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.