If you’ve recently experienced damage to your windshield, it’s time to call for estimates. Even minor chips can turn into bigger cracks that can make your car unsafe to drive, so it’s best to act quickly!
Luckily, windshield replacement isn’t as complicated or costly as you might think. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest vehicle repairs on the market.
Cost
The cost of windshield replacement varies based on a number of factors. These include location, service provider, and type of damage. Additionally, the cost may also differ due to the vehicle’s make, model, or year.
Often, insurance will cover windshield repairs or a total replacement. However, you should always check with your insurer before making any decisions.
A small crack or chip can grow into a larger one over time, and it’s important to repair the problem immediately to avoid further problems. In addition, windshields protect many of your car’s safety systems that rely on sensors placed behind the glass.
If a cracked windshield is too large to repair, it might be better to have it replaced altogether. This is especially true for star-shaped breaks that aren’t repairable and can extend rapidly when the windshield is exposed to sudden changes in temperature or driving over a pothole.
Time
A windshield is a safety feature that helps keep you safe on the road. A broken or cracked one can be very dangerous and even cause an accident.
It is important to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. It is not worth risking a damaged windshield that could become dangerous and cost you more in the long run.
When you leave the shop with your new windshield, it is important to follow the instructions given by the technician. This includes waiting at least an hour after installation for the adhesive to harden and the new windshield to properly seal.
The technician will also tell you about safe drive away times, which can vary depending on the type of glass used, the weather conditions and the type of adhesive used to secure the new windshield in place. Some replacements can be done in an hour or less while others may take several hours before you can safely drive the vehicle again.
Safety
The windshield in your vehicle does more than keep you out of the rain – it also protects you from flying road debris, and provides structural stability in the event of a rollover accident. These properties make the windshield a very important safety device, and it should be installed to meet all applicable safety regulations.
The Auto Glass Safety Council, formed in the 1990’s by a group of glass retailers, carmakers and manufacturers, developed standards for the industry to follow. These standards are based on federal motor vehicle safety requirements and ensure that your vehicle is safe when you drive it.
Technicians who replace windshields should be trained to recognize and address potential issues during the installation process. They should ensure that the old windshield is free of rust and corrosion, and the frame is clean of molding and adhesive. They should also check that the new windshield has a proper fit and that the fresh bead of adhesive is not bubbled or gapped.
Warranty
If you have a windshield replacement, it’s important to understand the warranty and conditions associated with your new glass. Depending on the specific shop, the warranty may cover repairs for a certain amount of time or even a lifetime.
There are several different types of damage that can affect a windshield, including dings and chips. Bulls-eye and partial bulls-eye are circular chips, while pits are a shallow crater that occurs over time when a small piece of debris hit the windshield.
Star breaks and combination breaks are also common types of damage that can impact your ability to see. These are small craters that can scatter light, which makes it difficult for you to be able to see the road ahead of you.
Other potential problems you should look for include air and water leaks. Check for a whooshing sound from your vehicle when you drive at high speeds, which means that air is making its way between your windshield and the frame of your vehicle.