Before I go into how to find the best deals on cheap windshield replacement, I think it is important to first know what the glass in your car is made from and the different ways it can be damaged. For most cars, the glass on the back and the side windows is made from tempered glass. When you are involved in an accident tempered glass will break into tiny bits, as opposed to breaking in bigger shards. Tempered glass is designed this way in order to avoid passengers receiving serious injuries do to large chunks of flying glass. In comparison, the glass used to make windshields is not tempered. Windshield glass is made up of normal acting glass that is fitted with a plastic film in order to prevent shattering. In fact, your windshield is not one piece, but rather a layer of plastic fitted between two glass layers. When your windshield cracks or is shattered, this plastic layer keeps the big pieces from flying off and causing damage. The reason tempered glass is not used on the front windshield is because in the event of a rock or other object hitting the front windshield, tempered glass – and its millions of little cracks—would reduce your visibility to zero. This is not a good thing to have happen when you are driving.
When Should You Get Your Damaged Windshield Repaired or Replaced?
Although the site of a cracked windshield can be very unsightly, and you may feel that your front windshield will explode in your face at any moment, there is normally no need to rush to your auto glass repair shop. Modern glass is designed to withstand a lot, and if your crack is small there is usually no danger or imminent shattering. Still, it is recommended that you visit a windshield repair shop so that they can give you a proper evaluation concerning the condition of your windshield. One thing to remember: when winter approaches and the reach freezing, there is a greater likelihood that the crack in your auto glass will expand and become a bigger problem. When ice enters into your crack and expands, then melts, then expands again, your once small crack can become a very big problem.
Will My Insurance Pay For My Windshield Replacement or Windshield Repair?
The deciding factor on whether your insurance company will pick up the bill for your cheap windshield replacement or repair is how your window was damaged. If you are involved in an accident and are not at fault, most property damage policies will pay to replace or repair your windshield. If, however, the damage to your windshield is not the result of an accident, most policies will not pay for your replacement unless you policy explicitly contains comprehensive coverage for such damages. It is best to make a review of your policy before visiting a auto glass repair shop.
Things to Consider When Buying a Cheap Windshield Replacement
The very first thing you must consider when purchasing a windshield is whether you will opt for a total windshield replacement or a simpler windshield repair. The main difference between these two options is cost: a cheap windshield repair will cost a lot less than a cheap windshield replacement. Another thing to consider is the scope of the damage; if you have cracks on the edge or middle of the windshield, or if the surface of your windshield has become uneven, then opting for a complete windshield replacement is probably your best bet.
How to Select an Auto Glass Repair Shop
It is recommended that you shop around before deciding on a car glass repair shop. A good way to find glass shops in your area is to simply pick up the handy YellowPages. Since car glass shops often know you are in a desperate situation, they will often quote you a glass price that is over and above what you should pay. For this reason I suggest that you get no less than 5 auto glass quotes. Auto glass prices can vary between different shops and in different locations. Often times the big, heavily advertised auto glass shops in your area are the worst possible choice; those big ads and splashy commercials cost a lot of money and those costs are usually reflected in the overblown prices you are forced to pay for their services. Sometimes it is the out-of-the-way mom and pop shop that will give you the best bang for your buck. Also be sure to ask around to your family, friends, or co-workers for possible cheap auto glass work. In addition, do not hesitate to negotiate a better price. Auto glass prices are not set in stone and often times a dealer will give you a great deal on your new windshield if you simply ask for it!
Best Place To Find a Cheap Windshield Replacement For Your Car – The Junkyard!
A little known fact: did you know that your local junkyard is often the best place to find cheap windshield replacements? Many cars are sent to junkyard with perfectly fine windshields. All you have do is find a glass that fits your make and model and you are usually good to go. Often times you can find used glass at a tenth of the price of new glass. Most auto glass shops will be more than happy to install the glass that you provide them. You car wins, your pocketbook wins, and the environment wins – sounds good to me!