At some point, almost every driver has experienced the frustration of cracking or damaging their windshield. And, while the damage might seem like no big deal to you at the time (after all, it happens so frequently!), it’s not until you need to replace your windshield that you realize just how expensive and time-consuming it can be. Buying a windshield for your car here are 10 things to consider and why?
#1. When do you need a new windshield?
Windshield plays an important role in your car, and it is always tempting and safe to get your car windshield replaced timely. But car windshields are expensive so, before looking for a new windshield you must be sure that you need one. There can be n number of reasons for this.
- Windshield scratches that interfere with your vision while driving.
- A stone chip that may have extended to a large part of your windshield.
- A small crack that may distort your car’s aesthetics.
- An old windshield with distorted yellowish PVB.
Based on your reason, you may choose to spend $200 – $500 for a new windshield for your car or just do some small-time maintenance to save your hard-earned money.
#2. Are there any scratches on the windshield?
While the windshield plays a significant role in your car’s structural integrity, it’s also a safety feature. It’s important to make sure your windshield is clean and scratch-free because if you can’t see out of your windshield, you won’t be able to avoid other vehicles or obstacles. Scratches on your windshield impair visibility and can distort headlights and other light sources. If scratches are severe, you need a windshield replacement immediately.
#3. Is your windshield cracked or chipped?
Driving down the highway with a cracked windshield is a risky proposition. A small crack in the windshield can grow into a large crack over time, with each bump or jolt that you drive over. The same goes for chips in the windshield. Windshields are made of glass, which is brittle. That means it’s not only easier to break, but also difficult to repair. At best, you may be able to fill the chipped area with resin or epoxy.
#4. Is it possible to repair the car windshield?
The main reason why a windshield breaks is a crack, caused by a stone or another object. Sometimes the damage is so large that it’s impossible to fix without replacing the entire windshield. A small crack within 2-3 inches in diameter can be repaired using a windshield repair kit. You should visit your nearest windshield store to check if your windshield crack can be repaired. Size of crack, nature of the crack, its position, and depth are a few factors that you need to consider while repairing a cracked windshield. Windshield crack repair will only cost you around $25 – $40, way cheaper than a new windshield.
#5. What kind of car do you have?
If your car windshield can’t be repaired and you have to choose a replacement. Each car has a unique windshield and hence, before buying a new windshield you need to check your car type. The best way is to share your car Registration Certificate (RC) with your auto glass company. RC has all information regarding model, make, year, and VIN number to identify the correct windshield for your car. It would help the glass company to give you a correct estimate of the windshield replacement.
#6. Is it a convertible or hardtop?
You may or may not know but your car windshield can be different irrespective of the same car models like in the case of the Audi A3.
Confused!
Let me clarify. Audi A3 has 2 types of cars available on the market – a convertible and a hardtop model. Most of the parts in these cars are common to decrease the cost of development but due to different types of car roof style and design, windshields are different. So, while buying a windshield for your car you need to keep in mind that you are buying the correct windshield if your car model has a sunroof or convertible variant.
#7. The cost of a windshield replacement!
Now, since it is decided that you need a new car windshield. You need to check the total cost of a windshield replacement. Replacement cost depends on various factors – Your car model and make, type of adhesive, type of workshop, and your insurance policy. As discussed earlier windshield replacement cost can vary somewhere between ₹3500 – ₹ 21000 for regular car models in India.
#8. Should you use your insurance for Windshield replacement?
Windshield damage is the most common type of glass damage in a car. But, before you get worried about replacement costs, check out if you have valid car insurance. Your insurance covers the complete cost of a new windshield replacement. You just need to contact a windshield glass company and provide them with the relevant documents, the store manager will do all documentation on your behalf. You should avoid using insurance for windshield replacement only if your windshield cost is less than your No Claim Bonus and claim processing fee.
#9. What are the car windshield safety features?
New car windshields have many attached safety features like Rain and Light Sensors, IR cameras for night vision, small radars to detect pedestrians or lane-keeping sensors, etc. The addition of such high-tech technologies increases the cost of the windshield as well as the labor cost for replacement. As you need an experienced technician who can handle such sensitive equipment. Also, after replacing a new windshield, these sensors need calibration. Windshield calibration costs may vary between $120 – $250.
#10. Should you select a workshop or a windshield replacement company?
This is an important point to consider while going for a new windshield replacement. You may be tempted to go to your regular service workshop or an authorized dealer. But before you go think about the number of tasks your workshop performs. Windshield Repair and Replacement is a specialized job and needs skills and training. Your car workshop usually doesn’t have glass experts also they don’t repair your windshield crack and will always suggest you a replacement. Hence, you should always look for a trustworthy car glass replacement company if you decided to buy a new windshield for your car.
To Wrap Things Up: While buying a windshield, there are many things to keep in mind before making a final decision. After reading this article you must be in a better position to buy a windshield for your car. If you’re interested in more information about windshields and how they affect the performance of your car, please call our customer care number at +91-9278783578 or visit our nearest Windshield Store.