You are in the process of loading up the car for some holiday time off? You may be asking yourself whether to put off that little chip in your windshield until you have returned, or if it is prudent to put in long highway miles with glass that is not in the best of shape.

Such questions are only natural and we at Auto Glass on the Move get them in droves this time of year. As an independent, family business we have been the auto glass company of choice for Oakland and the Greater East Bay since 1979. Make a call to (510) 616-4678 and one of our people will have a look at things before you head out of town.

There is more to a windshield than shielding you from the wind and insects; it is integral to the structural safety of the vehicle, lending roof strength and assisting with airbag deployment should there be a collision. A holiday drive can be hard on your glass with its temperature changes, road debris and rough surfaces. An inspection is an easy precaution to take for the sake of your family.

Highway Driving Will Make Small Damage Worse

What seems like nothing in the driveway can turn into a crack in no time on the freeway. The explanation is straightforward: sun heat, cold in the morning and the vibration of the pavement all conspire to work on a weak spot in the glass.

In minutes, a change in temperature will cause the glass to expand and contract, forcing a small chip to become a long crack. More often than not drivers find themselves hundreds of miles from home before they realise their error.

It is better to deal with it early. In most cases a prompt repair will do where a replacement would otherwise be called for.

An Inspection Before You Go

Take some time in the daylight to put the car through its paces and have a good look at the glass. Among other things, you want to see if there are any of the following:

• Pits, chips or cracks on the windshield, particularly in front of the driver
• Any cracks that have made inroads since you were last looking
• Chips at the periphery of the glass, the quickest to spread
• Hazing or pitting to cause a glare after dark
• Wiper blades in poor order that leave a smear
• Trim and molding about the glass that is coming loose

And if there is a blemish right in your line of sight, do not delay. It will distort your view and night driving will be all the more difficult for it.

Windshield and Insurance

Most drivers are not aware that rock chips, vandalism and the like are considered no-fault claims under your comprehensive policy and will not put a dent in your premiums. We are approved by just about every major insurer and can put in the claim for you. In many instances the customer has no out of pocket expense, so you may be surprised at how inexpensive it is to have a chip put right. For details on your coverage, ring us at (510) 616-4678.

The Reason for Our Reputation in the East Bay

Our credentials speak for themselves. We hold California Automotive Repair Dealer License #297376 and have been at it since 1979 in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties as well as Oakland, making us one of the oldest in the East Bay.

Then there is the way we do business:

• We have fully equipped mobile units to provide free service at your office or home
• All labour is guaranteed for the life of the vehicle under our warranty
• We stand behind a 100% satisfaction guarantee
• ADAS recalibration is done in-house so you need not make a trip to the dealership
• Our installers are OEM certified and the glass we use is to DOT and OEM specifications

For those with a newer car and driver-assist cameras by the windshield, our in-house recalibration ensures the systems are reading the road properly once we are done.

We are here Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:30pm, Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm and Sunday 9:00am to noon.

One less thing to concern yourself with on the road this season is a good thing. Do not let a minor chip become a major issue when you are far from home. Call Auto Glass on the Move at (510) 616-4678 and let us put your mind at ease with a check of your windshield.