Aquapel Review from Pleased Customer

  We received this message from a customer who was recently in the shop for a windshield replacement and had Aquapel applied as an afterthought. 

I just wanted to let you know that the salesman that talked me into
the Aquapel treatment when I had my windshield replaced awhile ago, may
have saved my life.  About a week after I had the treatment I was on 390 in
a blinding rain storm.  Somehow a twig got stuck under my windshield wiper
so the wiper couldn’t touch the windshield.  Because I had the Aquapel on
the window the rain rolled right off and I was able to see where I was
going.  Without that treatment I would have had a real problem!  That was
the best investment I ever made!
Thank you,
Sharon

We always love to hear from our customers and readers about what they think of our products and services.  So if you have used Aquapel, Clearplex, or any other Madico films - Please let us know what you think.  Visit our website RaySandsGlass.com to Buy Aquapel Glass Treatment Online 

Getting to the Bottom of RainX Residue

 There has been lots of comparison between RainX and Aquapel, because they are both made to serve the same purpose - windshield rain repellents.  But they work in completely different ways, with different types of chemicals. 

    RainX and similar products are silicone based materials that make a filmy layer on the windshield causing the water to roll off , similar to the effect of rinsing greasy hands.  But eventually it wears down and degrades. The film left behind can affect the clarity of the windshield, as well as build up on the wipers and moldings, especially if you also use the RainX wiper fluid. 

  Aside from leaving a white or orange crust another downside of this RainX film that develops is that it robs the moldings and wipers of their ability to retain their own moisture and stay soft.  Then if the film has worn off the windshield in the wiper area and dried out the wipers, the hardened wipers themselves could cause permanent damge to the windshield.

  I have found the best way to remove RainX from your windshield at home is actually with soft scrub and a paper towel which won’t damage the car or glass.  Since RainX is silicone based, a grease, wax and tar remover should work and that would take off and bugs and other road grime as well.  This type of product would be available at any auto parts and supply store - it’s used to remove grease and wax to prep a car for paint.  Grease remover is a pretty high test chemical so you would need to wear gloves when using it and if it gets on the paint it need to be wiped up so it won’t dry there.

  Aquapel, however, doesn’t leave any film on the windshield because it actually chemically bonds to the glass.  It is made with a chemical engineered for the aviation industry, so the bond between Aquapel and the windshield can withstand all the ravages of time much better than RainX.  Even as the Aquapel wears down some bonded particles remain, so each application lasts longer than the one before.  Overall, not only does Aquapel last longer than RainX - it lasts better.

Decorative Door Glass

We are excited to announce that Ray Sands Glass will now be offering decorative glass door lights, transoms, side lights and decorative windows.  We have partnered up with PPG Auto Glass and Western Reflections a company the specializes in the manufacturing of superior decorative glass.  This partnership between other small glass shops and a large manufacturer of high quality decorative glass allows Ray Sands Glass to provide its customers with a high quality product at competitive prices.

  This comes at a great time - when the real estate market has taken a hard hit and people are really looking for creative way to make their home stand out.  Nothing is as lasting as the first impression and decorative glass can really make a striking entrance to a home.  The natural light and designs - from elaborate floral to simple patterns - can add an air of elegance to any home.  The decorative windows can be designed to match any door light, and are a beautiful way to update the old glass block windows while still allowing natural light in and retaining privacy.

 When most people have a problem with broken or cracked door glass, they really don’t know where to turn, and often assume they will have to replace the whole door.  We can actually repair some door glass or even custom cut a new decorative pane in an old door frame, saving time and money. 

You can view the variety of designs available through the Interactive Gallery on the Western Reflection website.   There is something to suit every taste, and it is a quick, easy and affordable way to update your home and really add a touch of class.

Don’t Put Your Feet Up and Relax

  With the nice weather coming drivers and passengers are dreaming of rolling down the windows with their sunglasses on, the wind in their hair, feet on the dash.  But not so fast.  Putting your feet up on the dash can turn and minor collision into a life threatening situation. 

    When the airbag opens up, it does so with quite a bit of force.  This force can break your spine in the blink of an eye causing paralysis and even death.  It only takes a minor collision to set off most airbags - about 10 to 15 mph, and even at that speed there is no time to react.  It is crucial to your safety that driver and passengers remain seated in the proper position, with safety belts.

  I found a few other Auto Accident Safety Tips and an article about a woman paralyzed in an accident that she might have walked away from, had she not had her feet on the dashboard at the time.

   So enjoy the beautiful spring weather, and drive safely!

How Much Do You Know About Paintless Dent Repair?

  While paintless dent repair has always been popular with dealers and auctions, many consumers still go to the body shop when they get a large dent.  But paintless dent repair is much more budget friendly and often times a lot faster than traditional body work, because we use a completely different process.  Instead of the sanding, spraying and welding used in traditional body work, we use tools of various shapes and sizes to reshape the dent from the inside out.

  This is why experience is the most important factor in choosing the shop and technician to perform your paintless dent repair.  This type of dent repair is much more of an art than a science.  Different makes, models and years of cars are made of different body materials in a range of thickness and strength.  All those things and the location of the dent on the car factor into which tools you would use as well as angle, force and placement of the tools.

Greater Rochester Home Show

 Ray Sands Glass is excited to announce that we will also be participating in the Greater Rochester Home Show at the end of this month.  This is always a huge event, with dozens of local businesses exhibiting all their home related products and services.  There are displays for everything from interior design to outdoor recreation, and every type of home improvement.

  We will have an exhibit set up featuring all the products and services we have available for homeowners.  One of the services that always generates a lot of interest at the home shows is our residential window tinting.  Our top of the line Madico films can lower energy bills by blocking 100% of UV light, and help keep heat from escaping through windows in the winter.  It also helps protect your valuable personal belongings from the harmful effects of the sun, preventing UV damage to your rugs, fabrics, art and furniture.  The other added benefit of the energy savings is a 10% tax rebate from the federal government.

Rochester Auto Show

Ray Sands Glass will be participating in the 2008 Rochester Auto Show all this week at the Riverside Convention Center. 

2008  Rochester Auto Show Schedule:
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 - 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Thursday, February 28, 2008- 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Friday, February 29, 2008- 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Saturday, March 1, 2008- 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Sunday, March 2, 2008- 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

2008 Rochester Auto Show Admission Prices:
Adults: $8.00
Seniors: $6.00
Children under 12: $3.00
Children under 5: Free

Pickup Truck Tonneau Covers

If you have been shopping around for a truck tonneau cover, then you know the options of  colors, brands, even prices can be overwhelming.  But really there are two basic types: soft vinyl tonneau and hard plastic or fiberglass tonneau.  Both have their benefits and deficits.

  I would say a hard cover is more of a security investment.  Hard tonneau covers are secured with front and rear key lock - making it a lot harder for someone to break in, but with hatches at both ends provides easy access for the truck owner.  I would usually recommend a hard tonneau cover for anyone who keeps a lot of expensive equipment or tools in the truck bed - especially over night. 

Do You Really Need a Windshield Replacement?

  Really there a lot of different ways to tell if can have your windshield repaired or if you really need a replacement.  To start you don’t want to repair anything in the driver’s line of vision.  So you can sit in the car and look straight ahead and mark that point with your finger, if the crack or chip is within six inches of that point then it shouldn’t be repaired.  Repair does not make the chip or crack disappear - just prevents it from spreading and restores structural integrity as well as appearance.

   Some repair shops will tell you they can fix a crack up to twelve inches long.  I just don’t believe there is any way it can be done safely, maintaining the structural integrity of the car.  The windshield plays a big role in supporting the roof of the car, I wouldn’t be comfortable repairing anything larger than a quarter.  If the damage to the windshield can be completely covered with a quarter it can most likely be repaired safely, without compromising any roof support.

Aquapel - Put to the test

I found this old post on Autoblog they put Aquapel to the test versus the more well known RainX.  The results of the experiment speak for themselves and if you read the comments, most people who have tried Aquapel don’t go back to RainX.