What You Need to Know Before Your Windshield Replacement

When you see the need for windshield replacement, you should not put it off as most car owners do. A small chip or crack on your windshield may seem harmless when you first see it, but it may develop into a serious safety issue so you should not ignore it. Depending on where it is on your windshield, such a crack or chip may impair your vision while driving, causing you not to react quickly enough when you need to. Also, a cracked windshield is unlikely to offer the kind of protection from flying bits of glass that it ought to offer in the event of an accident because the crack is sure to give away and cause the windshield to break in an unintended fashion. Also worth noting is the fact that a cracked windshield can get you in trouble with the law.. Therefore, the importance of timely windshield replacement cannot be overstated. 

When should you schedule windshield replacement?

Not all windshield chips or cracks warrant a windshield replacement. You can determine whether or not your car requires windshield replacement by checking the size, the location, and the severity of the damage on the windshield. 

• Size:    Cracks that are less than three inches long or rock chips that are smaller than the size of a quarter (less than one inch in diameter) can be repaired by qualified professional windshield repair specialists like the ones that we have here at General Autoglass. When the cracks or chips are even slightly larger than the above-described dimensions, you should replace the windshield. 
• Location:    When a crack or chip occurs close to the edge of the windshield, it can easily compromise the structural integrity of the windshield glass. Also, when the crack or chip is in the driver’s line of sight, it may impair vision even after being repaired. Therefore, in the above situations, windshield replacement is recommended. 
• Severity of Damage:    It is also wise to replace the windshield when its cracks or chips are very deep. You should also consider replacement if those cracks as a result of a major collision because the damage to the windshield may be greater than what you see.    

Installing a new windshield 

When performing windshield replacement, our qualified professional windshield repair specialists start with removing the trim that holds your cracked or chipped car windshield in place. They use specially designed razors to cut through the rubbery, old trim. Once the trim comes off, the old windshield becomes loose. Our specialists then remove the old windshield from the car. To keep the windshield from breaking apart, they may use purposefully designed suction cups with handles to pull the old windshield off the car. After removing the old windshield, our specialists clean out the pinch weld that held the removed windshield. They use appropriate cleaning agents to remove the dirt and old bits of urethane from within the pinch weld. After fully cleaning out the pinch weld, our specialists apply ample portions of urethane adhesive to all the edges of the pinch weld, and then they carefully fit the new windshield into the pinch weld. Our specialists know how important it is to position the new windshield perfectly within the pinch weld so they do not stop until they get it right. They also ensure that the urethane covers every edge as it is supposed to. As the urethane dries, it holds the new windshield firmly in place.    

How long does windshield replacement take?

Most times, our specialists perform windshield replacements in less than 60 minutes. However, it is important to note that the length of this time duration also depends on a variety of aspects. For example, if the pinch weld or the frame that supports the windshield is damaged or is in less than perfect condition, our specialists will have to attend to that first before installing a new windshield. Also, many late-model cars have sensors that are connected to their windshields. Therefore, if you have a late-model car, you might have to give our specialists time to detach and then reconfigure the windshield sensors that your car may have.     

How soon can I drive my car after a windshield replacement?

It is recommended that you wait at least one hour before you start to drive your car after a windshield replacement. You need the new windshield to stay in its set position; this may not happen if you start to drive the car shortly after the windshield replacement because the urethane requires time to cure and harden. 

Can I wash my car after my windshield replacement?

We at General Autoglass recommend that you wait at least 24 hours after the windshield replacement before giving your car a wash, and even when doing so, we recommend that it be done using low-pressure water and soap. You should wait a few days before having your car washed using high-pressure water. Again, this is to allow the urethane and the seal that we shall set over the edges of the new windshield to fully cure and dry. 

How does getting my windshield replaced affect my insurance?

You can only make a windshield insurance claim when your comprehensive auto insurance coverage includes coverage for windshield cracks, chips, and damage. Some auto insurance companies include this coverage in their comprehensive auto insurance policies while others offer this coverage as an option. If you had opted for such coverage, then you can confidently make a windshield insurance claim. Most auto insurers do not increase their rates when you make your first windshield insurance claim. However, when you make a claim while already having another claim on record, you may start getting higher insurance rates. At General Autoglass, we waive almost 100% of your claim’s deductible, and submit the claim directly to your insurance company, so your windshield replacement experience is as hassle-free as possible.
 

We at General Autoglass understand how important it is to use the right type of glass for your windshield. We only use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) windshields. Our OEM windshields meet the quality standards that have been set by your car’s manufacturer for windshields, so you can count on them to last long and to offer the kind of safety that your original windshield offered. Also, OEM windshields are specifically made for your car model, so you can also count on them to fit perfectly. These OEM windshields come with warranties, meaning that in case our installed OEM windshield gets damaged within the warranty period, we’ll replace it for you free of charge. 

If you want to get more information about our windshield replacement service, call General Autoglass at 905-604-0433, or request a FREE quote.