Who should drivers contact to repair or replace a windshield?
Many companies, both local and nationwide, specialize in automotive glass repair and replacements. Drivers should contact their insurance companies to find glass or auto repair shops in their network.
Will car insurance cover windshield repairs and replacements?
Windshield damage from anything other than a vehicle collision (including vandalism, storms, fires, and animals) is often covered by optional comprehensive coverage. Drivers should keep in mind that some plans only cover the side and back windows but not the front windshield. Without coverage, drivers must pay the entire cost of repairs or replacements.
How long does it take to repair or replace a windshield?
Small windshield repairs can be finished in 30 minutes, while windshield replacements take about an hour.
When is it safe to drive the car again after repairing or replacing the windshield? When is it safe to wash the car?
The adhesives used in windshields need at least one hour to cure, so drivers must wait before getting back on the road. Similarly, drivers should wait at least 24 hours after a windshield repair or replacement before washing their cars. The water and chemicals in the soap can weaken the adhesive. Because of the additional pressure involved, drivers should wait three days after repairs or replacements before going through an automated car wash.
Replacing a windshield costs between $150 and $300 on average.
How much does it cost to repair a crack in a windshield?
Small cracks cost between $20 and $60, while large ones cost up to $100. Windshield repair costs vary depending on the severity of the crack, the make and model of the car, the size of the crack in question, and the number of cracks that need to be fixed.
When is it a good idea to get a windshield replaced?
The crack is bigger than a dollar bill or more than a foot long.
The crack obscures the driver's line of sight. Repairs will leave behind a distortion that can make it hard for the driver to see the road clearly.
The crack runs off the edge of the windshield. These spread quickly and compromise the windshield's structural integrity. In addition, the repair shop may not be able to fix the entire crack.
The windshield has multiple impact sites.
Can a crack in a windshield be too big to repair?
Cracks larger than a foot are generally too big to repair. In fact, most auto shops will not repair cracks larger than a dollar bill. Instead, they'll replace the entire windshield.
If the crack in a windshield is small, does it need to be repaired?
Drivers should address any crack in their windshield no matter how tiny it is. Small cracks seem harmless, but even the slightest damage weakens windshields. This makes it easier for future debris to cause even more damage. In addition, water can get trapped inside and further ruin the windshield.
What type of glass are windshields made of?
Front windshields are made of safety glass, while the rear and side windows are covered with tempered glass. Safety glass is made of two planes sealed together by a thin layer of vinyl. This keeps the windshield in place if it breaks, preventing the passengers from getting covered in glass shards. Tempered glass is heated and then rapidly cooled to make it several times stronger than standard glass without adding bulk. This process also causes the glass to break into tiny, harmless pieces on impact instead of large, dangerous shards.
Today 4/25/2017 we had GC Glass install 2 new windows on the front of our house. The price was quite reasonable and our installer Dillon was courteous and professional; his work was excellent and he took his time to make sure the installation met our approval. We would recommend this company wholeheartedly!! David & Shirley B.
I personally had a great experience with this company. When Gary came to fix my padio door glass he was very honest about pricing, respectful of my home and polite. For future references I will recommend this company to everyone due to the excellent service I received.