How much windshield

The most common fear is the windshield replacement cost. Well, the cost of replacing the windshield can be justified by getting a better understanding of what the windshield is made up of and how exactly it is replaced. Rather, instead of regular laminated glass, your windshield is composed of tempered glass. This tempered glass is manufactured by heating normal glass and then rapidly cooling it.

This alternate heating and cooling makes ordinary glass 10 times stronger and more resistant to breaking. This glass has three distinct layers through which a crack needs to spread in order to fully break your windshield. This means that you are protected from any injury even if the debris breaks only through the first layers of glass. Moreover, even if the glass does break, it does so into small cube-like pieces with blunt edges instead of sharp shards as is the case with ordinary glass.

If your windshield has been hit by a rock, gravel, or any other kind of road debris while driving, it may have sustained some damage. This damage may present itself in the form of a small chip in the glass which does not go very deep and does not extend to any considerable degree across the windshield. If you find an auto glass repair shop yourself and then pay for the whole operation yourself, the insurance company will reimburse you afterward.

However, you should check with your insurance agent to see if you have that option. Those can be pretty expensive, but what happens if the windshield replacement cost is lower than your deductible? You will have to pay everything out of pocket as the insurance companies only cover the amount after the deductible. Even the auto repair shop will have as much influence as anything else, so you must get both quality and affordability. Safelite, one of the industry leaders, has just that.

So far, we have only been talking about windshields, but as you might know, the car has more than one glass window. There are six in total, the most important of which is the windshield.

It does a lot more than most people realize. Then, we have the front and rear windows of the car. They may not be as responsible for your safety as the windshield, but they are just as important. Generally, when we think of car windows, the two on the front and the two on the back are the first things that pop into our minds.

Those are the ones that are modified most often, although that may be illegal depending on where you are. Here is the kicker, which only applies to sedans — if you drive an SUV or a van, you can darken the back windows. So say goodbye to fully tinted glass. There is also a vent and quarter glass. Not all cars have those, and they are generally small windows tucked into a corner.

The vent glass was typically found at the front row near the driver or the shotgun passenger. They were used to let in some cool air without having to open the full-on window.

This was before air conditioning became so widespread. The same goes for the quarter glass. Next, we have an often-overlooked piece of glass — the sunroof. They are also more likely to leak than break. Last but not least, we have the back glass. Generally, the same rules for tinting, like the rear windows, apply to the back glass. As I like to call it, the rear windshield is made out of tempered glass, which increases its toughness.

If broken, that glass will break into tiny round pieces. All windshield damages are expensive, but they vary in severity. While most types you will experience are small, nobody wants to drive with a hole in their side door. The major one you have to look out for is, of course, the windshield. You can do it yourself, depending on the type of damage.

One of the most common is star or bullseye chips. They are usually caused by small rocks or pieces of gravel slamming into your windshield and are known for their distinctive shapes.

All it takes is for a rock to be kicked up by the red Chevy in front, and it will come crashing into your glass. If a chip just hollows out a spot, then it is known as a bullseye. You also have longer cracks. If the crack is on the edge of the windshield or right in front of the driver, then you will need to get yours fixed. Sand damage happens in sandy areas, surprisingly, but also during winter when sand is applied to the road. Your windshield could be filled with sand thanks to drivers who are going at high speeds.

Then we have wiper damage. If you have been driving for a very long time with the same wiper blades, they can lose their rubber and scratch the surface of your windshield. We already established that OEM windshields are more expensive and harder to get than the aftermarket ones, but what is the difference? Below is the average cost for some mid-range cars. While both aftermarket and OEM windshields have their advantages and disadvantages, manufacturers have started strongly encouraging the latter, seeing how replacing a windshield is becoming more difficult as the car becomes further integrated with modern technology.

So while it can be tempting to get a cheaper windshield, there might be some good reason to reconsider your OEM stance. At this point, you might be wondering how the whole mobile windshield replacement thing happens.

Well, no matter where you go, all of the major windshield replacement companies offer mobile glass repair and replacement services. They also make it easy to get in touch and schedule an appointment. You have to contact the company and give them everything you know about your car and the windshield damage. If you have insurance, you will need to provide the repair shop their contact information.

Then they will call your insurer and find out if you are covered or have to pay a deductible. Otherwise, the company will give you their quota on the spot. After all that is taken care of, a technician will come to your house or office where they will repair or replace the windshield.

So while you work or relax, your windshield will be fixed within an hour. As with everything else, though, there are both advantages and disadvantages to mobile repair. The only exception to this is if you have a garage. Not only is it unpleasant for the technician to be working outside in those conditions, but the adhesive might not be set properly.

Sometimes, the damage can be pretty severe, and they can only fix it in their shop, so listen to what the mechanic says and follow their instructions. If you consider getting a new windshield, you might want to know who the best companies are on the road.

There are, in fact, three main guys who have the technique and knowledge to replace your windshield perfectly. The biggest one is Safelite which has locations in 50 states as well as some in Canada. They mainly deal with window repair and replacement and are available for mobile appointments so that you can get your windshield replacement in your garage. Reliable Glass is committed to serving its customers and continuing normal business operations while maintaining sanitation and safety.

Please call us at or email at service reliableautoglass. Windshield Replacement Cost. Previous Next. Search our blog posts…. Reliable Glass. So how can you be sure the repair is up to par? Home adhesive kits can be enticing when you're working within a budget but if this adhesive application is done incorrectly it can lead to leaks, wrecks or the need for further repairs, adding to the expense. It is also important to note that there are several brands and types of adhesive from which to choose, and the type of adhesive used will determine how long you will need to wait before driving your vehicle again, safely.

Similarly, a poor or improper installation done by any old repair shop can cause the windshield to separate from the vehicle during an accident, rendering your airbag useless. Choosing a reputable company like Glass America with certified and insured technicians is your best bet. An expert technician from Glass America can typically perform a same day replacement. The type of glass that is used for your installation should be OEM in order to achieve the best results.

Only those businesses that meet the following professional standards should be trusted with your vehicle: Follow all adhesive manufacturer's instructions. Provide written warranty and a detailed record for the work completed. Use trained and certified technicians.

Carry adequate insurance. Windshield replacement, if done by the right company, can be a breeze, even without insurance.