Glasses and windshields in your car add beauty to the design, of course, but also they serve a bunch of unique purposes as well. That is why you should get them repaired or replaced as soon as you notice a fault. Windshields are tougher than side glasses and most of the time they can withstand certain blows. Also you can get them repaired fairly easily as well. But if side glasses of your car are damaged or cracked, you cannot repair them, unfortunately. You will definitely have to replace them. However, getting your vehicle’s side glasses repaired can be a stressful job if it is your first time. Finding a reliable shop, finding fair prices etc. would be a little tedious. But this can be made simple if you stick to the standards. Following tips will help you in repairing or replacing glasses of your vehicle.

Dealers vs. professionals

When side glasses are damaged or cracked, most of us go to our dealers directly. This is not really a bad idea but it will cost you more. Because your dealer is not an expert in car window replacement or repairing. He will get the job done from a professional and charge you with a higher price. If you are unfamiliar with standard prices, you will end paying more than you should. So always go to a repairing shop directly if your windshields or glasses are damaged.

Local garage can’t save you

Windshield of a car is one of the most important parts that increase safety of vehicle. If you have to get it repaired or replaced, you should always find an expert. You may trust your local garage and they may have better prices but if they are not experts in replacing windshields and side glasses, you should not let them do the job. These kind of jobs require special training and most importantly a certification of reliability. When you install a windshield that task should follow all safety procedures as well.

Replacing or repairing

Most of the time, windshields can be repaired depending on the damaged. These are made using two sheets of glass and a plastic layer in between them. They have the ability to withstand shocks and impacts. But when it comes to side glasses, you cannot repair them even it is a small crack, you will have to replace the glass. Also, if your vehicle had tinted glasses, you will have to get a better car window tinting when you replace them.

After market vs. OEM

OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer glasses always have a higher quality than Aftermarket glasses. And latter is relatively cheap. But if you are going to replace vehicle glasses, choosing OEM is always the best idea.

When it comes to replacing or repairing glasses of your car, you always have to choose quality and safety over price. And if you do your homework before hiring a company, you can get your job done with a good guarantee as well as a good satisfaction.

Repairing a windshield requires specialized knowledge and is always done under the care of a professional organization. Although a self repaired job might not give you a professional work result, it will be relatively cheaper. However, it is important to understand the risks of doing a repair yourself from getting it done professionally. Mentioned below are several factors to keep in mind when doing so.

Check the insurance and repair contracts of the vehicle

Depending on the type of repair that is needed, the cost of a repair or a windscreen replacement can vary greatly. This is because the location, insurance covers and types of windshields can differ. Usually most auto insurance covers will include the cost of the repair or the replacement of the windscreen. If this is not the case, you are likely to pay some or the entire cost of it on your own.

Check the type of damages

If there are damages such as cracks or chips on the corners or edges of the windscreen there is a big possibility of the structure being compromised and this can deem a major safety concern. In this case, a repair will not be a long term solution and a replacement is the best remedy to avoid major risks. Small scratches and cracks on the body of the vehicle, is not usually concerning as these can be quickly tweaked and repaired even at a car repairs at Onslow.

One of the other important areas to check for damages is in the direct line of sight of the driver. Cracks in this area will most definitely interfere with the driving even after repair; therefore it is recommended to replace the entire screen if damages are seen directly over the driver’s seat. For example, two areas of damage that are approximately four inches apart will definitely require a replacement as this can easily obscure the line of sight from both eyes while driving.

Measure the damages

Most cracks that are roughly shorter than six inches could be repaired on your own provided the right tools and equipment are available. It also depends on the position and place of the windscreen, however for any crack more than 18 inches, consulting a professional and getting a recommendation is the best option or you could end up making the damage worse. Certain chips and dents from accidents cannot be repaired as well. For example, circular cracks that are less than one inch could be considered to be repaired instead of a full replacement. Overall, considering these details will help you decide on what option is best for windscreen damage.