Frequently Asked Questions on Windshield Replacement

A windshield is an integral part of a car. Due to lack of awareness regarding the importance of a robust windshield, several people willingly invite harm upon themselves and their loved ones by driving around with a chipped or cracked windshield. A sturdy windshield is crucial in maintaining the structural integrity of a vehicle whereas a damaged or cracked windshield can put the passengers in the way of harm. In case of accidents, it absorbs the impact and prevents the occupants from being thrown out of a car. A damaged windshield, however, cannot sustain such high levels of pressure and will crumble instantly causing the car to flatten out and lead to a fatal accident.

Upon realising the role of a windshield in maintaining car safety, several people may head over to the nearest car repair shop for a quick check and get an easy fix on their windshields. However, windshield replacement is a complex process that should not be done at unreliable service centres as they may dupe customers for their money. Untrustworthy car repair shops can replace your original windshield with subpar quality windshield while charging you for a high-quality, OEM windshield or worse, just perform a temporary repair and charge you for a complete replacement.

To avoid such unfortunate instances, it always pays to do your due diligence and understand the process of windshield replacement. So, we’ve created a simple guide that answers the most frequently asked questions regarding windshield replacement to help you make an informed decision.

How to Know When a Windshield Needs to be Replaced?

The biggest dilemma that people face is figuring out whether their windshield can be fixed by a simple repair or requires a total replacement. You can solve this issue by simply performing the quarter test on your windshield before heading over to the car repair shop. Take a quarter and place it on the dents and chips on your windshield. Any chip that is smaller in size than the coin may qualify for repair. At AIS Windshield Experts, we follow the ‘Repair First’ policy to offer quick turnaround time, affordable services and enhance customer satisfaction.

However, any dents that peek out from the coin or are larger than 1.25 inches will require a replacement. The purpose of a repair is to prolong the life of your windshield but if a repair does not suffice, a cheap fix can put passengers in the way of harm.  An important note to remember is that only small chips and dings in the windshield qualify for repair. A crack should never be repaired as they create structural instability in a windshield and hence all windshield cracks warrant a replacement.

What is the Difference between an OEM and OEE Windshield?

An Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) windshield refers to the auto glass that is manufactured by the same company as your original windshield glass. An Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) windshield, on the other hand, is a windshield that matches the standards of the original car glass but is manufactured by a different auto glass company. Although both hold the same standards, OEM windshields are always the better choice as they hold warranty and credibility, thereby ensuring your safety.

Reports have revealed that a genuine OEM windshield is responsible for about 60% of the car’s structural integrity during rollover accidents whereas it absorbs 45% of the impact in a head-on collision. At AIS Windshield Experts, we only use genuine OEM windshields and offer a 1-year written warranty on both the materials used as well as on the workmanship of our trained technicians for guaranteed safety.

How Long Does it Take to Replace a Windshield?

While a typical windshield repair takes barely 15-30 minutes, a windshield replacement can be completed in 45-60 minutes. However, the important thing to remember is that a repair has zero downtime whereas a windshield replacement has a waiting period of at least a few hours. The reason for this is that the adhesives used in the replacement process need time to cure and bond perfectly with the frame of the windshield. Driving a car immediately after replacement can cause the windshield to loosen and result in ill-fittings, thereby costing you unnecessary expenses and loss of time.

Can My Insurance Cover the Cost of Windshield Replacement?

The possibility of your insurance company covering the costs for repair and replacement completely depends on your type of insurance coverage. People with premium insurance packages can get 100% coverage on replacement costs without deductibles. Standard insurance coverage, however, may cover the costs of replacement but charge you with a deductible fee for filing a claim.

Despite getting answers to the basic questions, several people may still have specific enquiries to make regarding windshield replacement. That’s why it is always beneficial to get in touch with a trusted car repair expert to clear all your queries. Looking for a reliable car repair expert for your windshield repair and replacement needs? Contact AIS Windshield Experts - India’s #1 windshield repair and replacement network. We offer hassle-free doorstep facilities, cashless claim transactions and impeccable international-standard service. Get in touch today!