#windshield crack repar

[stealthwindshieldrepairs1]

Understanding the Different Types of Windshield Cracks and Chips: A Comprehensive Guide

Windshields, often overlooked in their vulnerability, can succumb to damage from various sources, from airborne debris to temperature fluctuations. A small chip or crack might seem inconsequential, but understanding the nuances of different types of windshield damage is crucial for timely and appropriate intervention.

In this comprehensive guide, we embark on a journey through the world of windshield cracks and chips, shedding light on their characteristics, reparability, and the potential risks they pose to your safety.

The Anatomy of a Windshield

Before delving into the specifics of cracks and chips, it's essential to grasp the layered structure of a windshield:

Outer layer: Crafted from tempered glass, designed to shatter into harmless pieces upon impact, minimizing injury risk.

Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer: A flexible plastic layer that holds glass fragments together, preventing crack spread and maintaining structural integrity.

Inner layer: Another tempered glass layer for added strength and stability.

Must Read Blog: Understanding the Different Types of Windshield Cracks and Chips

Types of Windshield Cracks and Chips

1. Bull's Eye:

Appearance: Circular crack with a central impact point, resembling a bull's eye on a dartboard.

Cause: Blunt object impact, like a rock or a bird.

Severity: Repairable if caught early, but left unattended, it can evolve into a star crack.

2. Star Crack:

Appearance: Radiating cracks emanating from a central point, resembling a star.

Cause: Similar to a bull's eye, but with greater force or a sharper object.

Severity: Urgent repair needed, as star cracks spread quickly, compromising visibility and structural integrity.

3. Half-Moon Crack:

Appearance: Semi-circular crack, often originating from the edge of the windshield.

Cause: Blunt object impact on the edge.

Severity: Less severe than star cracks, but repairable to prevent further spreading.

4. Long Crack:

Appearance: Linear crack running across the windshield.

Cause: Stress from temperature changes, pressure differences, or improper installation.

Severity: Can be dangerous if obstructing driver's vision or compromising structural integrity. Requires immediate professional assessment.

5. Edge Crack:

Appearance: Crack starting within two inches of the windshield edge.

Cause: Similar to half-moon cracks, often caused by door closing vibrations or temperature stress.

Severity: May not require immediate repair, but monitor for spreading and potential visibility obstruction.

6. Stress Crack:

Appearance: Fine, hairline crack often appearing spontaneously.

Cause: Internal pressure or stress within the windshield, often due to improper installation or manufacturing defects.

Severity: Can be dangerous if compromising structural integrity. Seek professional advice immediately.

7. Combination Crack:

Appearance: A combination of different crack types, like a bull's eye with radiating star cracks.

Cause: Multiple impacts or underlying stress.

Severity: Highly critical, requiring immediate professional assessment and likely windshield replacement.

Repair vs. Replacement: When to Call a Professional

The decision to repair or replace a windshield depends on several factors:

Crack type and severity: Minor chips and small bull's eyes can often be repaired, while extensive cracks or those obstructing the driver's vision necessitate replacement.

Crack location: Cracks near the A-pillars or extending into the wiper blade area are generally not repairable.

Safety concerns: Any crack compromising structural integrity or significantly reducing visibility warrants immediate replacement.

Statistics on Windshield Damage

In the United States alone, over 29 million windshields are replaced annually.

Flying debris is the leading cause of windshield damage, accounting for over 70% of cases.

Hailstorms and extreme temperature fluctuations are also significant contributors.

The average cost of windshield replacement ranges from $200 to $500, while repairs can cost anywhere from $50 to $150.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the different types of windshield cracks and chips is not just about preserving the aesthetics of your vehicle; it's about ensuring your safety on the road. Each type of damage comes with its nuances, and timely intervention is key to preventing further complications. So, the next time you spot a chip or crack on your windshield, remember the significance of this comprehensive guide in making an informed decision.

[mymelodyheart]

Miles Between Us Chapter 6 ~A Wrinkle in Time~

Previously in The Tethered Ties ...

And when he finally glanced back down at the laptop, he nearly choked. Right there on the screen, peering up at him, was a cantankerous-looking, crocodile Dundee version of Harry. Same eyes, the same face, and though a handsome fellow, this man's skin looked weather-beaten, and he had a scary scowl on his face.

"Jamie," Claire giggled. "I'd like you to meet my uncle ...Quentin Lambert Beauchamp, also known as uncle Lamb."

Ah, holy fuck!  Though uncle Lamb looked like Harry, Jamie knew this man was nothing like Harry. Harry was ...or had been a polite, refined and jolly ol' chap with a very posh accent. This man was far from the polished look Harry presented. This man looked like he'd seen the world and confronted danger and probably wrestled crocodiles as a hobby. Convincing uncle Lamb that he's good enough for Claire was not going to be a walk in a park. Jamie knew he had a long evening ahead as he gingerly sat down in front of Claire's laptop and braced himself.

Jamie cleared his throat and sat up straight. "Good evening, sir ..."

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  Jamie had a dream. It was unlike any other dreams he had before.

He was cycling down a road, the cold wind stinging his cheeks, a plastic container of pastries in one hand. Excitement rose within as he followed the familiar route to Murtagh's house, huffing and puffing when he picked up speed. He was dropping off his ma's freshly baked treats to his godfather, hoping Murtagh would have time to go fishing.

An ear-splitting screech of brakes echoed in the air, along with mangling metal crashing and twisting. 

He stopped. The plastic container dropped from his hand, and his bike collapsed to the ground. He began walking towards the crash site, sensing with every step, he was nearing a metamorphic truth that would change him forever.

Despite the trepidation mounting in his chest, he couldn't stop moving towards the wreck. He quickened his pace and then began to jog, and then he ran. Faster and faster. 

He ran until the breath whooshed out from his lungs in burning gasps, and he slowed to a standstill in front of the harrowing scene that was before him.

The wind picked up, and the clouds dimmed the sun. The acrid stench of burnt rubber and engine oil filled his nostrils. A familiar face appeared through the cracked windshield, calling out his name in desperation. For a second, his heart ceased to beat, and his breath caught in his throat.

Harry?

"Save her ...please ..." 

The plea struck his ears, and he tried to move, but he was stuck on the spot. He twisted his body and stretched out his arms, willing his feet to budge, straining and grunting and chanting a soundless prayer for strength. A piercing scream jolted him out from his struggle, unfettering him from the invisible force holding him in place, almost tumbling over from the abrupt release. He realised they were cries from a child.

He moved towards the car and wrenched the back door open, seemingly the only side still intact from the collision. A child, no more than the age of five with angry red blotches on her cheeks and wild curls, was restrained by the seatbelts. Her pudgy wee arms were outstretched as she screamed on top of her lungs, crying out for her mummy.

He stared in disbelief, immobilised by the uncertainty of his next course of action. 

"Save her, Jamie ..." He glanced up to see Harry's face contorted in pain, eyes imploring. "There's not enough time."

"But ..."

"Go! Take her with you ...Now!"

Spurred by adrenaline and fear, heart pounding against his chest, he began to move. He unfastened the strap across the wean's body and grabbed her from the seat. Wee arms and legs wrapped around him as he spun around and headed for the moor. Holding tight to his bundle, one hand bracing the tiny head pressed against his neck, he ran as fast as he could. When he glanced over his shoulder, he saw Harry watching him through the window and then the car exploded.

Jamie woke up lurching upright to a sitting position, his top clinging to his clammy skin and his heart racing like a freight train. Swallowing air in big gulps, he yanked off the duvet and swung his legs out of bed, trying to even his breathing. Then he began to shake as he heard the distant roar from the deep recesses of his brain, and the floodgates of memories swung open in vivid hues. It came in massive waves, raising recollections and visions to the surface that had been submerged under the basement of time. A deluge of dispersed images merged into one, and a stream of realisation emerged. Suddenly everything was as clear as day. Everything that Murtagh had told him of Claire's parents earlier was now clicking into place. The child they'd rescued that fateful day was Claire! Except, in his dream, he'd been the only one to save her.

A cold shiver passed through him when a suppressed but very visual memory of Harry sprung into his head just before the car had exploded. Harry had just regained consciousness and had looked straight at Jamie with a sobbing wee Claire tight in his arms, the look on his face branding his consciousness forever. Though it had been relief carved out on the doomed man's face in knowing Claire would live, it had done nought to appease his soul. He glanced over at the woman beside him. She slept peacefully, her soft snores confirming she hadn't been affected by his fitful sleep.

Reliving the sequence of that event, he remembered now how the horror of that day had haunted him. It had been so bad, he'd been coerced to attend counselling by his mother. Too young to process Harry's demise, he'd literally felt on the edge of a nervous breakdown. After a year of refusing to talk about the ordeal, he'd shifted his focus elsewhere to stop the nightmares. There had been this unabating need to atone for Claire's parents' death, the urge to help and protect growing like a snowball, morphing into an avalanche to flatten and destroy any unpleasant memories and replace them with something good. He'd rescued animals and sheltered them in his father's barn. He'd defended kids against bullies at school. He'd volunteered for causes that involved helping the vulnerable. He'd enlisted to be part of the British Armed Forces, hoping to make a difference to the plights of those afflicted. He'd even gone as far as making a promise to his dying friend, killed in action during his SAS days. Jamie had felt so guilty for his inability to protect his best mate, Simon, he'd asked his friend's widow to marry him. Though thankful now the marriage had never taken place after having met Claire, his efforts to appease his guilt had been a struggle. All these years, he'd buried the horrors of war, the memory of losing Simon and images of Harry going up in flames with layers of what he'd thought were reparations. But what he hadn't known, his failings continued to fester below the surface. It was like a wound that refused to heal.

Had Murtagh's revelation triggered the suppressed memories to resurface? Or did it have something to do with his conversation with Claire's uncle Lamb? His mind wandered to their discussion earlier.

"Jamie," Claire giggled. "I'd like you to meet my uncle ...Quentin Lambert Beauchamp, also known as uncle Lamb. Uncle Lamb, this is Jamie, James Fraser ...my boyfriend. I'm staying with him for at least a week."

"Is that right?" the man on the screen harumphed with a growl as he stuck a thick cigar between his teeth. "Not what I was expecting."

Jamie disregarded the not so subtle dig. "Good evening, sir ..." he began.

Claire laughed. "Don't call him that, Jamie. It's too weird!" She glanced over her shoulder as she walked away. "If he's giving you "the look," don't worry. Uncle Lamb is all bluster."

"I heard that," uncle Lamb grumbled.

"Play nice, then!" she shouted from the kitchen.

Jamie eyed the man on the screen and squared his shoulders. He wished he'd been more prepared for this or at least looked presentable. Instead, he resembled a drowned cat after just having arrived home from work. Claire hadn't told him much about uncle Lamb and wondered if she'd said anything about him to the older man. 

He stared at Harry's look alike. Does uncle Lamb ever smile? Or is that scowl permanently etched on his face? He wasn't sure. Maybe it had something to do with that cigar hanging loosely in his mouth.

Sizing him up, Jamie presumed they're roughly the same breadth, and if uncle Lamb was anything like Harry in stature, they should be the same height too. It's a good thing they were meeting via video conference. If they had been facing each other in person, he might be less inclined to shake hands, seeing how the older man looked like he was capable of committing murder.

An amused Claire came gliding out of the kitchen with a bottle of beer, seemingly unfazed by tension emanating from her laptop screen. "Don't mind his mood, Jamie," she chirped. "He's just grouchy because five of his men came down with food poisoning. And work is being delayed again." 

Uncle Lamb growled. "Don't remind me."

Claire wagged a finger at her uncle before kissing Jamie on the forehead and handing him the bottle. "I'll go prepare dinner."

He took a deep breath as he watched her head back to the kitchen. Uncle Lamb could frown all he wanted. Ultimately, if need be, he would go through twenty uncle Lambs to show the world how serious he was about his relationship with Claire. 

Jamie noticed the older man watching him very closely. 

"So how are ye?"

"I don't like surprises," Quentin announced, obviously wanting to get straight to the point.

"Neither do I," he returned. Facing off each other for a few silent seconds, Jamie deliberately took a slow slug of his beer. He placed the bottle back down on the table and wiped his lips with the back of his hand. "But surprises are nothing new to me. I was trained to be prepared against any surprises," he added, referring to his SAS past. 

Quentin ignored the remark. "Claire told me ..." He leaned forward and rolled his khaki sleeves up, exposing tanned sinewy, muscular arms. "...you met just before Christmas."

"That's right, sir ...I mean unc ...I mean Quentin." The older man raised an eyebrow at him, and Jamie raised one back. 

"Things seem to be moving along. Fast!"

"Claire and I have acknowledged that."

"She was there with you only a few weeks ago for her holidays. She's just got back to work. Did you persuade her to come back?"

"She's got a mind of her own."

"Are you serious about her?"

Jamie tried not to look rattled as the older man bombarded him with questions. It was only natural to be concerned about his niece. "Aye, I built her a shed." Ach shite, wrong answer ...what the fuck was that, ye clot-heid? He felt like kicking himself.

Quentin watched him in stony silence. "A shed?"

He inhaled deeply, careful not to show any signs of frustration. "Actually, it's a writing studio," he explained, feeling the heat crawling up his neck. "For when Claire comes over for a visit. She can work undisturbed there. I've even soundproofed the walls, and it's been comfortably furnished ." 

Quentin said nothing. Instead, he slowly placed the cigar on the ashtray, raised his brandy snifter to his lips and drank.

Determined, Jamie pushed on. "Claire has handed her notice to her boss, and once her commitments in London are done, she'll be moving here ...to Broch Mordha." He tamped down the rising emotion from his throat as he thought of Claire preparing dinner for him in the kitchen. "Look, I may not look like the man ye hoped for, for yer niece, but ye dinnae ken me. I admit I come with a lot of baggage, but I'm working hard on it, and she's helped me tremendously in dealing with ..." He trailed off. He didn't want to pull the PTSD card out. This was about Claire, he reminded himself. "I ken her history. I ken she's moved a lot, lived in boarding schools, nae home to go to during the holidays, following ye half-way around the world when school's out. She told me she's never felt any sense of belonging anywhere ..." Quentin glanced away. "I want ye to know, I willnae be just another stopover for Claire. And even if she has to travel long distances to visit ye, she'll always have a place to return to. I have roots here, and I can give her..."

Quentin crossed his arms. "Give her what?"

Jamie cleared his throat. "What I'm trying to say is, I'm serious about taking our relationship further. As ye can see, she's staying here in my home until she goes back to London. Though there is this unspoken understanding between Claire and me, I dinnae want to be presumptuous ..." Jamie rolled his head to ease the tension in his neck. "...in thinking, she will move in with me when she relocates here to Broch Mordha. But I plan on asking her. And it would be verrae nice if ye could give yer blessing and ..."

He shook his head. "No!" His grin was more like a baring of his cigar-stained teeth. "Ask me again in a year."

Jamie ran a hand through his hair. "All due respect, I ken she will say yes when I ask. And I ken she's stubborn enough to make up her own decisions with or without yer blessing. But I'd rather I have it ...for all our sakes. I'm no' sure if ye are aware, but I have my own business that I share with my brother, I own a house, I have no mortgage, and I make enough to provide for both of us with enough left for savings. She can pursue her dream of writing to her heart's content without worrying about finances."

"You overlook the fact that she's a city girl. What if her writing career never takes off? What are her possibilities in the Highlands?"

"Oh, but it will take off. I have faith it will. She's very passionate about pursuing her dream, and rightly so, because she's a talented writer. I can attest to that because I've read one of her finished works."

Quentin's face softened just a tiny bit. "You have?"

"Aye, I have," he hedged. "Claire should have published her work ages ago, and I plan to encourage her to do just that. Her writing would be a wonderful gift to the world."

"You're doing a lot for someone you barely know."

"Quentin," Jamie sighed, swallowing his exasperation. "I'm in love with yer niece. I'm aware everything between us is happening fast, and I dinnae suppose there is a timeframe or formula to follow when it comes to relationships. I'm just winging this and going along with my guts. And my guts are telling me Claire is the one. I still cannae believe someone like her is even real and that she loves me back. I sometimes wonder if I'm dreaming. She brings the best out of me, and I want to do the same for her. So if helping her realise her dreams is all I have to do to keep her, that's what I'll do." 

A few heartbeats of silence and watching each other closely passed before Quentin spoke again. "What did you say your last name was? I didn't quite catch it."

Ach, Christ, he's gonnae do a background check on me! "Fraser," Jamie replied. 

The older man let out an impatient grunt. "Yes, yes, but which Fraser do you belong to? There are a lot of Frasers in the Highlands." 

"My parents are Brian and Ellen Fraser," he replied, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.

Quentin's brows knitted together, and his stubbled jaw flexed twice. "You mean Brian and Ellen from Lallybroch?"

Jamie shifted in his seat. "Ye know them?"

"And you're Jamie?" Quentin asked, ignoring his question.

Confusion descended over Jamie as he saw the transformation in Quentin's face. "Aaaye," he said slowly and deliberately. Where in the bloody hell is this going to, now?

"And Claire wants to move in with you?"

"As I've said, I havenae asked her, but I think she would like the idea of us living together. It would make perfect sense since we do love each other."

He grabbed the cigar and pointed the tip in his direction. "You have my blessings." Ignoring Jamie's sharp intake of breath, he tipped back the rest of his brandy. "Conditions are, there should be once a week phone-calls. Video or facetime ones or whatever you call it. And when I'm on British soil ..."

Jamie suddenly straightened up on his seat. "We'll visit, or ye can come and stay with us." 

Quentin shot up on his feet. "Very well then, welcome to the family, Fraser. Go and get your dinner ...you wouldn't want your wife ..." he coughed, his face turning red. "...I mean your girlfriend reheating what she's just lovingly made."

Jamie got up as well, ready to shut the laptop, relief and confusion at the sudden turn around washing over him in waves. What the fuck just happened? Too bewildered for words, "Of course," was all he could muster. 

Quentin hesitated, as if in search of the right words, his throat working overtime. When he finally spoke, Jamie couldn't help but hear the emotion in the older man's voice. "If Claire's father was alive today, he would think his daughter has made a fine choice."

His jaw dropped involuntarily. "He would?" 

There was no reply. Too shell shocked, Jamie stood there staring at the screen for a full minute, long after Quentin had signed off.

When Claire reappeared from the kitchen, she launched herself into his arms and whispered, "Hungry?" 

His bewilderment evaporated, happiness shrouding around him in such a way he knew everything was going to be alright.

Puffing out a breath, Jamie shoved a hand through his hair and made his way to the bathroom. He knew he wouldn't be going back to sleep for a while, so he might as well washed off those vivid dreams of Harry and clear his thoughts of that conversation with uncle Lamb. He felt like he was living in the Twilight Zone and badly needed to get his equilibrium back.

The silence of the night closed in around him until the soothing spray of the shower hit his skin. He wondered if Claire would remember anything from her parents' accident. She'd mentioned a couple of times, she had been five when they passed away. Considering that Claire was now in a happy place, content and well-adjusted, it was probably not the brightest of ideas to conjure up her past. But then, on the other hand, he suspected she might want to know what had happened that day. After all, she did have the right to know her history, no matter how painful. 

The image of Claire's bright amber eyes and husky laughter flashed in his mind. 

Jamie sighed, turned off the shower, and quickly dried himself off. When he realised Claire wasn't in bed, he made his way to the kitchen. He quietened his pace when he found her dropping teabags into two mugs, wearing only his t-shirt and a pair of woollen socks. She didn't hear him approach at first, looking deep in thought as she waited for the kettle to boil.

Moonlight streamed in through the kitchen window, creating a halo out of the wisps of curls framing her face, the whole scene reminding him she was everything he wasn't, a shining light where he watched her in the shadows. Sorcha! A force within spurred him towards her, needing to touch that light, hoping it wouldn't fade with his damaged soul.

"It's late, Sassenach. What are ye doing up?" he asked, walking towards the fridge.

"Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ!" she jumped, hands flying to her chest. She tucked a loose curl behind her ears and faced him with a sigh, a small smile slowly forming her lips. "You weren't in bed, so I thought you probably had one of your nightmares. I'm making us some chamomile tea. It helps with sleep and relaxation."

He wasn't sure if this was the time to tell Claire about his dreams, so he dismissed it with a wave of a hand and smiled. "Just a strange dream. Is that one of yer herbal remedies?" he asked, stirring the subject to something neutral.

She lifted a shoulder. "Something like that."

He opened the fridge and found a rainbow of colours of fruits, vegetables, yoghurts and juices. Claire hadn't been kidding when she'd said she went food shopping today. Obviously, root vegetables, eggs, cheese and a container of hummus he'd bought wasn't enough. Smiling, he grabbed a pear and shut the fridge door. "Do pears go with chamomile tea?" 

Her face lit up, making his heart expand. "I suppose so." She poured hot water into the mugs and brought their teas to the dining table, Jamie following close behind her. "And it's good for you. You ought to eat more fruits."

"But you bought enough pears to feed an entire village, Sassenach," he pointed out, biting into the succulent fruit.

Claire giggled as she sat down. "The other bag of pears are for the sticky toffee pear pudding I'm going to make. Uncle Lamb loves making it for me whenever he comes over for a visit. So I thought I'd make some for us. He told me the recipe he uses was from my mum."

The way she smiled fondly at the memory made him want to draw her into his arms, but he took a seat instead. "With pears? I've only ever had normal sticky toffee pudding," he said, sipping some tea. "My ma makes it sometimes."

Her eyes twinkled. "I was told my mum loved to bake. And apparently, according to uncle Lamb, my favourite was cream buns."

Curiosity started to niggle in his belly at the mention of Claire's mother, even though he rebelled against it. Is this the time to talk about the death of her parents? Before he could change his mind, he came straight out with it. "Sorry to change the subject, Sassenach, but I have something to ask. What made ye come to the Highlands every Christmas?" he asked. "Ye mentioned once, ye like coming here during the Holidays. I mean, it's a great place to spend Christmas and all, but is there a particular reason?"

For a long moment, she stared at him with a faraway look. He realised he was holding his breath, half of him already regretting asking the question. There was a possibility her answer could lead to resurrecting a tragic event and snuffing the light out of her. And he needed to bask in her light some more. What was he thinking? Leave the past in the past, Murtagh had told him. He didn't know what lay on the other side of bringing up her parents' death. Either way, Claire didn't need to be dragged down with a sad memory. 

Feeling suddenly foolish, he put down the pear he was eating and reached out to touch her hand. "Ye know what. Dinnae answer that. It's getting late. The tea is working its magic already, and I think I'm ready to go to bed."

A delicate frown marred her brows. "Are you sure you don't want to know?"

Am I sure? No, not really. "Go on, tell me then."

She suddenly beamed like the light that she was. "The reason why I love coming back to the Highlands every year is, this is the place where my parents met and fell in love. I'm not quite sure where exactly, but it was somewhere around here. As far as I know, the Highlands was their happy place where they made loads of happy memories and great friends, and every time I come here, it makes me feel closer to them. You might find it odd, but I do feel most at peace here. There's something that draws me to come every year. Call it gravitational pull or whatever. But it feels like it's my parents' way of sharing their happiness with me. Am I making any sense?"

His breath of relief released in a slow rush, lightness invading his chest, as he realised she didn't remember anything of her parents' death. Or at least he presumed so. But, if it's his burden to carry the truth of Claire's parents' death alone, so be it. Why bring up something dark that has no place in their lives anymore? Maybe one day ...in the far future. Her hand still in his, he stood up, pulling her to her feet before lifting her into his arms. She squealed in surprise. "It doesnae matter if it makes sense or no', Sassenach. If it feels right to ye, then it must mean something. Who knows, maybe the reason ye're probably drawn to the Highlands is that ye were conceived here. Have ye ever thought of that?" 

Claire slipped her arms around his neck and smiled. "Or maybe ..." she leaned in to nibble at his earlobe. "...because I was drawn to ye. Have you ever thought of that?"

Jamie laughed as he started to walk them towards the bedroom. "C'mon off to bed with ye ...I have an early start tomorrow."

Claire eyed him mischievously as she snuggled closer. "To bed or to sleep?"

With a guttural groan, he lowered his head, brushing their lips together as he gave his answer in kisses.

Dear Readers,

I hope this chapter made sense to you. As you might have noticed, I didn't write the events in this chapter in chronological order, and I hope you can understand why I wrote it the way I did. If it didn't make any sense, please, I'm all ears ...ask away, and I'll answer. 

It was a challenge writing the dream part, so I hope I've done it justice. And mostly, I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed seeing the feedbacks in the previous chapter. So a big thank you for that! 

Let me know what you thought about the latest instalment and until the next update, take care of your health and keep up the positive vibes. X  😀❤️

ADDED UPDATE - An explanation to this chapter

I was trying to be clever and do the first two part of this chapter in the reverse order that I may have left you confused than enlightened. I have copied and pasted an explanation to the question posted by one reader in AO3. I hope this will help clarify things. So here goes:  

The dream was brought about by two triggers. First, was Jamie's conversation with Murtagh in Chapter five. Although in Jamie's dream he'd been the one to save Claire, in reality, it had been Murtagh. But it was Jamie who carried Claire to safety after Murtagh instructed him to.  This was the conversation:

Murtagh puffed out a breath. "The last time ye saw Henry, he was in a car accident ...with his family."

"What?" he choked.

Murtagh turned tired-looking eyes on him, and there was a deep sadness in them that startled him. "It was the day they were coming back to Broch Mordha for the first time in years. I heard talks around the village that they've rented a wee cottage from Mrs Baird. And also heard words about a wean. I didnae want to stick around to find out. I thought I'd take a wee trip to Skye and stay there until Henry and his family were gone. I was just packing when ye came barging into my hoose tellin me that a car had smashed to a tree. I came running oot like a gudgeon with ye right behind me. Ye must have been nine or ten. It wasnae far from where I lived then. By the time I got there, Henry was still alive, and Jules was unconscious. He ordered me to get the bairn first and then Jules. My first thoughts were to save Jules, but the wee child was screaming, and Henry was begging me to save her. Between the two of us, we managed to get wee Claire oot, and I ordered ye to take her as far as possible from the site. And that ye did. But I couldnae save Harry and Jules because the car caught fire and Henry lost consciousness. When I smelt gasoline, I had to run, and that's when the car exploded."

The second trigger was brought about by seeing Uncle Lamb's similarity to Harry and also by their conversation via video conference. Towards the end of their conversation uncle Lamb realised Jamie was the young boy who'd carried Claire to safety before the car exploded. Uncle Lamb would have remembered this because he was the only living guardian of Claire and the story of his brothers' demise would have been passed on to him when he came to collect Claire. You will also notice that Jamie found it strange the sudden turn around in uncle Lamb's demeanour at the end of their talk. But Jamie hadn't known the reason for this until after the dream. The dream in a way brought back all the suppressed memories and everything clicked in place together.

Now Jamie is unsure of asking Claire what she knew about the crash and telling her his dreams. Seeing her happy and contented, he didn't want her to relive that past in case more grief than good comes out of it.

I hope I made more sense here. X

[windshieldassociationdetroit]

Risks of Washing Your Car with a Cracked Windshield

Every auto glass expert will say that a cracked windshield needs immediate repair. However, not all vehicle owners can have their windscreens fixed right away. Some may not have the luxury of time, while others do not have enough money to spend on a repair. 

This situation brings in various questions involving caring for an already damaged windscreen. In a Question and Answer Forum with vehicle owners, Windshield Association Macomb Michigan Executive Director Carlo Martinez was asked if it is safe to wash a damaged windshield. 

Is it safe to wash a cracked windshield?

Martinez answered the inquiry saying that there are several factors to consider when washing a cracked windshield. “For instance, the first thing that the vehicle owner should consider is the extent of the windshield damage. If the crack is way too large then why would he need to wash it? He should instead refrain from using the car, temporarily cover the damaged spot until he can have it fixed. It is way too dangerous to drive a vehicle with a huge crack in the windshield,” he insisted. 

Another thing that vehicle owners should consider when washing their damaged windshield is the type of car wash. “A mechanized or automatic car wash will bring about more damage than a handwash. A person will go lighter on the damage, making it less risky to clean. Another thing to consider is how water is doused on the windscreen. Pressurized car washes are a no-no since the water can push the cracked windshields further causing even more damage. Dousing water using a garden hose may also cause the crack to spread even more,” Martinez explained.

Risk of Washing a Cracked Windshield

Autoglass experts from the Windshield Association Macomb Michigan explain that the greatest risk of washing a cracked windshield is to let water inside the crack of the chip. “Sometimes, when water gets inside a chip or crack, moisture becomes hard to remove and what could have been reparable damage will now require an outright replacement,” Martinez said.  

Martinez explains that it is best to get in touch with a windshield repair company right away to have the windscreen fixed. Even cheap windshield repair services have an option of carrying out mobile repair services which means they can go to a home or place of business to repair the windshield onsite. 

EzC Mobile Windshield Repair 47317 Pamela Dr, Macomb, MI 48044 (586) 488-4759 https://ezcwindshieldrepairco.com/

https://goo.gl/maps/cVzAK6Nzq8Q9yUQg8

[painandinjury]

How to Manage Hip Stiffness and Pain

The hip joints are a key component to stabilization and ambulation of the human frame, so if you are experiencing problems with one or both of your hips, it is going to cause some loss of basic movements required by common activities of daily living, which translates to a reduction in quality of life.  It is therefore imperative that you be mindful of your hip health at all times:  take care not to place excessive shock trauma and repetitive stress to your hips; engage in exercises and stretches that condition your hip stabilizers.

The hip joint, or acetabulofemoral joint is a ball and socket type joint that supports the weight of the body in a static (standing) position and ambulatory position (running, walking).  Its two articulating parts are the femoral head of the femur (upper leg bone) and the acetabulum of the pelvis (coxae), a bowl-like depression lined with cartilage.

Your hips bear quite a bit of repetitious force every day, and if you run and/or play sports that involve jumping and landing such as basketball or gymnastics, then those hip joints are really taking a pounding.

The hip/pelvis complex, like a $10,000 mountain bike, is designed to absorb shock from multiple planes while simultaneously enabling movement.  A high-end mountain bike can be ridden over uneven ground and can withstand shock forces from bumpy terrain, drops and jumps thanks to a multiple- jointed frame outfitted with shock absorbers.  Like the mountain bike, the hip/pelvis complex enables the human body to absorb shock while ambulating.

The hip joints are balanced under the coxae, with the femoral heads partially inserted into the acetabulae and held in tightly by strong but stretchable capsular ligaments.  Smooth, nearly frictionless cartilage lines the femoral head and the acetabulum.  Comprised mainly of water molecules bound by proteins, cartilage is able to absorb shock and rebound, since water is incompressible.  In youth, cartilage is thicker, suppler and more resilient than in those past age 40 but as you age your cartilage thins and is less capable of absorbing repetitive shock; hence the difficulty of running for exercise as you age.

Rear view of the hip muscles.

The Ilia and ischia of the pelvis serve as broad attachment points for the hip stabilizer muscles:  gluteus maximus and minimus, psoas, adductor brevis and longus, and the deep hip rotator muscles (gamellus, piriformus).  These are the hip mobilizers and shock absorbers that give the hip joints their main function of propelling the body on flat and uneven ground, and stabilizing them when the upper body needs a stationary anchor such as during heavy lifting.

So what are the main types of hip problems?

The most common problem that affects the hips is osteoarthritis.  With so much pounding forces absorbed daily, the hips are prone to degenerative changes more so than other joints with the exception of the knees.  Tiny fissures appear in the cartilage and gradually expand over time, like a windshield crack that grows longer from the constant dips and bumps of driving.  The cracks turn into pits, and the hip joint starts to lose its smooth, fluid movement; giving way to clicking, stiffness, and limited range of motion.  Although osteoarthritis is often referred to as a “degenerative joint disease,” this term is not entirely accurate.  There is indeed a degenerative process involving progressive loss of articular cartilage, but there is also a reparative process in response to this degeneration that involves new bone formation, osteophyte growth, and remodelling.  The dynamic process of destruction and repair determines the final disease picture.

In advanced hip osteoarthritis, the pit erodes all the way down to the bone, and at that point you start getting pain in your hips, and where there is pain there usually is inflammation.  The hip capsule may fill up with inflammatory exudate, increasing the internal pressure of the hip joint and adding to the stiffness.

Risk factors, or things that will increase your chances of prematurely developing hip osteoarthritis are:

Previous injuries to one or both of your hips – a fall, sports injury, car accident, etc.

Participating in sports or other activities that involve high impact landings

Being overweight for much of your adult life

Smoking, as smoking restricts oxygen to tissues which is needed for maintenance and repair

Genetic factors – having a parent who got premature hip osteoarthritis

The genetic factors likely involve protein mutations that render the cartilage’s ability to bind water less efficient, making it extra vulnerable to shocks.  They may also involve abnormal production of synovial fluid by the cells of the synovial tissue that surrounds the joint.  Synovial fluid is analagous to motor oil in a car’s cylinder– it minimizes friction between the moving parts, so if production of synovial fluid is low, you will get erosion of the articulating surfaces; i.e. the cartilage on the femoral head and the acetabulum, accelerating the disease process.

Another form of hip pain and stiffness may be from iliotibial (IT) band syndrome.  The IT band is a broad ligament that originates on the iliac crest of the hip bone; passes over the greater trochanter of the femur (that hard bump you can feel on the sides of your hips, right underneath the skin); and then inserts into the lateral epicondyle of the proximal tibia (lower leg bone).  This is a condition that some runners get, and involves strain to the ligament and tenderness at its insertions points.  It most often causes pain on the side of the knee, but can also cause diffuse, broad pain over the entire hip.  Tenderness and pain at ligament insertion points (into the bone) typically involve micro-tears from mechanical stress, and/or inflammation to the periosteum, the thin layer of tissue where the fibers attach to the bone.

Aneurysmal bone cysts, a benign but potentially destructive bone tumor may occur in the femur near the hip.  It involves the growth of a tumor inside the bone, filled with fluid and blood.  Normal bone is replaced by the tumor, which deforms and weakens the bone, making it prone to fracture.   ABCs typically start in the first 20 years of life and can remain into adulthood if not dealt with.  Make sure to rule this out before doing any physical therapy for hip pain; aneurysmal bone cysts are easily identified on X-ray.

There are other pathological conditions that affect the hip that can cause pain and stiffness, such as slipped capital femoral epiphysis (another pathology common to youth), fibrous dysplasia and other bone disorders but won’t be discussed in this article.  Just know that these can be a long-shot cause of hip pain, and can be usually ruled out on X-ray.

Those with hip pain or discomfort due to progressive hip osteoarthritis know the consequences:

Very stiff hips upon waking in the morning, that improves up to a point as the day goes on.

Laborious walking; takes extra effort to move your legs

Aggressive movements like jumping and running are out of the question

For some, burning pain in the hips

Can’t stand for very long; have to sit

For those who have medical insurance, it’s a matter of time before they elect to have an artificial hip inserted.

So what should you do if you have hip pain from osteoarthritis, and are years away from considering hip replacement?

Here’s what I recommend:

Change your Diet:  what you choose to eat day to day has the biggest influence on your health.  Make 80 percent of your diet plant-based; and of that amount, about half of it raw (uncooked).  Suggestions:  green leafy vegetables such as chard, collard greens and spinach for the cooked; red leaf and green leaf lettuce, red cabbage, and endive for the raw.  Basically, vegetables with purple and red hues are the best as they are rich in anti-oxidants.

Include protein, about 10 ounces per day.  Organic grass fed meat, deep water fish, sardines, and pastured eggs are good choices.  Whey protein and pea protein powder are also good.

Include fats high in Omega 3 fatty acids, and some saturated fat.  Fats are a component of cell membranes especially in nerves, and they are a needed energy source for your body.  Salmon, mackerel, eggs, nuts and seeds are good choices.

And of course, drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated.  We humans are almost 80% water, and you lose water from your body with every exhalation.

Reduce daily stress in your life:  if your life is stressful, make an effort to remove the stress.  Stress has an adverse effect on your health and well-being.  It can raise blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and cortisol levels, which promote fat weight gain.

Get some negative ions:  negative ions are abundant in nature; i.e. the outdoors.  They can neutralize harmful positive ions that are plentiful where there is pollution and electronics; i.e. cities.  Take off your shoes and socks, and walk on grass in a nearby park.  This will “ground” your body, discharging some of your positive ions and equalizing your electrical charge with the Earth’s.

Do low-impact exercises for fitness:  you don’t have to go crazy to get a good workout.  Using your body’s own weight is sufficient. Planks, squats, pushups, crunches, and lunges are great.  For weights, use kettlebells.  Cycling can be a good exercise for those with early osteoarthritis of the hip, as the pedaling moves the hip in a non-weight bearing position.

Lastly, use a Pulsed EMF mat daily.  Pulsed EMF is considered “energy medicine.”  It is the external application of electromagnetic fields similar to those produced by your body, to augment the potential energy the body uses to help drive biological activity; i.e. molecular movement such as blood flow and nutrient transport.  This can improve blood circulation and cell membrane transport of nutrients, proteins and wastes; thus improving cell function.  In weak tissues, Pulsed EMF can stimulate healing by energizing reparative cells.  Can Pulsed EMF help cause worn cartilage to regenerate?  Several studies such as this one found that pulsed EMF can upregulate the expression of a gene that controls cartilage production in chondrocytes.  It’s definitely worth a try.

Some studies show that Pulsed EMF can help cartilage regenerate.

Go here for more info on Pulsed EMF.

To recap, your hip joints are essential to a high quality of life.  They serve to ambulate you, and enable your body to perform basic movements required of daily living such as lifting, carrying, and bending.  They are also prone to degeneration, so be mindful of the health of your hip joints – avoid repetitive, high-impact activities that may accelerate degeneration.  If you like running, change your running stride to one that more resembles fast walking, where there is minimal to no change in height of your head as you run and therefore minimal impact to your knees and hips upon heel strike when running.  In fact, if you run, focus the impact of your foot on the ball of your foot as it contacts the ground, not the heel.  Running can be good for health, and your bones, when done right – not too aggressively; with moderation.

[speedcar-me]

Car care at home v/s Professional car care

Summer car care is extensive in comparison with other seasons’ car care. The car demands your regular attention, failure to which your car may make you wait at the roadside under the scorching sun.

There are certain tips you can practice at home to keep your car fresh. Like, washing the car every day, protection from direct sunlight, regular checking of the entire car, etc.

It is effective as well as time-consuming. If you are an occupied person, you may hardly spare time for your beloved car. And, this is when professional car care comes to rescue.

Professionals offer extensive services, not only to protect your car from UV rays but also to enhance its showroom shine from inside and outside.

Introduction

No one likes Summer’s extreme heat. As the Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause direct harm to skin and in the same way, it can cause irreparable damage to your car’s paint and its internal parts.

Let us look at the professional care your car needs in the summer. Also, we are here to give you free tips to protect your car at home, so buckle up.

How will you safeguard your car this summer?

Oil and Oil Filter

If you haven’t changed your oil in a while, then this is for you. Irrespective of the weather, the oil and at times the oil filter, needs your attentiveness.

The oil unblocks the way for the smooth functioning of engine parts, and the oil filter arrests the dirt and grime. With a deeply cleaned oil filter, your car picks cleaner oil. Better the car oil filter, better the engine.

If you are thinking of driving without an oil filter, then the severe engine damage is inevitable.

Windshield Protection

Extreme sunlight directly affects the windshield, which may result in cracks. The switching temperature from within and outside of your car can worsen the windshields due to high-pressure.

A partially damaged windshield affects harshly as the temperature changes. It is the glass’s nature to contract in winter and expand in summer.

We suggest our clients to handle windshields with great care.

And immediate replacement of the partially damaged windshield.

Tyres

In Summer, maintain the car pressure thoroughly. On long trips, check the tyre pressure regularly. Low tyre pressures influence the fuel economy. Discuss with an expert if you are unaware of your tyre’s condition.

To beat the summer heat, wash your tyres regularly. Also, look for the sign of wear and tear. We advise waxing the tyres to protect from the summer heat. It will also expand the longevity of your car’s tyres.

Car Paint

There is nothing more harmful to your Car Paint and polish than the Sun’s UV rays and the dirt and grime. The best solution to protect the paint is with the cover. But you can’t always store your car aside.

It is feasible to maintain your car’s paint through car wash regularly. Routine maintenance does wonders to your car.

But what’s more? Regular washing is not enough. In summer, get the premium coat of wax to save the showroom shine from deterioration.

Conclusion.

Car’s are high-maintenance, even more on hard summer sweating days. Cars are severely affected due to the negligence of the owners. The least you can do to shield your car is cover it. If your car needs reparation, we recommend no delay.

If you are running out of time, professional car care is always ready to provide their best car services.

[crystalglassca]

Here’s Why Rock Chip Repairs Are Important

Unfortunately, as a car owner, windshield chips are a part of life. Windshields get cracked and chipped all the time, and while they can often seem insignificant, neglecting them isn’t a wise move.

You see, minor chips on your windshield can quickly grow into large, irreparable cracks, and a windshield replacement can cost you hundreds of dollars depending on the vehicle you drive. It can even cost more if your vehicle is fitted with an ADAS system.

Therefore, taking a proactive approach to getting the rock chips on your windshield fixed can save you a significant amount of money. Here are a few more reasons why a windshield chips should be repaired ASAP.

A Chipped Windshield Can Compromise Your Vehicle’s Structural Integrity

The purpose of modern windshields is a lot more than just keeping the wind and bugs out of your face when you drive. In fact, a modern windshield is an integral component of the overall safety mechanism of a vehicle.

A chipped windshield not only impacts the driver’s visibility, but it also compromises the structural integrity of the vehicle. In a roll-over accident, the windshield supports the roof and prevents it from crushing the occupants of the vehicle. Moreover, it also prevents the occupants from being thrown from the vehicle and also helps the airbags to deploy properly. When the windshield is chipped or damaged, its ability to perform any of these functions is severely impacted.

Small Chips Can Quickly Turn into Large Cracks

While we’ve already mentioned this above, it’s worth elaborating. The increased pressure on the glass can quickly turn minor chips into large cracks. Pressure can come from various sources, such as temperature changes or taking your car through a car wash. If the crack is too large, it may not be reparable, and the only option you’ll be left with is to get the entire windshield replaced. This can be quite costly if your insurance doesn’t cover windshield damage.  

You Could Get into Trouble with the Law

Canada has several laws that cover windshield condition. If your windshield is chipped or cracked, you could be issued a ticket. Law enforcement personnel can even order the removal of a vehicle from the road since the damage can impair visibility or distract the driver.

One of Canada’s premier auto glass companies, Crystal Glass specializes in windshield repairs and replacements, regardless of the make or model of the vehicle you have. The company has over 50 locations which are spread across Edmonton, Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Furthermore, Crystal Glass is also an expert at ADAS recalibration. Call them today at 310-GLAS or get a free quote!

[dlslocum1966]

How To Fix Rock Chipped Windshields

Rock chips are nearly difficult to evade, but gratefully they can be secured. Below are the tips and procedures for rapidly fixing those damages.

Penned by: Lora Davis.

Rock Chip Repair – Procedure and Cost

Your car’s windshield is very strong but it can be damaged. If the windshield suffers any impact, large or small, it can cause holes or cracks. If it is minor damage you can have the process called rock chip repair done. One example of how this type of damage could occur is if you are following behind a dump truck and a small stone flies off and hits the windshield can cause a small hole in your windshield.

When some people notices this hole they think they should have the windshield replaced. This can cost more money than you need to pay if you just have it repaired. Approximately seventy-five percent of damage to the windshield can be repaired.

The main requirement is that the crack or hole cannot be in the direct line of sight of the driver because some repair work can leave a mark behind. If this mark is between the visibility and of the driver, it can cause problems. If you wait and the crack spiders out it can be hard to repair because over time it will gather debris and dust making the repair results less than satisfactory.

If you cannot get it repaired immediately, cover the hole or crack with clear tape to prevent dust and debris from getting inside it.

Article source.

Your car’s windshield is very robust but it can be broken. If the windshield undergoes any impact, big or trifling, it can be the grounds for holes or fissures. If it is slight destruction you can have the procedure called rock chip restoration completed.

Written by: Autoblog Staff.

How To Fix A Rock Chip

First, get touch-up paint at your local car dealership using your vehicle’s VIN, which will cost roughly $15-20 for a tube of touch-up. Next, clean the rock chip with rubbing alcohol or another wax remover to ensure the best possible bond between the paint and the bare metal. While you let the chip air dry after cleaning, take out the paint bottle and give it a good shake for 10-15 seconds for even pigment distribution.

Close the paint bottle for now, then lightly tap the pen to help the paint fall into the tube. You’ll notice the touch-up will not drip out of the tiny tube without it being placed in the chip during use. Next, fill the chip up with thin layers of paint, allowing each coat to dry for a few minutes before adding another if necessary. The goal is to fill the chip up slowly, and allow time for shrinkage as it dries.

Article obtained here.

If you have numerous fissures or holes or had this restoration work completed previously you should decide on to change the windshield. Generally this sort of reparation effort is handled by your auto insurance but you must verify it first. And for your body repair needs we at Guanella will take care of it for you.

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