Noticing a chip or crack in your car’s windshield is a frustrating experience. The presence of any such defect means it at least needs repair work, and quite possibly a total replacement.
It can be even scarier if the damage happens when you’re in the car. In any event, once everything is calm and you’re taking the car to the auto shop, one question will likely start to prey on your mind: Will I have to replace the windshield or can it be repaired? How long does it take to replace a windshield? How much will it cost?
Lets take a look!
What is a Car Windshield Replacement?
A car windshield replacement is a repair procedure in which an existing damaged or broken windshield is removed and then replaced with a brand-new one. A windshield replacement is usually carried out when repairs to damaged windshields are impossible without simultaneously being able to restore the windshield’s full structural integrity.
Windshield replacements are invariably carried out by professional auto mechanics. In modern cars, a windshield replacement will also result in the need to recalibrate a car’s ADAS systems. This is because replacing the windshield will disturb the previously calibrated cameras and sensors needed to make ADAS features work.
Ways a Car Windshield Can Get Damaged
The most common way in which a car windshield gets damaged is due to an accident that cracks, chips or completely shatters the windshield. Besides full-on collisions, however, there are a number of other common causes, including (but not limited to):
Poor Installation: When people try to install windshields themselves without the proper tools and know-how, a bad job can result in a structurally unsound windshield that is more susceptible to damage and breaking. It could also be carried out by mechanics who have little to no experience dealing with windshields.
Low-Grade Glass: If a driver or auto shop opts to use a poor grade of glass for the windshield replacement, then the result is a naturally weaker glass pane that is more likely to get damaged or broken by other things in this list, or even in a minor collision.
Rock Chips: Many roads, highways, trails and even long driveways can have loose debris that gets thrown up at cars behind. If rock chips or other hard debris impact the windshield, they will mostly bounce off, but some might cause damage. When traveling at particularly high speed, and hitting the windshield at certain angles, flying debris can do a lot of damage.
Extreme Weather: Some parts of the country experience extreme weather, in particular hail storms where large hail stones do irreparable damage to car windshields. It’s at times like that when a garage or car port comes in handy.
Extreme Temperatures: Fluctuations in temperature between different day/night extremes can cause the glass to expand and contract. This continual change is bad for the glass and causes it to weaken.
Reasons That You Will Need Replacement, Not Just Repair
The main reason that you will need to have a replacement instead of repair is if the damage is beyond the capabilities of any qualified mechanic to safely repair. Filling in cracks is one thing, but the main goal is to restore the windshield to full structural integrity. If that can’t be achieved, then replacement is the only option.
Whatever type of chip the windshield has — half moon, combination, bulls’ eye and star are the most identified ones — it can be repaired it is limited to less than an inch or two in length. If the chip is greater than that, then a replacement will be necessary. For cracks, if it can fit beneath a dollar bill, usually it is repairable, but it depends on other factors.
Another of those factors is the number of cracks. If you have fewer than 3 cracks all smaller than one inch each, then repairs are possible. More than that is reasonable grounds for replacement.
Finally, the location of the damage is also relevant. Repair professionals will regard any damage to the driver’s side of the windshield as more serious than other locations. This isn’t always because of glass integrity, but also how residual marks left by damage can impact driver visibility.
What are the Alternatives to Windshield Replacement?
The most common alternative to the replacement of a windshield is to use a special clear resin on the glass that hardens to replace glass that has been chipped away. The damaged area can be prepared in a shaded area, with a mounted tube used to deploy the resin to the affected area. After being applied, the resin is plunged into the affected area and left to set in place. The drying process only takes a few minutes.
How To Replace a Car Windshield: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: The trim from around the windshield that helps to hold it in place is first removed, often using a razor.
Step 2: The windshield is now loosened. The mechanics will lift the old windshield away using large suction cups attached to handles.
Step 3: There is now a gap between where the windshield is fitted and the body of the car, this is called the pinch weld. This area must be cleaned out to ensure any old urethane, dust and other debris is removed from the gap.
Step 4: The edges of the pinch weld now have a new layer of urethane applied, which acts as the main adhesive that holds your windshield in place before the trim is restored.
Step 5: The new windshield is now fitted in the gap and put into position and held there for several minutes.
Step 6: The windshield is allowed to cure and set, and the trim is restored to secure the new windshield properly in place.
How Long Does it Take to Replace a Windshield?
It generally takes from around 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete a car windshield replacement. Warmer and sunnier weather may help speed up the curing process, allowing the driver to take their car back a bit quicker. Almost all drivers can drive their car away again within an hour of the process starting.
Can You Drive Immediately After a Windshield Replacement?
Once the curing process is completed and the windshield properly secured by the mechanic, you can drive your car away immediately after the repairs are done.
What is the Typical Cost of a Windshield Replacement?
The National Windshield Repair Association estimates that the average cost for a windshield replacement is about $350. If you get repairs done instead of replacement, then the same organization predicts costs of about $99. It should be noted that these are averages, and costs will vary depending on the make, model and year of your car and your geographical location.
Conclusion: Never Neglect the Windshield
That front-facing pane of glass is the main barrier that protects you from the myriad debris, dust and dirt that gets thrown about the typical road, not to mention the worst elements of mother nature. It is essential that you take good care of your car’s windshield and see to any damage as soon as possible. Leaving damage untended may result in the windshield becoming weaker and weaker until…disaster. Take action to fix windshield damage now.
Go Home
