Ever felt that heart-sinking moment when you spot a chip, crack, or worse, a completely shattered piece on your auto glass? You’re not alone. Millions of vehicle owners face this common issue every year. Time to dive in and find out everything there is to know about auto glass replacement and why it is often more necessary than you might think.
The Importance of Auto Glass
Your auto glass is far from being just a regular piece of glass. It’s a crucial part of your vehicle’s structural integrity, providing much-needed support for the roof and pillars during an accident, especially in case of rollovers. Besides protection, it assists in optimal visibility on the road, shields you from wind and weather, and keeps dust, bugs, and other debris out of your vehicle.
Equally important is the role that auto glass plays in your vehicle’s security and insulation. It keeps intruders out while maintaining your vehicle’s interior climate. Thus, maintaining good-quality auto glass is vital for your safety and comfort.
If left untreated or poorly replaced, damaged auto glass can lead to serious outcomes. Imagine driving at high speeds when suddenly your windshield caves in because it was unable to withstand an impact! Surely not a scenario anyone wants to find themselves in.
This should leave no room for doubt – seeking professional intervention like Discount Auto Glass PDX is crucial the moment you spot any damage on your car glass.
Indicators for Auto Glass Replacement
So how can you tell if you need to replace your auto glass? Well first off – any crack or chip, no matter how small, warrants immediate attention. These minor damages can easily spread across the entire glass panel due to temperature changes, harsh road conditions, or even a bumpy ride!
Cracks and chips on the ‘driver’s primary viewing area’ – this refers to the portion of the windshield through which the driver views the road – are particularly dangerous. In fact, according to the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC), this area accounts for nearly half of the windshield’s entire surface.
Secondly, if you notice any distortion when looking through your auto glass – say, straight lines appearing wavy or restoration that affects your visual judgment, it’s time for a replacement. Similarly, an old glass that appears foggy or discolored should be replaced to ensure optimal visibility.
In essence, any damage that obstructs your view, compromises your safety or just doesn’t look right should prompt you to get a replacement.
Side Window Replacement Process
Unlike windshields, side windows are made up of tempered glass. Because of its structure, even small damages mean complete replacement. Firstly, the remaining glass fragments must be safely removed with a garage vacuum and the area around it cleaned thoroughly.
Before inserting a new window pane, the mechanic ensures that it matches your vehicle’s specifications perfectly – including size, tint grade and curvature. If it does not match exact specifications, it could lead to annoying wind noise or even put your safety at risk.
To ensure a precise fit, specialized adhesives are applied to secure the window pane firm within its mount. Like a replaced windshield, this also needs time to bond before you can comfortably use your vehicle again.
Though seemingly simple compared to windshield replacements, side window replacement is still best left in the hands of professionals to guarantee safety and quality workmanship.
What is OEM Glass?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass represents the gold standard in auto glass replacement. These pieces are made by the same manufacturers who provide parts for original vehicle production, hence the term “OEM”.
OEM glass offers an exact match to your car’s original auto glass in terms of size, thickness, color, and overall quality. It also maintains rigorous safety specifications set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT), ensuring optimal safety.
Bear in mind, however, that although OEM glass is available for virtually all makes and models, it may be costlier than aftermarket alternatives. Yet, many believe the peace of mind knowing their replacement is identical to the original glass is well worth it.
In contrast to OEM glass, aftermarket auto glass makers are not contracted by vehicle manufacturers. While typically cheaper, non-OEM sheets might not offer the same quality or meet the same safety standards. Thus, it’s important to weigh your options carefully when deciding on a replacement.
Aftercare for New Auto Glass
Once you’ve opted for a windshield or window replacement and it’s expertly installed in your vehicle, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure satisfactory long-term results. Here are some key points to remember:
Avoid Car Washes: Keep your car away from automatic car washes and avoid high pressure washes just after new auto glass installation. These can disrupt the seal and molding before they’ve had time to dry and cure properly.
Mind Your Doors: Be careful when closing doors during the first 24-48 hours after installation. A sudden impact can shift the newly-fitted glass or disturb its sealer.
Curing Time: As alluded earlier, the adhesive used during auto glass installation needs time to cure for effective bonding. It’s best to wait at least an hour after installation before you drive your vehicle.
Providing gentle care and time for your new auto glass to correctly bond with your car will ensure a better, longer-lasting fit. It might be a little inconvenient initially, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Insurance and Auto Glass Replacement
What role does your auto insurance play in dealing with chipped or cracked auto glass? Most comprehensive car insurance plans cover windshields and window replacements. However, aspects like deductibles, type of glass used, labor costs, etc., will vary based on the specific policy.
If the cost of replacing your auto glass is less than your deductible, it would make more sense to pay out-of-pocket rather than making an insurance claim. In contrast, if your deductible is lower than the replacement cost, then filing a claim may benefit you.
You should double-check provisions related to OEM vs. aftermarket glass in your policy. While some policies strictly cover only aftermarket alternatives citing them as ‘equivalent quality’, others may only provide OEM parts if your vehicle is within a certain age range.
Familiarize yourself with these nuances in policy terms to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected expenses.
Technological Innovations in Auto Glass
The auto glass market has witnessed significant advancements in technology over the years. Innovations are not just limited to safety measures, but extend into areas focused on enhancing driving comfort too.
HUD (Heads Up Display) technology is a game-changer. With HUD windshields, important navigation information is displayed directly onto the windshield, enabling you to maintain your focus on the road.
Gorilla Glass is another revolutionary product – used widely in smartphones, this incredibly thin and lightweight material offers excellent durability and damage resistance for windshields too.
Then there are innovations like self-tinting glass that adapts its shading based on sunlight intensity, smart glass that incorporates LCD technology to offer added privacy, and many more.
Industry advancements hold exciting potential for revolutionizing the landscape of auto glass – making it safer, smarter and more comfortable!
Why Commercial Vehicle Accidents Occur: Understanding the Causes(Opens in a new browser tab)
A Final Note
Taking care of your auto glass must be a priority considering its pivotal role in maintaining vehicle integrity and safety. Understand when replacement is necessary and choose quality OEM or aftermarket options based on your needs.
Work only with certified professionals and ensure you invest ample care post-installation. With ongoing technological advancements, you can expect auto glass to evolve further. It is potentially shaping a safer, more comfortable driving experience in the near future.
Discussion about this post