Frank's Glass

Have Your Screens Repaired Now

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:08:43 EST

As you watch the snowflakes drifting slowly down to the ground and listen to the weather forecast of cold temperatures and icy roads you should be thinking about getting your screens repaired; because before you know it, the sun will come out, the birds will start chirping and spring will arrive. OK, maybe that’s a little bit of a stretch, but wintertime really is when you should bring those damaged screens in for repairs so they are ready to install when the sun finally pops out and warmer temperatures prevail. You will want to be ready to throw open your windows and enjoy the warmth when it gets here!

Frank’s Glass is here for all your screen needs, whether they have holes and need rescreened or you need complete new screens with frames, just give us a call at 513-829-8284 and we can have them ready for when the warmer temperatures finally arrive.

Frank’s Glass is here for all your glass needs…whether you need to replace a windshield, repair a broken window pane or have a new shower door installed, you can count on Frank’s Glass to do the job right.

Winter Car Maintenance 101

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:36:41 EST

For those of us living in cold climates, snow and ice are just around the corner (or may have already hit if you live in Denver or the Northeast coast!) Below are some basic steps you can take to winterize your car so you are prepared for that first storm in your area.

1) Consider using snow tires. The condition of your snow tires is critical during the winter. If the tires are worn or high performance tires, braking, acceleration and handling all suffer on slippery roads. As a result, the likelihood of a crash increases. Check with your local tire suppliers to find out which snow tires are best suited to your vehicle. But remember, even with the proper tires, it is important to reduce your speed and increase your distance between vehicles when driving in poor weather conditions.

2) Check your tire pressure. Properly inflated tires will increase the traction between the tire and the road, making for a safer driving experience, especially on slick surfaces. Your tire pressure generally will decrease as the temperatures drop, so be sure to check your tires now to ensure you are driving in the safest conditions possible.

3) Confirm the proper oil viscosity for winter driving. Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder and if it’s too thick it will not do the best job of lubricating your engine. Check your owner’s manual to make sure you are using the proper viscosity for your climate.

4) Inspect the wipers and wiper fluid. They usually work effectively for approximately 1 year. Vision is generally impaired during winter months with snow, sleet and slush. Look for wiper blades specifically designed for winter use. Also, make sure your wiper fluid reservoir is full. Consider adding a deicer so you are prepared for icy conditions. Test your defroster and heater to ensure they are working properly.

5) Inspect your belts and hoses. Although belts and hoses in modern cars last longer, it is still important to inspect them for wear and tear. Cold weather can accelerate the demise of a belt or hose so make sure they are in good condition.

6) Check your battery. Very cold temperatures can reduce a vehicle’s battery power by up to 50%. Make sure your battery’s posts and connections are corrosion free and that your battery has all the water it needs. If your battery is older than 3 years, have it tested at a certified automotive repair facility.

7) Do you have a four wheel drive vehicle? Check to make sure it is working properly. Be sure the system engages and disengages easily and that there are no strange noises emanating from the drive train when the system is in use. Ensure that the transmission and gear oil levels are correct. Finally, make sure that all household members are aware of how to activate the system.

8) Check antifreeze mixture. The ideal mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your vehicle’s radiator is 50:50. This will protect your vehicle in temperatures as cold as -34°. The composition of a radiator’s mixture can be tested using an antifreeze tester, which can be purchased at any auto supply store.

9) Fill your gas tank. Keep your gas tank full to prevent the gas lines from freezing. Also will ensure you have enough gas in the event you are sitting in traffic from an accident.

10) Carry an emergency kit in your car. A roadside kit does not take up much space in your trunk and can prove invaluable in an emergency. Below are some items to consider including:

Flashlight, flares and first-aid kit.
Jumper cables, tool kit and tire chains.
Blanket, warm clothes, boots and gloves.
Paper towels.
Bag of abrasive material, such as sand, salt or kitty litter to use as added traction when a tire is stuck in the snow.
Snow brush, ice scraper and snow shovel.
Windshield wipers and washer fluid.
Extra food and water.

tags: windshield wipers, aquapel windshield treatment, chip repair, car maintenance

Winterize Your Windshield with Aquapel Glass Treatment

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:03:17 EST

As Winter approaches, it is time to winterize your car so when that first snowstorm hits you are prepared. One way to help ensure you can see through your windshield when those snow squalls hit is to have Aquapel® applied at your local glass shop. Aquapel glass treatment is manufactured using an innovative technology which forms a chemical bond with the glass so rain, sleet and snow “wick” off your windshield, remarkably improving vision. It also helps improve vision at night by reducing glare in the rain and snow, making for a safer driving experience. Unlike other glass treatments that need to be applied once a month, Aquapel will protect your windshield for up to 6 months and at $10 an application you can't afford not to have it done.

Call Frank’s Glass at 513.829.8284 to have your Aquapel treatment applied today!

tags: Aquapel windshield treatment, auto glass, Franks Glass

Fast Food Drive-Through Dilemma

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:59:32 EST

Have you ever pulled up to a fast food pick-up window and your window is stuck and won’t roll down…so you have to pull up and have them deliver it through the door? How embarrassing! Frank’s Glass can fix that window so next time your window will roll down smoothly and you will pay for your food, collect your nutritious Big Mac meal with Diet Coke, thank the friendly fast food worker and be on your way. Or have you ever driven up to a toll booth coin depository only to find your window will not roll down…while hyperventilating (because you are holding traffic up) you roll down the back window and have to become a contortionist in order to throw the coins, praying they hit the mark. Frank’s Glass can take the pain out of these excruciating situations by fixing your window so it rolls up and down smoothly. So whether your glass just needs to be put back on the track or you need a new regulator or motor, we can get you back on the road quickly.

Remember to call Frank’s Glass at 513-829-8284 to avoid these embarrassing situations! Our reputation remains unbroken!

tags: auto glass, door glass, Franks Glass, regulator, motor

Why Are Replacement Windshield Quotes so Different?

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:48:51 EST

Have you priced replacement glass on your automobile recently and received quotes that differed in price significantly? Well, the old adage “You get what you pay for” probably comes in to play. Below are a few questions you should ask to make sure the company you are dealing with is reputable and the quality of the installation will meet your expectations.

1) Ask the company how many years they have been in business? Do they have a physical location or do they work out of their home (known as tailgaters). Inquire if the company is local or is it a national company that contracts jobs out locally.

2) Inquire if they are using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacture) parts or after market parts. OEM glass is produced from original equipment-style tooling and meets the manufacturer specifications for safety and quality. Only OEM glass can insure proper fit and finish which greatly reduces the possibility of air or water leaks. Most importantly, only OEM glass is designed specifically to meet the safety standards necessary for your protection in an accident.

3) Ask the installation company how soon it is safe to drive the vehicle after the windshield is installed. There are several types of adhesives, each having different properties affecting the cure time which in turn determines the safe drive away time (SDAT). Cars with passenger side airbags require more time or a faster acting auto glass adhesive to reach SDAT because of the additional strength necessary to support the deployment of this air bag. Cure times can range in length from 2 to 24 hours dependent upon the adhesive and the temperature conditions.

4) Reputable companies will warranty the vehicle for as long as you own the vehicle. In regard to chip repairs, they should be warranted against spreading and in the event the windshield cracks further the cost of the chip repair should be applied toward the cost of a replacement windshield.

In most cases it’s worth the extra cost to have the job done right to ensure the safety of yourself and your family. Frank’s Glass is a family owned business that has been servicing the Tri-State area for over 40 years. We would be happy to answer any questions you have regarding the installation of a new windshield/chip repair on your vehicle.

tags: Windshield repair, windshield replacement, auto glass replacement, windshield chip repair