Do I need to contact my agent before I contact Auto Glass America?

It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete the claim process. The only information you need can be found on your insurance card. (Policy Information and the VIN #).

Ensuring your windshield is well-prepared for winter’s onslaught is not just about convenience; it’s a critical aspect of windshield safety. Let’s walk through a Winter Windshield Maintenance Checklist to keep your vision clear and your travels safe.   1. Embrace the Shield: Windshield Snow Cover A windshield snow cover is like a knight’s shield against the winter’s fury. It’s an essential first line of defense, keeping snow and ice off your windshield. A car windshield cover for snow is designed to fit snugly against your glass, preventing ice from forming and saving you the back-breaking work of scraping off snow in the freezing cold. In the morning, you simply remove the cover, shake off the snow, and depart with a clear view.   2. Keep the Washer Fluid Flowing: Windscreen Washer Fluid Reservoir The humble windscreen washer fluid reservoir is a hero in disguise. It’s crucial to keep this topped up with de-icing windshield wiper fluid to combat the grime of salt and slush that winter roads throw at your vehicle. Opt for a washer fluid with antifreeze properties to ensure that it won’t turn to ice, even when Jack Frost does his worst.   3. De-Ice Like a Pro: De-Icing Windshield Wiper Fluid A specialized de-icing windshield wiper fluid can soften your winter routine. It’s formulated to quickly break down the ice on your windshield, making your morning de-icing ritual a breeze. Investing in a quality de-icer is one of the best ways to defrost your windshield swiftly and safely.   4. Clear Vision Ahead: Windshield Defrosting Windshield defrosting is an art every winter driver should master. Starting your car and allowing it to warm up can activate the defrosting process, gently melting away ice and making your windshield clear and transparent. Remember, patience is key — give your car time to warm up and use your defroster on high for the best results.   5. Stay Sharp: Replace Windshield Fluid Reservoir If you’re hitting the washer fluid button and nothing happens, it may be time to replace the windshield fluid reservoir. This is often overlooked until it’s too late, and in winter, a non-functional washer system can be dangerous. Check for leaks or damage and address any issues promptly to ensure your windshield can be cleaned whenever necessary.   6. A Blanket for Your Car: Covering Windshield in Winter Beyond a windshield snow cover, consider using other protective materials like blankets or special mats designed for windshield protection from snow and ice. They can be particularly helpful if you lack a garage or covered parking.   7. Stay Prepared: Ice Scraper and De-Icer An ice scraper and de-icer spray are indispensable tools for any driver in winter. They should have a permanent home in your vehicle from the first frost until spring’s thaw. Use the scraper for heavy ice and the spray to loosen tough spots. Always have a backup scraper — they have a knack for disappearing just when you need them most.   8. Look Behind You: Defrosting Rear Window Your rear window deserves attention, too. Ensure your defrosting rear window function is operational. This is often achieved with lines of electrical heating elements across the glass and is crucial for maintaining full 360-degree visibility.   9. Prevent the Fog: How to Defog Car Windows in Winter Defogging your car windows is crucial. When your car is warm, and the outside is cold, fog can quickly build up. Use your car’s air conditioning to produce dry air to absorb moisture and set your ventilation system to introduce fresh air into the cabin. This can help to reduce fog quickly and maintain it that way.   10. Update Your Wipers: Windshield Wiper Maintenance Windshield wipers should be in top condition to deal with winter precipitation. If they leave streaks, they might be worn out and in need of replacement. Consider getting wipers designed for winter conditions, as they are better at handling snow and ice buildup.   Takeaway By meticulously following this Winter Windshield Maintenance Checklist, you’re setting yourself up for safer, more reliable winter driving. Your windshield is your window to the world when you’re behind the wheel, and in winter’s wonderland, keeping that window clear is the key to navigating the season’s challenges. Remember, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your windshield remains a clear pane, not a pane in your routine!

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS, have surely been at the forefront of cutting-edge car generation. They have emerged as one of the key features that contribute to driver protection and luxury. From computerized emergency braking to parking assistance, from lane retaining systems to adaptive cruise control, ADAS maintains to revolutionize the way we perceive using. However, the performance and reliability of those systems rely ordinarily on one critical component: calibration. Here, we elaborate the importance of ADAS calibration.   ADAS calibration meaning ADAS calibration is thе procеss of aligning thе sеnsors and camеras in a vеhiclе’s Advancеd Drivеr Assistancе Systеms (ADAS) so that thеy function propеrly. ADAS systеms usе a variеty of sеnsors, including camеras, radar, and lidar, to collеct data about thе vеhiclе’s surroundings. This data is thеn usеd to providе thе drivеr with information about potеntial hazards, such as forward collision warning, lanе dеparturе warning, and blind spot monitoring.   ADAS calibration is necessary whenever the sensors or cameras in a vehicle are disturbed in any way. This can happen because of a collision, windshield replacement, tire change, or other repairs. If the sensors are not properly aligned, the ADAS system may not be able to function properly, which could lead to a crash.   There are two main types of ADAS calibration: static and dynamic. Static calibration is performed in a controlled environment, such as a dealership or repair shop. Dynamic calibration is performed while the vehicle is in motion.   Why is ADAS calibration important? Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are intricate, technologically advanced structures designed to beautify automobile protection and driver comfort. However, the functioning, reliability, and performance of those structures rely upon their correct calibration. Here’s why ADAS calibration is so essential:   Safety: The number one reason ADAS calibration is crucial is safety. These systems make use of various sensors, cameras, and radar to understand the surrounding environment, with the aim of stopping accidents and improving driver safety. If these components are not correctly calibrated, they may misinterpret the environment and fail to respond adequately to potential hazards, leading to accidents and compromising safety.   System Accuracy and Efficiency: Accurate calibration guarantees the superior performance of ADAS. This consists of efficient automobile operation and correct responses. For example, if a lane keeping device is not nicely calibrated, it might supply fake alerts or fail to recognize while the vehicle is veering off the lane. Similarly, incorrect calibration could cause the adaptive cruise control system to maintain an incorrect following distance.   Maintenance and Longevity: Like any technological system, wear and tear, vibrations, or even minor accidents can cause the alignment of ADAS sensors and cameras to shift, leading to decreased system performance over time. Regular calibration can help identify and rectify these issues early, maintaining the system’s performance and prolonging its lifespan.   Driver Experience: A well-calibrated ADAS contributes to a smoother, more convenient driving experience. It reduces the probabilities of pointless or false indicators, providing the driver with correct information and support when needed.   Standardization: Calibration ensures that all vehicles equipped with ADAS operate within the same defined standards of safety and performance. This makes it easier to compare different vehicles’ performance and ensures that each system operates within the designed parameters.   Cost Saving: Proper calibration can prevent incorrect or premature activation of ADAS components. This can extend the lifespan of these components and save vehicle owners significant costs in potential replacements or repairs.   Prevention of Secondary Accidents: Properly calibrated ADAS can effectively mitigate the risks of secondary accidents. For example, if a vehicle is involved in a minor collision, a well-calibrated ADAS can help avoid further impact by activating safety measures like emergency braking or steering control.   Technological Progress and Innovation: As ADAS technology continues to advance, regular calibration becomes essential to keep pace with updates and new features. By ensuring that systems are properly calibrated, the most advanced and effective safety technologies can be utilized to their full potential.   Trust in ADAS Technology: For ADAS to be widely accepted and trusted by the public, they must perform reliably and accurately. Frequent and meticulous calibration is key to building this trust and ensuring that these advanced systems deliver on their promise of enhancing safety and driver convenience.   As the automotive industry continues to evolve with ADAS at the forefront of its technological advancements, the importance of proper calibration cannot be overstated. With its direct implications for safety, efficiency, and cost savings, calibration forms the bedrock of this revolution in driver assistance technology.   Takeaway The importance of ADAS calibration is deeply intertwined with the reliability and effectiveness of these systems. It is the bridge that links advanced technology to practical, everyday safety on the roads. Regular and accurate calibration guarantees that these innovative systems function as intended, adding not only to the driving comfort but more importantly, to the safety of the passengers and those around them. With the continued rise in ADAS-equipped vehicles, the need for specialized, meticulous calibration services will only grow, necessitating the constant evolution of service methodologies to keep up with the ever-growing, ever-evolving spectrum of advanced driver assistance systems.