Choosing Between Windshield Replacement and Auto Glass Repair

If you have a small scratch or a crack in your car window or if your car glass is chipped, at some point you will start wondering if you should replace or repair your windshield. So, how do you decide what's better - auto glass repair or windshield replacement?

This is not really a difficult question to answer. These days, most of the auto glass repair services can easily repair your car window if it's scratched or chipped, but if it's cracked, then you definitely should replace it to bring back the car's structural integrity and protect yourself and your passengers.

windshield replacement and auto glass repairTry to find an auto glass repair company near you that offers a full range of auto glass repair and windshield replacement services, including side window glasses, windshields, and mirrors for RVs, busses, tractors, SUVs, vans, trucks, and cars. A respected auto glass repair services should also offer you some sort of windshield replacement guarantee. Ideally, this auto glass repair company should also offer insurance filing. But, make sure they actually work directly with the major insurance companies.

It would be prudent of you to require that the windshield replacement company you are going to use offers installation of the OEM (Original Equipment Manufactured) quality car window glass. OEM windshields are preferable because they are manufactured at the same factory as your carmaker used.

Another thing to look for in your windshield replacement service is whether they support  the U.S. windshield replacement  standards called AGRSS (Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards). Check if your auto repair service is registered with AGRSS, before signing a contract.

Here's how the auto glass repair or windshield replacement process looks like:

Stage 1.  Damage Assessment.

If your car window has just a small chip, then most likely it can be repaired with the help of a specific auto glass repair resin combined with polishing techniques. If the windshield is cracked, and the crack is bigger than a dollar bill, then, most likely your windshield needs to be fully replaced using an OEM quality glass along with the manufacturer recommended adhesives.

Stage 2. Windshield removal.

Even though it's an easy process, removing your car glass must be done with extra care so that the pinchweld is not damaged accidently. Pinchweld is the ridge that you can see around your vehicle's frame and its job is to hold the car window in place. Should the pinchweld become somehow damaged the new adhesive won't seal properly , which may result in leaks and corrosionwindshield chip repair of rust on the car's frame. Proper windshield removal can only be done with the latest extraction equipment.

Stage 3. Proper Replacement Windshield Selection.

I won't be surprised if you will want the windshield replacement be done correctly the first time. If you are going for the OEM quality windshield glass, then you know that it will fit nicely restoring your car to its original form. Remember that if it's not OEM quality windshield glass, then most likely it is made from an OEM windshield mold copy, and not from the windshield's original factory mold. Therefore, if your windshield is a copy, then it may not be made to the exact dimension of the original factory windshield, or the glass may come out a bit too thin. This is very unfortunate as it will definitely result in leaks, or increased road noise, or the glass may not properly protect you during a car accident. Rest assured, the OEM quality windshield glass will fit right away into the place.

Stage 4. New Adhesive Application.

If you go for the OEM  quality windshield, then you should also choose the OEM quality adhesive. Most auto glass repair companies use such quality adhesives as Dow and Sika, as those are the same quality adhesives used by most car makers. In any case, just ensure that the correct adhesive is applied to your car's pinchweld as well as the replacement windshield edges.

 Stage 5. New Windshield Installation.

AGRSS Council sets standards for windshield installation, and you need to make sure that your auto glass repair service follow these procedures. Part of the AGRSS certification is a 20-point checklist that your auto glass company needs to follow. One of the most important factors though in windshield replacement is adherence to the recommended drive-away time. The installers must allow a  specific period of time for the adhesive to set before the car can be safely driven. If not, the car window may move in the pinchweld and won't stick to the frame correctly. If your car gets involved into a car accident, the windshield may pop out as it didn't properly cure during the adhesive process, thus exposing you and your passengers to a risk of injury. So, it is important that you follow all the instructions regarding the drive-away time.

Stage 6. Windshield Replacement Guarantee.

Does your auto glass company offer a guarantee after they have performed an OEM-quality windshield replacement? Well, they should, if it is a quality installation. As a minimum, you should be offered a 12-month guarantee that offers a repair or replacement of the windshield in case it's broken or otherwise damaged within 12 months after the date of replacement. This should be at no charge to the client.

These should help you decide what your car needs: a windshield replacement or auto glass repair.

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Filed under: Auto Glass Repair

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