How To Tell If Windshield Replacement Is Necessary

Windshield replacement is a necessarily evil for a lot of people. This is particularly true for those that live in warm, dry climates, which is why Arizona always has a huge amount of repair jobs yearly. However, even if you simply drive on the expressway a lot, you can often incur damage.

How windshield damage happens

The vehicle's windshield is made up of 3 different layers. There are 2 pieces of glass that are separated by a narrow layer of polyvinyl butyrate (PVB). This PVB is the plastic film that basically keeps everything from coming apart. The damage to the glass from the impact of an object depends on the density of the outside layer. Usually the entire windshield will not totally come apart unless a serious collision occurs.

Generally, a tiny chip will be the result. Obviously these tiny chips do not look serious, which is why most people put off fixing them. This is particularly true if the problem area is not on the driver's side. However, they usually become a crack before long, and the majority of them will continue spreading over time. This problem can get further accentuated by driving in bad road conditions or exposing the vehicle to significant temperature changes.

Windshield replacement vs repair

Obviously everyone wants to know the age old question-whether to just fix the problem area or replace the entire windshield. That really depends on how soon you get it taken care of. Generally, chips that are 3 inches wide or less do not mandate an entire windshield replacement, and the problem can generally be brought under control with a simple fix. This is why it is so critical that you bring in the vehicle as soon as you notice a tiny chip. If a glass company tells you that you need to get it replaced, make sure you get at least a few other opinions before doing so.

However, as soon as a crack appears, windshield replacement will be your only option. This can often run you $500+, although the actual price depends on what kind of car or truck you have as well as the variety of windshield you get. For instance, windshields made by the original vehicle manufacturer are generally pricier than aftermarket options. Also, a lot of newer windshields come with heating options, sun coating, and other features that drive up the price. Therefore, getting a windshield without all the bells and whistles will save you money.

If you do decide that windshield replacement is your best bet, you have a few choices. First of all, make sure you check to see if your insurance covers it. In a lot of instances it does. The problem is that many policies have a deductible that is higher than the cost of the replacement or repair job. If that is the case, you will have to pay for it yourself.

How to pick the best glass company

If you do have to pay for it, then make sure you get a number of online price quotes before picking a company. Also, make sure they offer a good warranty. Some of the cheaper companies have very limited warranties because of their work is not very high quality.

Make sure you read reviews of the glass company you are considering. A lot of times a poorly installed windshield can result in problems with the factory seal. This is almost impossible to fix. This can result in leaking and even water damage, not to mention that the entire windshield could give out in the event of a crash. Therefore, reading about companies and making sure their feedback is good is important.

Conclusion

Windshield replacement can be very expensive, and you obviously want to be absolutely certain it is a necessity before doing so. If you can get by with a simple repair, go for it. If not, make sure you take your time and go with a company that will do a quality job. The windshield replacement could cost more upfront, but the long term benefits will be worth it.