Windshield Replacement Requires A Tight Seal To Avoid Problems

Windshield replacement and auto glass repair were once suggested by full-service gas station attendants who washed and inspected windshields when customers bought gas. Nostalgia for the days when service was comprehensive drives many older consumers to duplicate routine inspections performed by gas attendants. Young people today often have never experienced full service, and they fail to appreciate the need for visual auto inspection. Most people take their vehicles to the neighborhood service centers offering the lowest price quotes for oil changes and topping off fluids. Windshield inspection gets lost in the shuffle, so drivers need to assess auto glass regularly for damage. A certified glass company should always be selected to make any needed repairs or windshield replacement.

Windshields are an essential part of the vehicle's safety systems, providing structural support that prevents roofs from caving in during accidents. The most critical function in daily driving is passenger protection from wind, rain, ice, rocks, dust and other debris. Windshield replacement is necessary if the integrity of the auto glass is compromised. Small cracks about the size of a half-dollar or less can be repaired by a glass company, usually in 30 minutes or less. Auto glass repair will preserve the strength of the glass and keep the crack from spreading. If cracks obstruct a driver's vision, then windshield replacement is necessary. Price quotes from most glass installers set the fee between $100 and $350.

Price quotes are just one factor in choosing a glass company. Consumers should find a reputable dealer that has installation experience and supplies original equipment manufacturer (OEM) glass. Windshield replacement impacts auto safety, and windshields should fit snugly without leaks. Reputable glass dealers offer auto glass and installation warranties. Auto glass leaks can generate serious consequences for drivers and passengers. Loose glass is more susceptible to damage, and it fails to satisfy structural needs. Leaks allow water and humidity to permeate the vehicle, causing upholstery damage and interior mold. Excess water causes windows to fog or ice up in cold weather, causing vision problems.

Auto glass leaks can cause annoying drafts while driving, or cause a high-pitched whistle to reverberate throughout the car. The noise can be distracting to drivers, and inferior windshield replacement should be corrected by exercising warranty options. Even the most experienced glass company technicians can make mistakes, but drivers should not accept inferior work from any vendor-auto glass is not only cosmetic but also serves real safety functions.

Most states prohibit driving a vehicle when auto glass damage obstructs drivers' views of the road. Windshield replacement or repair by a local glass company that has operated in the area for years is the best solution. Accountability will ensure that repairs of windshields meet manufacturer standards for safety, appearance and function. Price quotes are less important because insurance often covers the entire price of replacing or repairing damaged auto glass. Skilled technicians know the most effective techniques to install windshields. Choose a glass company that provides expert installers, high-quality glass, proper adhesive and sealant, and a warranty on workmanship.