Windshields Direct LLC are complex pieces of glass that must be carefully crafted to fit perfectly into the vehicle’s structural design. It’s also important to use OEM or original windshields – with a Department of Transportation (DOT) approval rating, if possible.
A full replacement is necessary for damage that includes bullseye chips or cracks longer than an inch. Repairing these damages could distort the driver’s view and pose a safety risk.
A new windshield for your car can cost several hundred dollars or more depending on the make and model of your vehicle and the specific features it has. The cost of a replacement will also vary depending on whether your insurance company covers the repair or not. If the cost is not covered, you will have to pay out-of-pocket. Some companies offer online quotes that will give you a general idea of what the total cost will be. They will ask for information such as the year, make and model of your car and what kind of ADAS technology it has. This includes things like rain-sensing wipers and head-up displays.
Windshield repairs and replacement are important for both safety and appearance reasons. Small cracks and chips can often be repaired, but if left untreated these small damages can grow into larger cracks that are very dangerous to you and other drivers on the road. If the damage is located within the driver’s line of vision, it is almost always better to replace the entire windshield rather than just the damaged section.
The size of the crack or chip is another factor that will influence the cost of your windshield repair or replacement. The smaller the crack or chip, the easier and cheaper it will be to repair. Cracks that are three inches or more in length are usually difficult to repair, but may be able to be done if the damage is not too extensive. Cracks that are shaped like spider webs or have multiple circular chips are usually too extensive to be repaired and will need to be replaced.
Some companies offer aftermarket glass for different vehicles, which is generally cheaper than OEM (original equipment manufacturer) glass. However, some of the cheaper options do not meet the quality standards that the DOT (Department of Transportation) requires to be safe for use in cars. It is recommended that you only purchase and install glass that has been tested and certified as AS1 by the DOT.
Some companies offer specialized windshields that are designed to work with ADAS technology, including sensors and other features such as heated windshield wiper park areas. This type of glass can be more expensive than a regular windshield, but it is worth it for the added safety. It is also a good idea to only go with technicians who are familiar with working with ADAS technology, as improper recalibration of the system can lead to disastrous consequences.
When you choose a shop for your windshield repair, it’s important to ensure that they offer a warranty on their work. The warranty should protect you against defects in workmanship or materials for as long as you own your car. It should also cover the cost of a replacement if the original windshield becomes cracked or damaged again. A quality shop will have certified technicians and a good reputation for customer service. You can contact the shop for more details about their warranty policies.
While most auto manufacturers provide lifetime warranties on their vehicles, they often exclude some parts. These exceptions are often the result of environmental factors or other issues that cannot be controlled by the vehicle owner. For example, windshields can crack due to sudden temperature changes. If you put ice on your windshield and then pour boiling water on it, the glass will likely crack.
A bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranty may cover a vehicle’s windshield. However, it is important to understand that these warranties are different from insurance packages. Insurance companies, such as provide comprehensive coverage that includes a variety of automobile parts. Unlike warranties, these insurance packages are not limited to a certain time period.
Windshields are an integral part of your car’s safety system, and it is critical to keep them in good condition to ensure that you can drive safely. A broken windshield can interfere with your vision and cause you to crash into objects or other cars. Moreover, it can also compromise your safety by restricting the air flow into your cabin.
The manufacturer of your vehicle will typically provide a lifetime warranty on the windshields. If your windshield becomes damaged or discolored, you can get it replaced at the dealership or another certified repair shop. If your vehicle has sensors or cameras in its windshield, you will need to have them recalibrated after a windshield replacement.
Some extended warranties, such as the Mopar Extended Warranty, include coverage for your windshields. However, these warranties are not available in all states and have specific limitations and exclusions. You can find the best warranty by comparing the benefits and costs of each option. You can also review other consumer reviews of the warranty providers to make an informed decision.
Your windshield doesn’t just protect you from flying rocks; it’s also home to a series of cameras and sensors that enable your car’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). It’s important to ensure that any replacement windshields are properly installed to preserve these features, which often require calibration to work correctly. Unfortunately, there are some shady glass installers that cut corners by using cheap OEM or OEE glass instead of the original glass from your car’s manufacturer.
One way to determine the quality of your windshield’s installation is to check its appearance in full sunlight. If the glass has a wavy appearance, it means that the adhesive was not properly applied to the windshield frame. It’s a good idea to visit an auto glass repair shop as soon as you notice this issue.
Besides looking unappealing, this type of faulty installation can lead to air and water leaks in the vehicle frame. In addition, it can cause your car’s roof to collapse in an accident.
If your windshield has complex damage, you may need to replace it with an OE windshield. It’s important to choose a company that can trace the original glass from your manufacturer, as this will guarantee a perfect fit and long-lasting adhesive. Additionally, you should always ensure that the new windshield is bonded to the frame of your vehicle with the urethane adhesive. Otherwise, it may not adhere to the frame securely and can pop off the roof in an accident.
Another sign of a poor installation is the presence of a dull whooshing sound when driving at high speeds. This is caused by wind getting into the cracks and crevices of the windshield where it was incorrectly installed.
Some common types of windshield damage are chips, dings, and pits. A chip is a small and shallow hole in the glass that can develop into a crack over time. A ding is a smaller pit in the glass that doesn’t extend all the way to the edge of your windshield. A crack usually starts at the edge of your windshield and is referred to as an edge crack. Finally, a star break or stars refers to a windshield with multiple small cracks that aren’t symmetrical and are sometimes referred to as a combination break.
Windshields aren’t just for glare reduction or visual clarity; they also play an important role in safety on the road. A cracked windshield can impair your vision and lead to more serious accidents, especially if it comes into contact with airbags during a crash. In some states, failing to have a windshield repaired or replaced could result in a driving infraction and fine.
Windscreen damage is usually covered under your comprehensive auto insurance coverage, but you may have to pay a deductible first. This amount is normally lower than the cost of the repair, so you’ll save money by paying for it out-of-pocket before your insurance company covers the rest of the expense. It’s best to act fast on any cracks or chips in your windshield, as they can spread quickly.
It’s also worth noting that a crack in your windshield can negatively impact your ability to use certain on-board safety features, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These are designed to improve your overall driving experience by providing you with early warnings about potential hazards, such as pedestrians or cars in your blind spot. They can also reduce the number of avoidable accidents, by alerting drivers if they are drifting out of their lane.
If you’re using these systems and have to get your windshield repaired, you will need to have the ADAS camera recalibrated. This is because a damaged windshield can interfere with the sensors, which will affect their accuracy and performance. At Safelite, we can perform both windshield replacement and camera recalibration in the same appointment, as well as offer a full warranty on our work.
A quality windshield is critical for safety, not only because it’s the most important part of your car’s front structure in a collision, but also because it supports the roof in a rollover accident. A windshield that’s poorly installed can pop out during an accident, increasing the risk of being ejected from your vehicle and causing severe injuries. You should only trust an experienced professional to work on your windshield. Invest in high-quality materials and ensure that the technician is familiar with your vehicle’s make and model to guarantee a safe and secure installation.
