Seven Myths About Windshield Replacement You Shouldn’t Believe

Even while a tiny chip in your windshield might not seem like much, it can quickly become a serious issue. The structural soundness of your vehicle and the efficiency of your airbags are both impacted by a damaged windshield. Due to widespread misconceptions about the procedure, many drivers put off having their windshields fixed despite the safety dangers. This article’s goal is to rectify the record. We will dispel the most widespread misconceptions about windshield repair, including those about prices, insurance coverage, turnaround time, and the caliber of aftermarket glass. You can make wise choices to guarantee your car is road-ready and safe by being aware of the facts.

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Myth 1: It Doesn’t Matter If There Is a Little Chip or Crack

If a little chip in your windshield is out of your direct line of sight, it’s simple to overlook it. Many motorists think that a minor imperfection is only a cosmetic problem and not a serious one. This miscommunication is dangerous. 

Your car’s windshield serves more purposes than just shielding you from the weather. This crucial safety feature provides up to 60% of your car’s structural strength in a rollover crash. The entire glass structure can be weakened by even a small chip. Your safety may be jeopardized if a minor chip suddenly spreads into a wide crack due to temperature changes, road vibrations, or colliding with a pothole.

Additionally, a broken windshield may prevent your passenger-side airbag from deploying correctly. The airbag expands to protect the passenger after deploying against the windshield during a collision. The airbag may deploy incorrectly and lose some of its effectiveness if the windshield is damaged since it may not be able to sustain this force.

Myth 2: Windshield replacements are always costly

Because they are afraid of the cost, many people put off getting their windshields fixed.A complete replacement isn’t necessarily as costly as you may expect, but it might be an investment. The type of glass needed (particularly if your car has amenities like heating elements or rain sensors), the make and model of your car, and your insurance coverage all affect the price.

Often, a little chip can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of a full replacement. Early chip repair not only saves money but also protects your windshield’s original factory seal, which is frequently better than a replacement. The more costly course of action is usually always to ignore the damage until a complete replacement is necessary.

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Myth 3: Filing a Claim Will Increase My Insurance Premiums

This pervasive misunderstanding keeps drivers from using their insurance benefits. Insurance companies are legally required in many areas to waive the deductible for windshield repairs, and some states even go so far as to waive the deductible for complete replacements. This suggests that you might qualify for a free windshield replacement. 

Windshield damage is typically classified by insurance companies as “comprehensive” rather than “collision.” Generally speaking, comprehensive claims—which cover things like theft, vandalism, and storm damage—do not raise your premiums. Checking the details of your policy is always a good idea, but don’t let the possibility of a premium increase deter you from taking precautions to keep your car secure.

Myth 4: All windshield glass types are the same

Some people think that any windshield replacement will function no less effectively than the manufacturer’s original. This is not accurate. The two main types of replacement glass are aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer (OEM). OEM Glass: This is produced by the same business that made the original glass for your vehicle.

OEM Glass: This is made by the same company that provided your car’s original glass. Its thickness, color, shape, and durability are all the same.

Aftermarket Glass: This is made by a different company. Federal safety regulations must be followed; however, there may be differences in fit, clarity, and quality. While some aftermarket glass choices are great, others might not fit precisely, which could result in leaks, wind noise, or visual distortions.

These factors make it crucial to pick a trustworthy car glass company that employs premium materials, whether they are original equipment manufacturer or premium aftermarket goods.

Myth 5: After a replacement, you can drive your car right away

It takes time for a new windshield to properly set. For the urethane adhesive that was used to attach the glass to the frame of your car to reach its maximum strength, it must cure for a certain amount of time. This is known as the Safe Drive-Away Time (SDAT). Driving your car until the glue has completely dried is quite dangerous.

The vehicle’s construction and airbag performance could be jeopardized if the windshield were to separate after an accident. You will always receive a clear SDAT from a trustworthy expert; this usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the adhesive and ambient factors like humidity and temperature. Always adhere strictly to the technician’s directions.

Myth 6: Do-it-yourself Windshield Repair Kits Are Just as Effective as Expert Services

DIY repair kits are widely accessible and appear to be a simple, low-cost solution. They are not an alternative for professional repair, although they might work well for little cosmetic touch-ups on tiny chips.

Usually, these kits require injecting glue into the chip, which can be challenging for an inexperienced user. If you do it wrong, you may trap air bubbles, worsen the damage, or make it impossible for a professional to fix the chip later. Expert experts possess the necessary training, specialized equipment, and premium resins to guarantee an almost undetectable, structurally sound repair.

Myth 7: A windshield can be replaced by any auto shop

Although a lot of auto shops replace windshields, not all of them have the specific knowledge needed to complete the task correctly. Installing a windshield is a precise operation that requires expertise and training, particularly in current cars with sophisticated driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

These systems give features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance by using cameras mounted on the windshield. After being replaced, these cameras must be recalibrated to function correctly. If a shop lacks the necessary tools or training to carry out this recalibration, you may find that your safety systems malfunction just when you need them most. For your replacement, always pick a qualified vehicle glass technician.

Dispel the Myths for a Safer Travel Experience

Ignoring windshield damage or believing popular falsehoods can put your safety at risk and ultimately increase your expenses. Being proactive and being informed about windshield replacement can help you maintain the integrity of your vehicle. Avoid making a minor chip into a major one. To evaluate the damage and suggest the safest, best course of action for your vehicle, speak with a qualified auto glass expert.

Do you have a Question?

Get An Auto Glass Replacement Quote Now 866.278.7417

Avoid letting these myths compromise the safety of your windshield

A small chip in your windshield could quickly become a serious problem. However, many drivers are hesitant to have it fixed. Why? Frequently, it’s due to widespread fallacies and misunderstandings regarding windshield replacement. These misconceptions may cause you to make bad choices that jeopardize your financial security and safety.

The facts will be corrected in this article. We will address the most common misconceptions that drivers have regarding windshield repair, ranging from worries about insurance costs to inquiries concerning the caliber of replacement glass. These myths will be debunked by clear, knowledgeable facts, enabling you to drive safely and select the best solution for your vehicle.

Myth 1: You Can Ignore Any Tiny Chip or Crack

It’s simple to write off a little chip as a minor aesthetic problem, but doing so can be risky. An apparently little flaw could quickly develop into a large crack that obstructs your view and compromises the structural soundness of your vehicle. 

Motives for Not Waiting: Your windshield shields you from more than just wind and rain. It is a crucial safety feature because it can account for up to 30% of your car’s structural strength. In a rollover accident, a properly positioned windshield helps prevent the roof from collapsing. It also ensures that your airbags will deploy correctly in the case of an accident.

The glass is weakened by even a tiny crack, increasing its vulnerability to more harm from:

Temperature Changes: On a hot day, a small chip may grow into a long crack when your air conditioner blasts cold air.
Road vibrations: Regular potholes and bumps impose stress on the glass, which promotes the propagation of cracks.

Moisture: Water can contaminate a chip, freeze it, and then cause it to swell.

You may even be able to avoid a complete replacement by choosing a less costly repair if you take care of a little chip or crack right away.

Myth 2: My insurance premium would go up if I replaced my windshield

This is one of the most common reasons why drivers put off necessary windshield repairs. Safety concerns are frequently overshadowed by the worry of growing insurance premiums. However, this fear is largely unwarranted. 

Being Aware of What Your Insurance Covers: Most comprehensive auto insurance packages include coverage for glass damage.Insurance companies typically recommend that you have your windshield fixed as soon as possible because a safe, unbroken windshield is essential for driver safety. Generally speaking, filing a glass claim is treated differently than filing a collision claim.

Many insurance companies will even forgo your deductible if the windshield can be fixed rather than replaced. Your premium is unlikely to increase significantly, if at all, even if a complete replacement is required. To understand your policy, it’s best to speak with your individual insurance agent, but don’t let the prospect of a rate increase deter you from completing an important safety repair.

Myth 3: Every type of windshield glass is the same

When it comes to your car, it’s easy to believe that glass is just glass, but this couldn’t be further from the reality. There are notable variations in quality, and choosing the least expensive choice can have detrimental effects.

The Distinction Between Aftermarket and OEM Glass:

Manufacturer of Original Equipment (OEM) Glass: This glass was produced by the same business that made your car’s original windshield. It is constructed according to the precise specifications of the make and model of your car, guaranteeing a flawless fit, the best possible clarity, and the same level of safety as the glass that was installed by the factory.

Aftermarket Glass: A different company makes this kind of glass. The quality of aftermarket glass varies greatly, even though some of it satisfies federal safety regulations. Its performance and structural integrity may be impacted if it fits less precisely, has minor distortions, or is thinner than OEM glass.

For vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such lane departure alerts or automated emergency braking, using OEM glass is crucial. Because these systems use cameras that are positioned on the windshield, even a small change in the thickness or quality of the glass can affect how well they calibrate and work.

Myth 4: Replacing a windshield is a simple do-it-yourself task.

Given the prevalence of do-it-yourself guidelines for practically anything, you might be tempted to replace your windshield yourself in an attempt to save money. It is best to delegate this task to knowledgeable professionals.

The Significance of Expert Installation: Windshield replacement is an intricate and precise procedure that calls for specific equipment and knowledge.

A poor installation might result in a number of issues:

Leaks: Wind and water might enter your car through a windshield that is not properly sealed.
Reduced Safety: In an accident, improperly applied glue may cause the windshield to separate, making it impossible to support the roof or activate the airbags.
ADAS Issues: As previously stated, after a new windshield is put in, ADAS features need to be precisely calibrated. Experts possess the tools required to guarantee these systems operate as intended.

A qualified expert will guarantee that the glass is fully set, the new glue is put appropriately, and the old adhesive is entirely removed. Your safety is not worth the little money you could save on a do-it-yourself project.

Next Steps for a Safer Drive

More than just glass, your windshield is a vital part of your vehicle’s safety system. Holding onto these widespread misconceptions may cause you to neglect important maintenance, endangering both you and your passengers.

Always take care of chips and cracks right away, get premium glass installed by a qualified expert, and don’t let baseless insurance-related concerns prevent you from taking care of your car. You can make sure your windshield can protect you on every trip by making well-informed decisions.