How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Windshield without Insurance?

If your car’s windshield has sustained mild damage that shows itself in the form of a small chip, it can probably be repaired, but anything more than that warrants a windshield replacement – the worst nightmare for a lot of drivers. The most common fear is the windshield replacement cost. Are you also wondering what exactly you will have to pay to get your car’s windshield replaced? Well, the cost of replacing the windshield can be justified by getting a better understanding of what the windshield is made up of and how exactly it is replaced.

What is my Car’s Windshield Made Of?

A car’s windshield is not made with ordinary glass; else it would break easily with any kind of impact. Rather, instead of regular laminated glass, your windshield is composed of tempered glass. This tempered glass is manufactured by heating normal glass and then rapidly cooling it. This alternate heating and cooling makes ordinary glass 10 times stronger and more resistant to breaking.

This glass has three distinct layers through which a crack needs to spread in order to fully break your windshield. This means that you are protected from any injury even if the debris breaks only through the first layers of glass. Moreover, even if the glass does break, it does so into small cube-like pieces with blunt edges instead of sharp shards as is the case with ordinary glass.

When Do I Need a Windshield Replacement?

If your windshield has been hit by a rock, gravel, or any other kind of road debris while driving, it may have sustained some damage. This damage may present itself in the form of a small chip in the glass which does not go very deep and does not extend to any considerable degree across the windshield. In this case, a windscreen repair will serve you better than a windshield replacement.

It could also be possible that your windshield may have multiple chips, especially in the case of a hailstorm. If there are multiple chips in the glass, a windshield replacement is necessary as windshield chip repair in this case might weaken the glass itself.

Moreover, has the damage penetrated through the first two layers of the glass instead of just the top layer? Does it extend across the windshield? Replacement is the best option in these situations too.

The last thing you need to consider is any previous damage that has occurred to your windshield. If a chip has formed at the same point as before, you should get your windshield replaced and not repaired.

How Does a Windshield Replacement Work?

A windshield replacement follows a few standard steps:

Step 1: The windshield is inspected for the extent of the damage caused and the working condition of the wiper blades, as faulty wiper blades can cause scratches on the surface as well.

Step 2: Safety covers are placed on the bonnet, the front and side panels, and the roof of the car. They are placed on the dashboard and the seats too to prevent any damage from glass shards falling into the car.

Step 3: The wipers are disengaged from their motors and the adhesive sticking the windshield to the frame is removed with a wire cutting technique. Once the windshield is fully detached, it is lifted using vacuum lifters. Any remaining adhesive is removed from the car.

Step 4: The new windshield is inspected for any defects and a fresh coat of windshield sealant is applied to its edges.

Step 5: The new windshield is lifted with vacuum lifters and placed inside the frame. It has to be left in this position until it dries.

Why Do I Need to Get a Windshield Replacement?

To ensure the safety of everyone travelling in the car, windshield replacement must never be delayed. Weakened glass is more likely to fall into the car and injure both the driver and any passenger sitting in the front seat.

Have you ever tried looking through a broken windshield? The cracks and scratches reduce the driver’s visibility and increase the likelihood of accidents, especially in a country like India where the congested roads demand good visibility and constant alertness. It may even be dangerous to switch on the windshield wipers if your windshield is damaged as this can cause it to crack even further, so you are left with no defence against natural forces like rain and snow.

Even without insurance, the windshield glass replacement cost is merely a fraction of the cost of a typical vehicle or a potential future hazard caused by lack of timely action. With centres in more than 50+ cities and door-to-door service, AIS Windshield Experts makes it easy and convenient for you to procure a windshield replacement. We cater to nearly every make and model of car available in India and guarantee fast, reliable, and affordable service. Do not put yourself in danger, contact AIS Windshield Experts today!