There are a number of ways to repair a cracked windshield, and the best method is dependent on the size and type of crack. If the windshield has suffered a small hit from a rock, often a little “bulls eye” or “star” with tiny cracks that will emanate from a central damaged spot. These types of cracks can easily be filled with an at home crack repair kit. These kits inject a resin into the crack, filling it to stop the crack from spreading, and becoming fairly unnoticeable. Home windshield repair kits come with detailed instructions for their use, but many of them include using a stabilizer attached to the windshield with suction cups that holds the resin dispenser in place and forces the liquid into the crack at high pressure or a syringe to inject the resin into the damaged spot. Be sure to read the instructions carefully. Professional windshield repair businesses (many of which will send someone to the car’s location, use a similar resin that is forced into cracks up to 2 foot in length, and then, the resin is dried with an ultraviolet light. Although a professional windshield repair job can be more expensive, the results are much less noticeable.

In fact, often, after a professional repair, the crack in the windshield is no longer visible at all. Many Insurance Agencies will cover a repair in full if the owner chooses that option over total replacement. However, cracks larger than 24 inches cannot be repaired because they compromise the integrity of the whole windshield.

Repairing a Car Windshield

Damage to an automobile windshield can happen in an instant. A rock thrown from another vehicle, a kamikaze bird, a falling tree branch, hail, the home run ball at a high school baseball game or a multitude of other objects can cause immediate damage to a car windshield.

Whether the damage is extensive or minor, it needs to be repaired or replaced with in one way or another as soon as possible. Even the tiniest glass crack, if left alone, will soon grow into a big mess. As the temperature heats and cools, the glass expands and contracts, putting pressure on even miniscule glass cracks, causing them to grow and branch out. If a windshield is damaged enough to impair driving, the driver may be faced with a traffic violation, or worse, a traffic accident. A cracked windshield also weakens the integrity of the whole vehicle (think of a chink in armor, which makes the armor weaker on a whole), making the vehicle more dangerous in a traffic accident. There are many questions that arise when a car owner is faced with windshield repair. The answers to those questions can be found in this article.
Before making any decisions about auto glass windshield repair or motorcycle windshield replacement, it is important to understand the different types of damage that can occur to a car’s windshield. Here is a list of terms pertaining to windshield damage and repair and their meanings:

Bull’s Eye – This type of damage looks like a small chunk of glass has been removed from the glass, leaving a circular crater in the windshield.
- Star – A small dot of damage with rock cracks or chips emanating from the spot can be a quick spreading bit of damage as the cracks increase in size.
- Half Moon or Flower – damage that is circular but appears to have shelves of cracked glass around it.
- Chip – any small bit of damage such as a bull’s eye or flower.
- Crack – when the damage forms an actual line, coming from a star damage or a stand alone line. Cracks can grow quickly, especially if exposed to extreme heat or cold.
- Shatter - A windshield does not shatter like a normal piece of glass will. It will still go into thousands of piece, but the pieces stick together instead of flying everywhere. This is a safety precaution in the event of a collision.
- Combination – damage that has the qualities of more than one type of chip. Sometimes a bull’s eye will have cracks emanating from it like a star.
- Resin – a clear compound used by repair shops and “do it yourself” kits to fill rock chips and rock cracks in a windshield.
- Gasket – the piece of rubber that holds the windshield in the car’s frame.

Replacing a Car Windshield

If one chooses to replace a windshield without a professional’s help, there are some important rules to follow. The number one rule is to be very careful; the windshield is a large, heavy piece of glass that could be extremely dangerous if mishandled. Ask for help. Replacing a car, truck or RV windshield is not a one person job, and it one be best to have two to three people working together. And, finally, wear safety glasses or goggles and gloves. If the windshield does break, it is highly important to protect the eyes from pieces of glass and to avoid cutting the hands. After a new windshield has been obtained, follow these steps to take out the old one:

Step one: Take out the rearview mirror and windshield wipers. Generally, the rearview mirror has a sort of spring clip attaching it to the metal piece on the windshield. These spring clips are usually set on with little buttons that need to be depressed while sliding the mirror off. If the rearview mirror has reading lights, it will be wired. Take care not to damage these wires in the removal process. Consult the vehicle’s owner manual for the process of removing windshield wipers. Different types of vehicles involve different processes when it comes to windshield wiper removal. Set these two items aside for they will need to be placed back once the new windshield is in.

Step two: Inspect the old windshield. Remove any metal trim work on the edges of the windshield. Not all vehicles have metal trim work. There is a rubber seal or gasket around the glass. If this gasket is still rubbery or somewhat soft, it can be reused and needs to be removed with caution. If the gasket is dried out, damaged, cracked, or rotten, it will also need to be replaced. If the gasket is to be replaced, simply cut it away from the glass. If the gasket is to be reused, then employ a small dull bladed knife or piece of wood to slide under the rubber and break the glue seal. Do this all around the edge of the gasket. Keep in mind that the rubber is very strong — it is made to hold a large piece of glass in place after all! It will take time and patience to remove it all in one piece. Some vehicles also have retaining clips that help to hold the windshield in place. If these retaining clips are present, they will need to be removed.

Step three: This step will require at least one other person’s help. While one person is on the inside of the car and the others are outside, push the glass up from the inside. It can then be caught by gloved hands on the outside and carried away. It is important to use strong enough pressure, but at the same time, to not hit or kick the glass and break it. One method is to sit in the passenger seat and slowly push the windshield with one’s feet, using even pressure.

Step four: clean away any trash, bits of rubber, glue or rust from the frame of the car where the new windshield will sit. It is important to deal with any rust at this time. Rust of even the smallest nature can grow over time, ruining the car. So, make sure to thoroughly clean the car’s frame before installing a new windshield. Quick hint: while working on this step, place the gasket, new or old, in the sun. The heat from the sun will warm up the rubber and make it easier to work with.

Step five: It is now time to conduct the auto glass repair installation the new car or RV windshield, and the following supplies will be needed: a new windshield, a rubber gasket (new or old if the old one is still useable), windshield glass sealant, and a tool to help hold the windshield as it is lowered into place (a large glass suction cup used by window installers is the ideal, but thin nylon rope can also be used). The sealant is important to the process because it will bond the gasket to the frame and glass, creating a safe, watertight seal.

Step six: Affix the rubber seal to the new windshield (make sure it is in the right direction. The gasket should have directions indicating which side needs to face in and which to face out) and apply sealant to the edges of the rubber, being careful not to apply too much or it will bleed out, making a big mess!

Step seven: if a large suction cup is available, use it to carefully place the windshield in the car’s frame, while another set of hands guides it into place. If a suction cup is not available, then wrap two thin lengths of rope around the windshield and lower it into place. Someone will need to be inside the car to pull the rope through. Pulling the rope from the inside will help to pop the gasket into place. Make sure the gasket forms a tight seal. Allow the sealant to dry to the specified time on its packaging. The rear view mirror and windshield wipers can now be reinstalled.
Replacing a car windshield has the potential to be a very dangerous activity and should be left to someone with professional skills. Neither the author of this article nor its publisher assumes any liability in the event or injury if someone chooses to replace their own windshield.

Remember, this is for car windshield repair only! Please look elsewhere for Motorcycle fairings, RV or Boat windshield auto glass repair and replacement

When maintaining your vehicle, several consumers overlook glass components. Your vehicle should be check for damage to your auto door glass and front windshield on a regular basis.

Auto glass damages can be prevented, but can also be repaired your own behalf by purchasing an auto glass installation kit. Additional windshield tools can be purchased at your local auto specialty store. It is recommended to hire a professional as glass can be fragile and may be more expensive to repair after attempting to do the repair yourself. Windshield replacement costs are very high to the average consumer. If preventative maintenance is done to your vehicle, windshield replacement can be avoided. If you are willing to take this chance, skim through the yellow pages to find front windshield replacement and windshield repair companies to get a windshield replacement quote.

Motor homes are expensive and can be difficult to maintain. If you own a motorhome, motorhome repairs need to be prevented by regular mobile auto glass inspections. Buying a new windshield, or fixing windshields for a motorhome can “break the bank” so be sure to be prevent further damage to your windshields by checking out facts on webdoctor.com for further information on your wind shield. These online window doctors will give you tips on window glass repair, window glass replacement and other interesting information for window repair. Mobile auto glass repair services can be found by looking through yellowpages.com. For your mobile windshield repair needs help can be just a click or a phone call away. Mobile windshield replacement can be pricey, so make sure you are doing proper detailed research. Know exactly what you are putting your money towards, and request a price quote before having the work done.

Do you live in New Jersey and have to commute to the Big Apple everyday? Auto glass in NJ can be chipped and cracked through the commute. Investigate how much auto glass prices are by getting an auto glass quote. Auto glass quotes can help you by price shopping for your auto glass repairs.

If you are not a commuter, but live in a city such as Minneapolis, investigate the best auto glass repair Minneapolis has to offer. Even if you are living in the home of the golden gate bridge in San Francisco, look into who does auto glass repairs in San Francisco by researching the internet first and then calling around to find the best auto glass repair service, for auto glass replacement.

It will not be necessary to have to get an auto glass replacement if you are properly having auto glass services and inspections done to your vehicle regularly. Some believe that drawing with a pencil into the windshield chip can prevent the crack from spreading on a cracked windshield. This can be true in some cases, but is best not to find out the hard way. It is best to have a professional repair this crack with proper tools.

Auto glass shops, auto glass specialists and auto glass windshield employees spend many hours on training to be fully update with new techniques and skills for on the job. It would be more convenient to go to a place of repairs for an auto locally to get the auto repair quotes that you need.

Auto replacement is something that should be highly avoided. By investigating into quality auto services, this can be so. Texas has hail storms due to its moist and humid climate at times. Cities can offer windshield repair in Houston, windshield repair in Dallas or windshield repair in Austin, the same repair facts are true no matter what part of this big state you live in. Traveling across the lone star state can be dangerous, so being able to find a windshield repair services can be as simple as calling information (411) and asking them for what phone number to call after giving them what city you are in and the fact that you need windshield repair services.
]any cold days, days where ice is frozen to the windshields of cars. If you are calling windshield repair companies in Denver, for example, they will help you with your auto glass repair and replacement. Windshield repairs in Denver advise proper ways to rid your windshield glass from ice. Proper ice defrost can prevent repairs for glass, repairs for windows, repairs for windshields. This will save you money so that you do not have to replace your windshield, or have to invest in replacement auto glass. The last thing anyone wants to do is have to look into replacement car windows, and replacement glass, or replacement windshields.

Anyone who has driven a car on a road trip out of town has had issues with their auto window glass. When driving and a small rock accidentally hits your car windshield, it is too bad that you do not have diamond glass. Cracked windshield repair and chip repair can be done in many places around your neighborhood, including your local carwash. If you did not take care of your auto windshield and need auto window repair or at worst auto window replacement, you can find cheap auto glass replacement by searching online then calling phone numbers to get instant quotes. Write down the names of the businesses and the quote next to the names. Make sure to write down the hours of when the business closes and what they require from you such as insurance information. You can also get instant online quotes with just the click of a button. Online quotes may be just rough estimates, so prepare for slight price changes. It is always best to get an internet quote followed by confirming this quote with a live person to guarantee pricing.

Autoglass.com is a site that provides auto glass repair quotes for automotive windshields, or automotive glass replacement. Car windows also get damaged at times, so it is important to consistently get your car glass repaired, to prevent car auto glass replacement and repair for future occurrences. You can get car glass replacement quotes online, but be sure to have readily available what make and model your car is, or the measurements of your car glass windows. It is important to note if your car has automatic or manual windows when talking or emailing a possible windshield doctor
.
When driving down the street you view your auto windshield everyday, it is right in front of your face To prevent auto windshield repair, investigate chips to prevent auto windshield replacement. Paying attention to what is on your windshield is crucial to long time life of your windshield. Auto glass replacement sometimes is a necessary purchase, unfortunately due to lack of maintaining.

Auto glass replacement will also be necessary if for instance a thief tries to break into your vehicle. You will have to invest into autoglass replacement. Automobile glass replacement for automobile windshields can be decent in price but the labor is what can raise the price to difficult to afford amounts. You should have a savings account specifically for auto repairs in case something happens not only to the motor, transmission or tires, but to the glass. After all, if you cannot see in front of you, you are not safe and you will spend more money on the insurance deductible for getting in a car wreck because of this. Also, you can possibly get your car stolen from you if you do not keep up with broken automobile glass. Not replacing broken windows is just the same as writing a note on your car asking robbers to steal your car.

Automotive glass repair can be prevented if proper automotive glass inspections are performed regularly. Car repairs are expensive, and car repair quotes done by multiple businesses can help you decide the best price for your car window glass repairs. It is requested by most consumers that repairing your car window glass will prevent car window replacement. Car windshield repairs are not to be experimented with for those without proper training.

Discount auto glass can be found by looking online or by calling your local automotive store. They usually have contacts that provide discount auto glass. Glass repairs, glass replacement, glass windows, should not be done by at home glass repair kits. Windshield glass repair is meticulous and has to be done by those with proper training. Windshield repair equipment should only be bought if you are looking to do this as a profession.

Windshield doctors practice the art of windshield repair by doing windshield chip repairs, windshield crack repair, windshield glass replacement, and windshield installation. Windshield quotes can be found online or by calling windshield professionals by using the yellow pages.

Novus windshield repair can be done for rock chip repairs, and to purchase safe, light auto glass. Novus glass replacement companies are popular, by the name of Novus Windshield Repair. Harmon glass is another auto glass repair company. Harmon auto glass repairs are listed as a trustworthy company to do business with. Gettheglass.com helps you find what proper glass to buy. Diamond Auto Sales is another company to search for on the internet or in the phone book as they have some resourceful sites to help with your Diamond Triumph auto glass purchases.

Find a windshield doctor who glasses cannot help but be repaired by. Many glass auto companies do not have good glass doctors, and quality jobs are not performed. Glass auto companies have glass doctors, and work with glass on glass repairs. Glass repair and home window repair can be done with several hours of research and practice. You can even learn how to do a home window replacement, and learn how to remove a windshield.
Safe Lite Auto Glass repair is a business that you can do research on to find more information on whether you should do the job yourself or hire someone to do so. The window doctors for Triumph auto glass perform work on truck windshields, window repairs, that they perform with their windshield repair kits.

When you first purchase a car, most feel safe that car repairs will not have to be dealt with for at least a couple of years. With a new car, this is true if you keep up with oil changes every three months or three thousand miles, rotate your tires, maintain your alignment and get a tune up as needed. The same goes for you’re the windshield. If you are not inspecting it for cracks, and cleaning it regularly when pumping gas, you will miss out on the little cracks before they become much bigger. Gas stations provide cloths and squeegees to properly clean your auto glass.

When going to your local mom and pop car washes around town, some hire windshield repair doctors as contractors. Both companies share the profits, and are in business with each other. Car washes get the chance to provide windshield service and inspections to their customers while they wait for their car to be cleaned. This is killing two birds with one stone. Most windshield repair companies take insurance and at times, you may not even have to pay a deductible.

If you are running out of ideas for Christmas gifts, a very thoughtful give would be to purchase vouchers for your family and friends to have their windshields inspected. Your family and friends will thank you for keeping their safety in mind while providing a useful gift that they can appreciate for years to come. You basically will be giving them a “save hundreds of dollars” on your car gift, because with a proper windshield inspection, the gift receiver will not have to worry about bigger cracks and damage that can make for windshield replacement.

Remember, when researching windshield replacement and windshield repair, keep in mind how much money you are possibly saving down the road. Take the time needed to do plenty of research to find the right business for the job. Search the internet and then call for quotes. Call your insurance company and ask them what the policy is on windshield repair. By doing your research and making proper decisions, you can extend the life of your auto windshield and extend the use of your current pay check!

Need Car Windshield Replacement and Auto Glass Repair Advice? Looking for new Motorcycle Fairings? How about selecting automotive glass for your Car, Truck, Boat or RV. Learn how to Fix that cracked windshield from glass rock chip damage with our exclusive guide from Chips Away Windshield Repair. We get you through the trouble and review popular windshield repair companies such as Speedy Auto Glass Replacement, Diamond Auto Glass, Elite Auto Glass, Triumph Auto Glass, Apple Auto Glass Replacement and many others. Auto Glass and Motorcycle Glass Repair Seekers….Welcome.

If damage does happen to the car windshield or motorcycle fairings, and a professional is required, a quick look in the phone book or a quick search on the Internet will offer quite a few options, including both chain and local auto glass repair shops.

When it comes to locally owned shops, word of mouth is the best way to find the reputable places as opposed to shady businesses. The best thing to do is to ask around and to call different shops to obtain quotes on their service. Also available are several large chain auto glass businesses. These businesses usually have a stronger reputation and often, lower prices due to their size. Here are a few of the large windshield repair businesses and pertinent information about them:

- Safelite Auto Glass - Safelite’s website is easy to navigate and features helpful tools to assist in making the decision to repair or replace the windshield. Also, the site touts Safelite’s promise to offer flexible payment options and assistance in filing insurance. A form offers “instant quotes,” but does not follow through with this offer. After inputting information about the vehicle and the damage, a contact form is required and the only way to get a quote is to wait to be contacted by a representative. As far as actual service, Safelite’s mobile service is considered excellent. Offering competitive pricing, quick service (around 40 minutes for windshield repair), and good work, Safelite is definitely a good choice for windshield repair or replacement. Available in most areas of the United States, Safelite’s website states that the company is able to help 95% of people in the United States. Safelite is available for repair 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, visit www.safelite.com or call 877-800-2727.

- The Glass Doctor - With a basic website and not quite the widespread coverage that some other windshield repair chains, The Glass Doctor offers more of a personal feel, but may not be available in all areas. The Glass Doctor’s online quote form, much like the one with Safelite, asks for the pertinent information about the vehicle and then asks for contact information. But, The Glass Doctor promises to make contact within 30 minutes if the form is submitted during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM). Since The Glass Doctor is a franchise, each individually owned business can vary widely in service, price and glass repair quality. However, the majority of customers are satisfied with the work done. The Glass Doctor does not offer mobile service, so the vehicle must be taken to location. For more information, visit www.glassdoctor.com or 866-318-7344.

- Complete Auto Glass - Claiming to serve the entire United States and Canada, Complete Auto Glass has a simple and navigable website including a contact form to have a representative call. No time frame on how quickly contact will be made is given. Offering a 100% satisfaction guarantee, Complete Auto Glass will even work on damaged RV windshields, and the business offers mobile service. Testimonials agree that the service is fairly priced and the fact that Complete Auto Glass employs local professionals is a nice perk, however some complaints about the workmanship have been made. Over all, Complete Auto Glass offers mobile service at a good value. For more information, visit www.completeautoglassinc.com or call 866-621-3999.

- Glass America - Offering a basic, not too fancy website, Glass America touts their service, stating that they will file the claim to all major auto insurance companies, and they offer a lifetime windshield guarantee. Glass America offers over the phone quotes and help deciding if a windshield needs to be replaced or can be repaired. Located in major United States cities, Glass America is commended for its quick service, courteous employees and professional work. A negative word on Glass America’s work is hard to find, but the company may not be available to everyone. Glass America even offers a media section on their website with quick videos on windshield repair and safety. For more information, visit www.glassusa.com or call 877-745-2774. Glass America does not specialize in motorcycle glass and fairings repair and Replacement.

There is no surefire way to get a one hundred percent guarantee on a windshield repair against cracks, chips, and breaks. It is almost inevitable that, sometime in a driver’s lifetime, something will happen to a car’s windshield. But, there are ways to help avoid as many of these bad occurrences as possible.
- Do not tailgate. When a vehicle’s tires throw gravel and debris in the air, the vehicle behind is much more likely to be hit by the flying matter if they are less than three car lengths away. By staying a safe distance away from the vehicle in front, the driver is actually accomplishing two things. One is pure safety. Staying farther back will help to avoid rear end collisions. The second is avoiding windshield damage. A rock is much less likely to make it all the way to the windshield if the car is farther behind.
- Avoid Staying Behind a Loaded Tractor Trailer. If the semi truck up ahead is hauling a load of gravel or some similar matter, it is a surefire guarantee that some of those rocks are going to fly out. And, any car behind is like a target for the flying debris, just waiting to be damaged. In the event that a driver finds themselves behind such a semi, the best thing to do is to stay a safe distance away and get out from behind the truck as soon as possible. If the mud flaps on a semi truck are damaged, the large wheels are also more likely to throw road debris in the air.
- Park under a Shelter. If a tree limb falls on the car’s windshield, there will surely be damage, and if the driver lives in a hail prone area, the windshield is just waiting to be cracked. The best way to avoid elemental damage to a car windshield is to park under cover. A garage would be the best option, but also, a car port, shed or any type of shelter that will protect the car will save a driver much headache.
- Take Care When Cutting Grass. There is nothing more dismaying than the moment when, stepping away from the lawnmower after a hard couple of hour’s work, the sight of shattered glass catches the eye. Lawnmowers will sling debris, even if they employ a clipping catcher. When the blades on the mower hit a rock, there is a good chance the rock will go flying. And, if the vehicle is in the path of the flying rock, the worst is bound to happen. The best choice is to move the vehicle to a safer place while one is working on the lawn.
- Deal With Ice Carefully. Extreme temperature variations can be harmful to a windshield that has even the most miniscule damage. So, if a driver lives in place prone to hard freezes, a few steps can help prevent windshield damage. Do not stab or chop at ice with a scraper. Doing so can cause small chips in the windshield. Do not turn the car’s heater defrost to full blast in the beginning. The high heat on a frozen windshield could cause a tiny chip to become a big headache. Do not throw hot water on a frozen windshield. Ever had a drinking glass crack or shatter when ice was placed in it? The same concept goes for a car windshield. The sudden shock of such a varying temperature can put much strain on a windshield.
- In the Event of a Chip, Do Something Soon. Whether it is to employ a professional to fix the chip or to use a “do it yourself” repair kit, it is important to go ahead and do something to the little chip. A small chip can spread under the sun’s heat or cause the windshield to completely shatter if not seen about in a timely manner. It is best to go ahead and take care of the damage before it gets worse.
- Regularly Inspect the Windshield. Sometimes, a driver will not even realize that the windshield has been damaged. Or, the damage may happen when the car is parked and may go unnoticed. With a regular inspection of the windshield, small damage can be caught and take care of before it becomes worse.

If the crack in a car windshield is not large or it does not impair the driver’s line of vision, there are some affordable alternatives to having a professional do the work. Although many of the cheap fixes are temporary, they can keep the crack or chip from spreading. If the crack or chip is small, a piece of duct tape will stop the spreading, but, of course, the tape will not stay on forever. Super glue or crazy glue can also slow the crack down, but again, as the car is exposed to the elements, the glue will eventually wear off. One of the best and most lasting affordable fixes is a car windshield crack repair kit. These kits are available online and in auto parts stores everywhere. There are many different brands of car windshield repair kits, but they are all available for less than twenty dollars. A few of these kits include:

- Permatex brand car windshield repair kit. This kit requires no mixing of compounds and, the packaging says the windshield will be repaired in minutes. This kit is priced around $9.99. Permatex brand also offers a “bull’s eye windshield repair kit,” especially designed to deal with the pesky bull’s eye cracks. This kit also prices at about ten dollars.
- Loctite Brand Windshield Repair One Component System. Also offering a no mixing required system, the Loctite brand indicates that the resin in the kit refracts light at the same level as windshield glass, so it becomes invisible when used from windshield replacement and repair. This kit prices at $10.99.
- Windshield Pro Glass Repair Kit. The upside to this kit is that it comes with a multi use supply of resin, making it the most cost effective kit at the price of $10.99. The downside is that customer reviews indicate that this kit can be quite confusing to the average consumer, and may be hard to use if the user has little or no experience repairing car windshields.
- Pitstop “As Seen on TV” Windshield Repair Kit. This kit boasts that the repair resin is five times stronger than the glass itself and can repair cracks up to six inches. With varying customer testimonials, this kit, priced at $10.95 may vary in outcome depending on the type of crack and user efficiency.
- Fix-A-Windshield Do It Yourself Windshield Repair Kit. One of the highest rated among consumers, this kit prices around $10.78. Though the instructions are quite detailed and need to be read thoroughly before use, this kit does a good job repairing small cracks and chips. The chief complaint being the repair does not make the crack totally disappear, but definitely lessens the look and stops crack growth.
There are many choices and brands of low priced windshield repair kits. The key when choosing a kit is to consider customer reviews. Also, if purchasing from an auto parts store, it never hurts to ask on employee for advice on which brand repair kit to choose. Often, real-life experience is a much better judge of which kit works the best than advertising or pricing.

There are two main types of windshield glass for motorcycles and automobiles to consider in the event that a new windshield has to be put in. A windshield is not simple to replace because the glass is not just like a window– it is especially made for vehicles to insure safety and strength.

Windshield glass is actually two pieces of curved glass with a piece of plastic sandwiched between and sealed to the vehicle with special glue. This whole process is made to keep the windshield from shattering and to make the windshield more durable when hit with an object. If you have ever seen a windshield shatter, you will notice that it sticks together, keeping flying shards of glass from hitting the vehicle’s occupants. This is accomplished by the multi layer process. The first type of windshield glass is called “after market” glass. This is the generic of the windshield glass world, and while the low price may appeal to a consumer, it is definitely a situation of “you get what you pay for.” After market glass is not made specifically for a certain make or model vehicle, so it is not fitted correctly and is made from cheaper glass. Since the glass does not fit correctly, it makes the whole windshield susceptible to damage in the future. The impact of even a small stone will not be dispersed evenly across the badly fitting glass, meaning that damage is bound to happen. Also, an ill fitted windshield can lead to leaks. No one wants to go back and have a windshield replaced a second time! The second type of windshield glass is original equipment or “OE” glass. Created specifically for the vehicle model, OE glass is made under very strict rules and standards. OE glass will fit the care windshield perfectly and as close to the original windshield fit as possible, creating a safe, sound and strong windshield. If a pebble hits an OE glass windshield, the impact will be softened as the whole windshield bears the brunt of the hit, instead of just the point of impact, lowering the risk of damage. Though an OE windshield can certainly still be damaged, it is highly less likely that the chances on an after market windshield. An OE glass windshield is more expensive, but is certainly worth the price. Remember, trucks and RV’s need durable glass, because repair these is not cheap and can get pricey.

The cost of windshield repair can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. These factors include the type of vehicle, the region of the country, and whether the windshield has to be replaced or just repaired. A very small chip that does not impair the driver’s vision can possibly be repaired.

Small “do it yourself kits,” which fill the chip with a clear resin can cost less than twenty dollars from an auto parts store or a retailer online. If one chooses to have the crack or chip professionally repaired, should cost less that $100 dollars. A small chip repair would be around $20-$30, and larger cracks can reach $50 or so. Many auto glass repair businesses offer mobile service, where the serviceman actually repairs the windshield at the driver’s location. This service will make the repair cost quite a bit more. On average, the extra cost for mobile service is $50-$60. If a windshield is cracked in a place that hinders the driver’s view or is more than 24 inches long, an upstanding business will not repair it. Cracks in the driver’s sight line are illegal, and a two foot or longer crack is very dangerous. In the event that a windshield has to be totally replaced, the price of replacement varies on what type of vehicle and what auto glass repair shop chosen to do the work. The price of a replacement windshield can vary from around $150 to $250 for cars to somewhere around $300 to $400 for trucks and sport utility vehicles. If the damaged windshield belongs to an RV, the price will be significantly higher. The key is to get estimates from more than one reputable repair shop. Most repair shops can give an estimate over the phone in a matter of minutes. Purchasing the windshield on its own, and replacing it the “do-it-yourself” way can save much money, but is not advisable because the replacement can be dangerous, and it is important for the windshield to be replaced correctly. One thing to keep in mind when pricing car windshield replacement is to check one’s auto insurance policy. Many insurers include windshield replacement or repair in their coverage and will pay in part or in whole. So, it is highly important to check the auto insurance policy before paying for the windshield replacement or repair.

There are two main deciding factors that indicate when it is time to totally replace a car windshield. The first is the size of the crack. If the crack is more than two feet in length, the windshield needs to be replaced. No reputable professional will repair a crack longer than twenty four inches, and none of the “do it yourself” kits can handle a large crack. The reason is simply safety. A crack of that proportion significantly weakens the integrity of the windshield. A rock thrown up by a moving vehicle could cause the whole windshield to be destroyed if a large crack has been repaired because the glass is no longer a whole piece. The windshield, even if repaired, does not offer the safety and protection the drivers and passengers need in a car windshield. The other deciding factor is the location of the crack or chip. If the crack or chip, no matter how small, is in the driver’s line of sight, it can greatly impair the driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle. Also, cracks that are in the driver’s vision range are illegal and can be cause for a traffic ticket if a police officer sees it. These two factors will help a car owner decide whether to replace or repair a car windshield. And, lastly, many car insurance companies will pay for car windshield replacement. It does not hurt to consult the insurance policy, and if the company will cover replacement, then it would be most feasible to go ahead and replace the windshield. This way, the driver will not have to worry about the integrity of the windshield in the future.