Windshield Replacement-Types and How to Choose the Best Company

At times, windshield replacement is a must. As hard as it may be, it's an avoidable part of the car ownership. Repairing the car's windshield is often very costly. Not only is the cost based on labor but also the windshield itself. Interestingly, even removing a used windshield is costly if you factor in the labor costs. Although replacing a windshield is a simple process that you can even do on your own it's important that you choose a professional. However, before looking for a professional it's important to know the difference between windshield replacements

Difference between Aftermarket and OEM windshield replacement

When you are looking to replace your car's windshield you may have to make a decision between an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or an aftermarket windshield. In some instances, the decision towards this may depend on your insurance provider but at times you may have to make the choice. It's, therefore, important that you know the difference between these two types of windshields so that you can make an informed decision. But what is the difference between them?

Aftermarket windshield

Aftermarket windshield is manufactured by auto glass companies who do not necessarily contract their services. Due to this, they do not have to follow the manufacturer's rules. In fact, they are not allowed to produce windshields that are identical to the factory installed ones. However, the size and the shape must be the same or else the windshield may not fit your car. However, the durability and thickness may differ and the color of the tint may also not be the same. Since some customers may complain that aftermarkets windshield produces excess noise or leaks many car owners may not be pleased with them

OEM windshield

This kind of windshield is actually identical to the original windshield. In fact, it's the factory installed windshield that comes with your car when you first bought it. They may not have been manufactured by the same company that designed the car but they are the same in almost everything. The glass is made according to your car's specific regulations hence, should match the original size, shape and color. More so, the durability and thickness should not differ. The good thing about them is that they are certified hence you do not have to worry when buying them.

How to choose a windshield replacement company

When you want to carry out a windshield replacement, it's important that you choose a respected company to carry out the work for you. Although it's common for consumers to base their decisions on the price this is not the best thing to do. It's advisable to consider the quality of the service instead of the price quotation. In fact, one of the first considerations to make is the quality of the materials used. Since the grade of the glass is important you need to ensure that the windshield installed were manufactured to fit you specific car model

Also, it's important to know how long the company will take to fix the windshield. The process should not only be quick but efficient as well. You need to ask them about the techniques that they apply and the kind of tools that they use. Lastly, do not forget to ask about whether the company is insured or not. Remember, anything can happen while carrying out the process hence it's important to work with a company that has some form of insurance. Since the reputation of the company is very important, price quotes should come last when looking for a company to carry out a windshield replacement.

The Important Facts About Windshield Replacement That You Should Know

If you understand the important role played by your car's windshield, then you can never let anyone handle your windshield replacement job. Apart from protecting you from flying objects and insects, the windshield also plays a crucial role in your vehicle's structural integrity as airbags rely on it to keep passengers secured in their seats during accidents.

Here are important facts about windshields that you need to know.

1. Windshield and the car's structural integrity

Car manufacturers work hard to keep the vehicle's weight down while improving on its gas mileage. Even the auto glass is designed to ensure intact passenger compartments. During a rollover, the windshield absorbs nearly 60 percent of the car's weight without collapsing; hence keeping the top of the vehicle away from crashing on passengers. The windshield also provides up to 45 percent of the car's structural strength during a head-on collision. Therefore, if your car's windshield replacement is not done properly, then this glass will easily pop out during a collision, causing the roof to collapse while ejecting the occupants.

2. Windshield and airbags

During a collision, the airbags swiftly fill and take to the path of least resistance. This sudden motion hits the windshield and explodes towards the front seat occupants. Now, if you had a substandard windshield replacement, then the glass will simply peel off leaving the occupants with severe injuries and even death. Since there will be no protection, the occupants will slam into the dash or fly through the open space. To avoid these, only allow a professional and certified glass company to replace your windshield.

3. Special design

Since manufacturers design each windshield glass for a specific car model, substitutions are never welcome in the windshield replacement business. A part from fitting exactly in the opening, the windshield's special design also ensures that the occupants' compartments are kept intact. While close fitting substitutions may appear to work, they often fail during accidents. A professional glass company will never compromise the safety of your car by substituting a windshield.

Professional auto glass companies adhere to procedures outlined by Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS) when replacing windshields. Before getting a quote be sure to ask about the company's windshield replacement policy as well as whether the company follows the recommended national guidelines. Also, be sure to find out whether the company is using certified technicians. Apart from offering protection from sun, wind, snow, rain and flying insects, a windshield also plays an important role in your car's structural integrity. As such, you should be more concerned about the glass company that you are contracting to replace it.

You should also pay close focus on the auto window installation process of this windshield replacement. There's a simple correct removal strategy of the old windows. Windshield replacement cost is popular currently because of their convenience. Servicemen can come to your property or workplace to restore your vehicle's car windows while you put it off or work. There is certainly danger, however, regarding not providing plenty of curing time for your windshield adhesive. While using the vehicle before the best time period offers lapsed poses pitfalls to its passengers since the windscreen is not as secure as it.

Tips To Remember When Choosing a Windshield Replacement Company

Damaged windshields are a major cause of road fatalities every year. Driving around with a damaged windshield can be very dangerous for the driver, passengers and indeed the people on the road. As soon as you notice a chip or a crack, you must contact an auto glass professional immediately. A proper windshield assures good support and strength, especially in times of rollover accident. As windshield replacement services are available easily; you won't have trouble finding an experienced and reputed provider.

Benefits of getting your windshield replaced

Technical problems: If you do not get your windshield replaced, it can result in other problems such as leaks during the rainy season or a car wash. Also, a windshield maintains the pressure between the interior and exterior of the vehicle. When a vehicle moves fast, a good windshield can absorb the pressure that falls on it.

Safety: Like a seatbelt, the windshield is there to protect you in the case of an accident. It will prevent the shattered glass pieces from hurting you.

Re-sale: When you are selling your vehicle, a damaged windshield will fetch you a lower price. It also affects the overall look of the vehicle and may create the wrong impression in the mind of the buyer.

Cost: If you replace the windshield at the first sign of damage, the chances are that it will cost you less than subsequent repairs.

Tips to choose the right auto glass servicing company

House calls or mobile service

In this day and age, when there is no time to spare, it can be a big bother to drive your vehicle to the service center to get the windshield replacement. Look for places that offer to pick your vehicle and get the job done as fast as possible. You can also opt for a mobile windshield service, where the replacement work is carried out at your home or workplace. Make sure that this option does not add a big amount to the final bill.

Workmanship

A good service center will have a responsibility to getting the job efficiently. It should have a good image in the community with satisfied customers. Such places will have a vested interest in doing a good job.

Good resources

Every place has superior and less-than-superior materials at hand. When you are opting for a particular center, ask about the specifications of the glass, whether it matches the original manufacturer's glass and also if it is of high-quality.

Friendly

Always choose Windshield replacement centers that answer all your queries regarding the job and payment. If you are going to make the payment through your insurance, they should be able to clear out all the formalities smoothly.

Certification

And most importantly, good service centers should adhere to standards set by AGRSS (Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard) and be recognized and certified by NGA (National Glass Association).

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the right Windshield replacement company and drive your car with peace of mind. Once you find a company satisfying all the above features, go for it and have professional windshield replacement for a safe drive.