Cheap Windshield Replacement

Tips on How To Find Cheap Windshield Replacement

If you're looking for a cheap windshield replacement, you first need to find out whether your windshield can be repaired or will require a complete windshield replacement cost.

You're probably going to need a replacement if the crack has started at the edge of your windshield and worked its way to the middle. Also, if the cracks has caused the surface of your windshield to become uneven, it's going to need to be replaced.

Although it may appear as though the glass is fragile, it actually is composed of 3 layers.

While many windshields last for many years, if you incur a crack or scratch, you need to take care of it quickly. Otherwise the repair cost is just going to increase or you may need a total windshield replacement.

To get a better idea of the state of your windshield, it's best to get it checked out at your local glass shop. If the shop says they can repair the damage, then you're all set. But if they recommend a complete windshield replacement, that doesn't necessarily mean you have buy a brand new one.

You can more than likely find a cheap windshield replacement at your local junkyard. Since color is not a factor, you stand a good chance of finding your windshield replacement there. When you locate a windshield, just bring it to your local auto glass shop and have them install it.

Even if you have windshield that can be repaired, it may be worth your while to see if you can find a windshield at your local junkyard rather than having it repaired.

Another way to secure yourself a cheap windshield replacement is by shopping around before you settle on an auto glass shop to do business with. Don't assume the best auto glass shops are the ones that spend the most money on advertising.

Get as many quotes as possible to get a better idea of what the fairest cost is for either a windshield repair or replacement.

Find Out if You Need an Auto Glass Replacement or Repair

Do you need an auto glass replacement or repair? Before answering that question, you should know the difference between an auto glass repair and an auto glass replacement.

Auto Glass Repair - When Can The Windshield Be Saved?

If a chip or fine crack is on your windshield, auto glass repair is typically called for. This procedure is not very expensive and the entire windshield does not have to be replaced. And because the insurance company does not have to pay for a windshield replacement cost, they will typically cover all the costs for the auto glass repair.

A windshield is constructed of two glass layers with a layer of vinyl between them. A windshield can usually be repaired if the chip or crack damaged only the outer layer of glass, and if the crack or chip is the size of a quarter or smaller.

How Does Auto Glass Repair Work?

Resin is inserted into the crack to seal and keep if free from dirt and moisture.

When is Auto Glass Replacement Necessary?

Auto glass replacement is called for when the crack on the windshield has widened so much that resin will not be able to seal it. A good rule of thumb whether the crack or chip has to be replaced is if the crack is larger than a quarter or dollar bill. If the crack if larger than either of these, a replacement is usually in order.

Many insurance companies also cover the windshield replacement cost after a deductible has been paid.

How Does Auto Glass Replacement Work?

First, the damaged windshield is removed from the car. Then the auto glass frame is thoroughly cleaned. After this the frame is coated with urethane, which bonds the brand new windshield to the car.

Compared to auto glass repair, this is a much more involved and costly process.

This is why it's extremely important to repair the windshield as soon as possible. Otherwise, the only option left will be an auto glass replacement.

Auto Windshield Repair – Complete Guide

Auto windshield repair is an annoyance that almost all car owners face at some point. Not too many people go their entire lives without incurring at least one nick, chip, or crack on their windshield. Weather conditions and car washes are just a few factors that can turn a small crack or chip into a major problem over the course of time.

If the problem becomes too severe, the entire windshield will have to be replaced. And a windshield replacement cost is no small expense. To avoid this scenario, get the windshield repaired as soon as possible.

The following guide will help you decide on how to best handle the chip, nick, or scratch you unhappily find yourself dealing with.

Do-It-Yourself Auto Windshield Repair

A do-it-yourself repair kit is ideal for a small cracks that resemble a star. Usually, these start shaped cracks will have very small veins stemming from the center of the crack. Do-it-yourself kits can be bought at local automotive supply stores and can prevent the crack from spreading any more.

These kits contain suctions cups that act as a stabilizer to attach to the windshield. These cups make it possible to fill the crack with resin included in the repair kit.

The repair itself is rather simple and pretty straightforward. Just make sure to follow the direction exactly.

Professional Auto Windshield Repair

If the crack seems beyond your capability, but a professional deems it repairable, they can employ a tactic very similar to the do-it-yourself method. The only difference is that they use an ultraviolet light to dry the resin.

When the resin dries, the crack will appear less noticeable and the overall repair will look cleaner than had it been performed at home. This kind of repair can either be performed at an auto windshield repair shop or many times the shop can travel to your home or work to perform the repair.

Many insurers will cover the entire cost of the car window repair because it saves them from paying the windshield replacement cost.

Professional Windshield Replacement

If your windshield crack is very large or the veins extend beyond a couple feet, the glass will typically have to be replaced. When this happens, you will have to turn to a professional. But this repair can also often be done from your home or office. Or you can always take your car into a dealer or windshield repair shop.

Most insurers require drivers to pay a deductible and then will pay the entire cost of the repair.

Windshield cracks are never anybody's idea of a good time, but whether you take on the auto windshield repair yourself or leave it to a pro, your best bet is to take care of the problem as soon as possible.

Car Window Repair – Do-It-Yourself Instructions

Tips For At-Home Car Window Repair

It's always a hassle having to deal with the annoyance of an automotive windshield repair. And the total windshield replacement cost can add up to much more than originally expected. However, if you want to take on a job like this yourself to save some money, a car windshield repair can be done yourself.

Here's a step-by-step do-it-yourself guide:

Cleaning

The first step is to choose a cleaner that is alcohol based. You don't want to use any cleaners that are ammonia based. After you have finished cleaning the surface, dry the area with a soft terry cloth.

Then make sure the chip or scratch is fee of dirt and debris.

Filling The Scratches

The next step is to make an equal parts solution of jeweler's rouge, glycerin, and water. Add 2 teaspoons of each ingredient and mix well. Once you have done this, apply the solution to the scratched area.

Then fill in the crack with the solution. Just be careful not too press on the surface of the glass, or the crack may become worse. It takes about 30 seconds for the area to cure.

For deeper, more serious cracks, repeat the process until the crack is cured.

Treating Chips

To treat windshield chips, the process is much the same, but the approach is different. You'll first need to buy a chip repair kit, which can be located at almost any automotive supply store or major retailers like Wal Mart for about $15 to $20.

These repair kits will typically contain suction cups and small jigs. Additionally, resin bags will be included to help keep the glass flat. Just follow the instructions provided with the windshield repair kit.

Repairing Water Spots

Water spots are the result of minerals from water left standing on the windshield. The best way to prevent water spots is to thoroughly dry the windshield after it has been wet.

But you can polish away the spots. Much like paint, glass can be polished. Just apply the polish by hand or buffer, and when polishing just be careful not to use too much pressure.

After the polish has begun to dry, quit polishing and buff away the remaining residue with a micro-fiber towel.

When to Have Your Car Window Repair Done By a Professional

It's one thing to take on minor cracks, nicks, abrasions, and chips yourself with a do-it-yourself kit, but if the damage has caused stars, major cracks, huge missing chunks, or spiders, don't make matters worse by trying to take care of the problem yourself.

Go to a car window repair professional and take care of it the right way.

Tips On Getting a Car Window Repair Quote

Always Get a Car Window Repair Quote Prior To Having Work Done

If you are looking to repair a damaged car window, it's in your best interest to get a number of car window repair quotes. Whether the car window is able to be repaired or has to replaced with a new one, getting a number of estimates prior to getting the job done will give you a reasonable price range for the total window or windshield replacement cost.

A written estimate will also ensure against paying for work you didn't agree to having performed. Possessing a good understanding of how an estimate is calculated will give you a better idea of what things to look for in a fair and agreeable window repair estimate.

Auto window repair estimates are calculated by adding up the costs of parts and labor. Once the window repair shop has inspected the damage to your window, you will then be given a written estimate. If the terms are agreeable, you will then be able to sign it and keep it for your records.

The majority of states require service providers to provide an initial estimate free of charge. If additional unforeseen work is necessary, you should be provided with a supplemental estimate detailing those costs. The total agreed upon car or windshield replacement cost will include the initial estimated costs plus the added expenses of the supplemental estimate.

It is highly advised to avoid working with a dealer or shop that refuses to provide an initial estimate prior to working on your car. One other important factor in getting a fair and reliable car window repair estimate is knowing the company you are doing business with.

Deductibles are waived for car window repairs in some states. This has caused some unscrupulous shops and dealers to needlessly replace windows and windshields. This practice is illegal and considered insurance fraud.

If the window or windshield damage is minor, some shops may not provide an estimate if their intention is to replace the entire windshield. In this event, you as the consumer can also be charged with car window insurance fraud because you, in effect, agreed to unnecessary and costly window replacements.

Locating a fair and reputable business for your car window repair doesn't have to be an arduous chore. Just collect a few initial repair estimates prior to the start of the work. And stay away from shops that offer to replace the car window entirely when the damage appears minor.

Lastly, due your diligence by checking the backgrounds of various car window repair companies for complaints on Internet sites such as the Better Business Bureau and RipOffReport.com. Also, don't forget to ask family and friends for their recommendations.

Windshield Replacement Cost

Windshield Replacement Cost - Deciding Whether To Repair or Replace

So, that big old 18-wheeler truck just shot a rock at your windshield. The force of it created a penny-size chip right in your line of vision. Not only that, if the chip isn't quickly repaired or replaced, it will soon spread across the whole windshield.

It wasn't that long when a crack or chip meant a complete windshield replacement. But today things are different. Advances in technology have made it possible to repair windshields that years would have been replaced.

These advances not only save the windshield, but also save the expense of a complete windshield replacement cost. But even with these technological advancements in glass repair, not all windshields can be salvaged. If the damage caused to your windshield is severe, a complete windshield replacement will probably be necessary.

Should The Windshield Be Replaced or Repaired?

Windshield replacement or repair depends on few important factors; the size of the chip or crack, where the chip or crack is located, and how severe the damage is. In general, most windshield repair shops are capable of repairing chips the size of a quarter and cracks up to three inches long.

Beyond that, most windshields will need to be replaced. But there are a few exceptional techniques that enable some shops to repair cracks of up to 12 inches long. For this reason, it's your best interest to look around before committing to a complete windshield replacement cost.

The fate of your windshield is also decided by the location of the crack or chip. The most damaging cracks are those that are located on the edge of the windshield. These cracks have the tendency to spread very fast and can jeopardize the structural integrity of the glass. But, some of these cracks can be repaired if taken care of early. Still, the route most often advised is a complete windshield replacement.

Another point consider in deciding is that some shops may refuse to repair a crack or chip located squarely in the driver’s field of vision. This is because the glass displays minor distortions after the repair process. If this distortion is located directly in the driver's line of vision, some shops strongly recommend a complete windshield replacement.

Whether the size of the chip or crack is large or small, the best course of action is to repair or replace the windshield as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more dirt is likely to accumulate in the damaged area. This will limit the clarity and effectiveness of any repair work performed.

Lastly, if the windshield took a major hit, it will more than likely have to be replaced. Damage caused by accidents and large objects go beyond what glass repair methods are able to fix. In such cases, total replacement is required.

Windshield Replacement Cost - How Much Should You Expect To Pay?

Windshield replacement cost is fairly standard throughout the country. One recent national survey observed that costs are pretty consistent among windshield repair shops. The cost to repair a single chip costs in the range of $40 to $50. Additional chips typically cost about $10 more.

Repair costs for cracks are roughly the same. But if a crack extends beyond three inches, a special treatment may be required. Techniques that specialize in repairing long cracks typically charge about $70 to repair windshield cracks between 6 and 12 inches.

A complete windshield replacement costs quite a bit more and varies based on make and model. Besides the cost of the actual windshield, other factors considered into the total windshield replacement cost are the windshield molding kit and labor installation.

You may find a difference in price between what an independent glass shop and a dealership charges. The difference is typically because dealers and independent glass shops use different types of glass.

Windshield replacement cost will cost more at a dealer because they use the exact windshield shield that originally came with the car. This is known as an OEM windshield, or Original Equipment Manufacturer.

On the other hand, local and independent glass shops usually use windshields provided by no-OEM suppliers. While this glass is typically cheaper in cost, it generally offers similar quality, safety, and clarity as the more costly OEM windshield.

Non-OEM is mandated to meet or exceed the same safety standards as OEM glass. Even so, most independent and local glass shops strongly recommend using only OEM recommended adhesives and sealers during the windshield replacement. If a low quality urethane is used in the installation process, potential problems include leaking or the windshield actually becoming dislodged in the event of an accident.

Where To Get a Windshield Repaired or Replaced

You have a variety of options in getting your windshield repaired or replaced. It just depends on your own particular needs and preferences. Most shops will exhaust all other methods of windshield repair before advising a replacement.

Automotive Glass Specialist

This type of shop specializes exclusively in repairing and replacing all types of automotive glass. This includes windshield, rear windows, and side windows.

Windshield Repair Shop

These shops specialize exclusively in repairing windshields. They are typically franchises or independently owned shops. They repair cracks and chips, but they do not do windshield replacement installations.

New Car Dealerships

Local new car dealerships perform windshield replacement installations with an OEM windshield. It's not uncommon for dealerships to subcontract to mobile glass services, which come to the dealership and perform the windshield replacement on the site.

Non-OEM windshields are sometimes also available through dealerships.

Mobile Glass Repair & Replacement Services

These shops come to your work or home to perform windshield repairs and replacements.

General Glass Services

General glass services perform windshield repairs and replacements in addition to selling and installing residential and commercial glass.

You can find any of the windshield services just mentioned by checking with the Yellow Pages or conducting a Google search under the search terms "windshield repair", "windshield replacement", or "glass-auto".

Are Windshield Repair and Windshield Replacement Costs Covered By Insurance?

All automotive insurance companies cover windshields. However, windshield replacement cost is so much higher than windshield repair cost that insurance coverage is different each method.

If you have to replace a windshield, your insurance company will require you to pay your deductible, and then they will pay for the complete windshield replacement cost. If you are repairing the windshield, things get a little better.

Because repairs are so much less expensive than windshield replacements, many insurance companies will waive the deductible and pay for the entire windshield repair cost. This tactic by insurance companies is designed to motivate car owners to repair rather than replace a windshield.

This can save both you and insurance company quite a bit of money over the life of the insurance policy.

But if the windshield is indeed beyond repair, it will have to be replaced. Not only is a severely damaged windshield difficult to see through, but it's also a safety hazard. If the structural integrity of the windshield is compromised, it could further weaken if not repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

A qualified glass specialist will be able to tell you whether the windshield can be repaired or a complete windshield replacement is necessary.

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