the water freezes, it will expand, requiring more room. This will put pressure on the glass and cause the crack to spread.

• Bumps or rough road

Driving over bumps or on rough roads can place increased pressure on the glass and cause the damage to spread. Drive slowly to reduce the pressure and minimize damage.

• Dirt

If dirt enters the crack, it can cause it to spread by further weakening the glass. It is therefore important to keep dirt out. A temporary solution is to use clear tape over the damaged area.

If you have a crack or chip on your glass, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, Protech Auto Glass for windshield repair services in Kirkland. We’ll have a technician sent to your location as soon as possible.