Windshield replacement can be one of the most common repairs you can make to your vehicle. However, the cost of a windshield replacement can be very high if your vehicle has advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
These safety features require special sensors and cameras that aren`t easily replaced or recalibrated after a replacement. ADAS and other sensors have a major impact on the cost of windshield replacements, which can be as much as $1,000 or more.
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Safety
Professionals who understand and follow safety precautions when replacing windshields will be the best choice. To ensure safety, OEM (Original Equipment Maker) glass can be used.
A windshield is an important structural support system for your car and it helps prevent the roof from collapsing or caving in in the event of a collision. It is also helpful in proper deployment of air bags.
Modern windshields have multiple layers of glass. For added strength and resilience, the inner and outer layers of tempered glass are bonded to a PVB interlayer.
When your windshield is replaced, the new adhesive that holds the glass to the frame has to cure properly for the safety of you and your passengers. Immediately after your replacement is completed, your vehicle should sit for at least an hour to allow the glue to settle and set.
Visibility
You should choose a local company to replace your windshield. This will ensure that you are able to trust the company and not cut corners.
Visibility refers to the distance an object or light can see under certain weather conditions. This is reported in surface weather observations and Meteorological Terminal Air Reports (METAR) either in meters or statute miles depending on the country.
There are two main methods to measure visibility: one is the transmission method and the other is the forward scatter method.
The transmission method measures the ray path through the atmosphere – how much of the light a beam of visible light is transmitted from a light source to a receiver located a distance, for example 50 metres away.
Foggy weather causes the ray path to be less clear and less light will reach receivers. This is measured using a sensor and reduced to raw data for strait forward calculation of visibility.
Installation is easy
When replacing a windshield, the installer needs to carefully align the top and bottom edges of the glass. The installer must place the windshield on top the pinch-weld. This is a small area in which different metal components are welded together to create a structure for the windshield frame.
Technicians use disposable gloves to avoid contaminating the activated windshield with oils and dirt from their hands. This can decrease adhesion to the urethane adhesive.
The technician then uses a urethane caulking gun to apply a thin layer of adhesive to the windshield. This urethane is a polymer-based, water-resistant adhesive that forms a strong bond between the glass and the metal.
To minimize vibrations, the technician must take the installation slowly. This prevents the urethane crystals from hardening, and can help to prevent cracks that could cause windshield to fall off.
Cost
The cost of replacing windshields varies from one vehicle to the next, depending on the glass type. OEM glass from the original equipment manufacturer is typically more expensive than aftermarket windshields.
In many states, car insurance companies will pay for windshield replacement or repair if you carry comprehensive coverage. You can ask your agent for clarification if you are unsure if your insurance will cover repairs or complete replacement.
It is important to replace or repair damaged windshields as soon as possible. This is to ensure safety for you and your passengers.
Windshield repair is generally cheaper than replacing the whole windshield, but the repair will not last as long as a new windshield will. The size of the chip or crack and its location will also influence how much it costs to repair.
Additional costs will be incurred for windshields installed on vehicles with active safety sensors. The dealer must calibrate them before the windshield can be installed. This could add up to an additional 20% over the average price of windshield replacement for non-luxury vehicles.