Is there anything more annoying than driving with a cracked or foggy windshield? There’s little doubt there’s something worse than this. Knowing this, you need to repair or replace your car’s windshield immediately when it gets damaged. Cracks and chips are the two most common types of damage to your car’s windshield, which can be caused by stones, debris, or simply wear and tear.
Regardless of the cause, repairing or replacing your windshield is essential and something you should prioritize. A good windshield can well withstand the stress of everyday driving. But when it’s damaged, you need to get it fixed as soon as possible so you can drive safely.
However, replacing your car’s windshield is a pain, and it’s no surprise as it can be both expensive and disruptive to your daily routine. But it doesn’t have to be this way, as here are tips from the experts at Discount Auto Glass on how to save money on windshield repair and replacement.
- Don’t Overlook Quality For Cost
If your car has a cracked windshield, it’s tempting to find the cheapest solution. But this isn’t a mistake you want to make, as this can prove to be the difference between getting a top-notch or inferior-quality windshield.
Knowing this, one of the most significant factors to look for in an auto glass provider is the quality of their work. The main reason is to ensure you choose high-quality auto glass, and this is because quality means long-lasting results.
A reliable installer will only use high-quality, durable materials. As a result, they’re less prone to breakage in the event of an accident or during regular driving. Using higher-quality windshields will be safer for everyone on the road around you.
Windshields that aren’t installed properly can crack easily, even with more minor bumps. Quality auto glass repairs also look better and don’t leave gaps or other signs the repairs weren’t done right the first time. With cheaper materials, you also don’t protect yourself against ultraviolet rays.
With this in mind, you must prioritize quality over cost when looking for a provider to replace or repair your car’s windshield. If a provider is too cheap, this is a sign they’re less experienced and more likely to deliver shoddy work.
- Go To The Local Glass Repair Shop
When you have a damaged windshield, you can go either to an authorized dealer or a local auto glass shop. But having your windshield repaired at an authorized dealer is often very expensive, and this is because these companies have more extensive infrastructure, so their daily operating costs are higher.
If you want to save money, going to the local glass repair shop is a more practical alternative. These dealers also use the same quality material and only lack a brand logo, which is why they’re a better pick when looking for a fast and cost-efficient way to fix a damaged windshield.
- Get A Quote In Advance
If you’ve ever had your car’s windshield replaced or repaired, you know how expensive it can be. Remember, the average cost for a glass company to replace a windshield is between USD$200 and USD$500, which is a lot of money.
One of the easiest ways to save money on getting your windshield fixed or replaced is to get an estimate from one company before going anywhere else. This is why you must first obtain a quote from reputable windshield repair or replacement companies.
With that said, you should remember that pricing can vary. If one company offers a price significantly lower than another, it might not be the best deal for you. A company that’s willing to provide you with a free quote is also proof that they have very competitive pricing. This means you might get a great deal from opting for such a company.
By getting a quote, you’ll get an idea of the total cost of the service, which will depend on different factors such as:
- The kind of vehicle you drive
- The size of the crack
- How long has the crack been in the windshield
Knowing all these will help the experts at the repair company figure out exactly how much they need to charge you and give you an accurate price estimate.
- Select The Right Auto Glass Repair Shop
You must hire a reputable auto glass repair shop to ensure quality work. Such a company should specialize in windshield repair and provide high-quality service. This is why you must choose a company with workers who have adequate experience and training in auto glass repair and replacement. They should also have the tools and knowledge to get your car back in shape.
When you hire a reputable company, they are better equipped to handle windshield measurements and installation, which can save you a lot of trouble in getting your windshield repaired or replaced.
With the right experts working on your car, you can avoid horror stories—for instance, gouging of your car’s door frame. As a result, you’re much less likely to deal with such issues.
With this in mind, always choose a company that has been doing quality windshield replacement and repair for years. And while you might spend more on labor and parts, you won’t have to worry that your new windshield might need a repair not long after installation. As a result, this will save you money in the long run.
It would be best if the auto repair company you select also offers a warranty. This means in the event of stress fractures, you don’t have to dip into your pocket to pay for the repair. Such a company should use a cheaper windshield made by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) whenever possible. This way, you’ll get to use glass made by the same manufacturer who originally made the glass for your car, which guarantees a perfect fit.
- Look At Your Auto Insurance Coverage
The windshield repair or replacement is usually covered if you have comprehensive coverage. This means that after getting involved in an accident and needing a new windshield, you don’t have to worry about how much it costs for glass replacement or repair.
If the windshield repair or replacement cost is less than your deductible, you need to pay for the total cost out of pocket. If the cost is more than your deductible, the insurance company will pay the remaining amount after your deductible. For example, if the total cost of the repair or replacement is USD$1,500, and your deductible is USD$500, your insurer will cover the remaining USD$1,000.
Paying a higher premium generally means lower deductible, meaning your insurer will take over faster. That said, check with your existing auto insurance company to see if they cover windshield replacement or repair. If your car insurance doesn’t, consider getting a new policy from another company that does offer this type of coverage.
- Get Repairs Done On Time
Most car owners only think about their windshield once they get a chip or crack large enough to obstruct their vision. But even small cracks can be dangerous. A small crack in your windshield can be just as dangerous as a large one because it can compromise your driving visibility. And these more minor cracks are more likely to happen than larger, noticeable ones. That’s why getting them taken care of on time is essential.
The best thing you can do to avoid a cracked or chipped windshield is to deal with problems as soon as they start. If your windshield gets chipped, it can develop into a crack due to the impact it sustains every time you drive over a bump in the road. So, if your windshield is chipped, get it repaired immediately.
You must ensure to get your glass repair done on time, regardless of how minor it might seem. A small crack or chip on the windshield will cause further damage. When this happens, your windshield will be more prone to breakage due to the existing cracks making it more expensive to repair.
This is without counting the safety concerns brought about by cracked windshields, which are also illegal and can result in huge fines if you decide to drive with one. The cost of the fine depends on how bad it is, so it’s best to avoid getting pulled over or risk paying a lot of money for something you can easily prevent.
Takeaway
The windshield is a crucial car part because it protects the occupants from debris that could damage the vehicle and injure them. You should avoid driving with a broken windshield because it can be dangerous for other cars on the road and for yourself and the other occupants if something causes you to lose control of the vehicle.
With that said, replacing your car’s windshield is often a pain. This is because it can be costly and disruptive to your daily routine. Nonetheless, it doesn’t have to be always this way. You can avoid further issues by choosing a company that’s been in the windshield replacement and repair industry for years and is known for providing high-quality service.
With that said, you can always refer to the tips in this guide on saving money on your car’s windshield repair or replacement.
