An Ultimate Guide on Replacing Windshield with Crack

A cracked windshield is a huge safety hazard, and every day that you drive around with damaged auto glass, you willingly put yourself in the way of harm. Due to a lack of awareness, several people do not bother getting their windshields repaired or replaced. They only think of a cracked windshield as an unattractive sight, not a safety hazard. In reality, however, car windshields are one of the most vital components of your car that protect you and your loved ones from fatal accidents.

Reports suggest that a genuine OEM windshield glass can maintain about 60% of the car's structural integrity in rollover accidents, whereas it absorbs about 45% of the impact in a head-on collision. A right quality windshield can absorb the impact of the accident, but a cracked windshield will break.

Upon understanding the importance of a windshield in car safety, many may run over to the nearest car repair to get your windshields checked. You may either get a quick fix or opt for a lengthy replacement procedure. However, unreliable car repair shops can use poor quality parts or not fix the issue properly, which can end up costing you more in the long run.

Several factors need to be taken into consideration when getting a car windshield replaced, which may not be shared with you when dealing with untrustworthy service centres. So, we’ve created an ultimate guide on replacing a cracked windshield to help you avoid getting duped. Take a look at these following determining factors before getting a windshield replacement.

To Repair or Replace?

The very first factor that you need to check is whether your windshield requires a complete replacement or a quick repair from a trusted car care shop. Unreliable repair shops may loot unsuspecting customers by charging for a total replacement, even in cases where the windshield might require minor repairs.

Now, it is essential to remember that minor chips (up to two at most) on a windshield are repairable provided the damage has not extended beyond the first layer of glass. Anything beyond is not repairable and needs to be replaced instead. Meaning, if your windshield has suffered cracks, it is not reparable and warrants windshield replacement.

A windshield repair takes a bare minimum of 15-30 minutes and has zero downtime. A windshield replacement, on the other hand, takes 45-60 minutes and requires you to wait a few hours before you can use your car to make sure that the adhesive cures and bonds perfectly with the frame of the windshield. And so, at AIS Windshield experts, we follow the ‘Repair First’ policy wherein we enforce quick repair over a lengthy replacement process to avoid wasting any time and resources.

Cost of Replacement

Whether it’s cost-effective repair shops or ignoring a tiny chip on the windshield until it is unavoidable, people are always on the lookout for an easy fix. However, negligence results in more windshield damage and increases the actual cost of replacement. But once you perform the test and determine that you need a windshield replacement, you must not waste any time.

The cost of replacement may vary significantly depending upon the car repair companies you choose to go to. It is advisable to inquire about the standard rate at different companies until you get a reasonable quote from a trusted car repair shop.

Some other determining factors include the quality of glass, the year of your car’s make, the wipers and sensors used, and the extent of the damage. A good rule of thumb is to always compare actual prices from a few trustworthy companies to make an informed decision. At AIS Windshield Experts, we only use top-quality AIS glass and genuine OEM windshields. Moreover, our top-quality service and cashless claim transactions will ensure that you enjoy a safe and hassle-free driving experience.

Check for Insurance Coverage

Once you've decided on all the specifications of your windshield, such as the type of glass, wipers, and sensor quality, get in touch with your insurance company.  Depending upon the type of coverage, most insurance companies cover costs for repair and replacement. People with premium coverage may get 100% repair costs covered without deductibles.

In other situations, they might charge deductibles. Still, the total cost will be much lower than the proposed quote on account of pre-negotiated discounts subject to the extent of the repairs. But if your repair costs are lower than your deductible, it is preferable to get other reparations done along with the windshield replacement to avail maximum insurance coverage and benefits.

Looking for trustworthy windshield repair and replacement services? Get in touch with AIS Windshield Experts - India’s #1 car glass repair and replacement network. Our presence in over 50+ cities in 90+ conveniently-located service centres and several mobile vans helps us reach you where you are! Moreover, we provide a one-year warranty on our workmanship as well as materials used, and our multi-model inventory caters to all car models. So, for all your car glass needs, come to your one-stop-shop for it all – AIS Windshield Experts!