Understanding the Expenses Involved
Windows are an essential but often overlooked feature of a car. Not only are they vital for safe navigation, but they also play a crucial role in road awareness. However, unlike the mechanical components of a vehicle, such as the brakes or steering, windows disappear into a car’s structure. As such, many drivers neglect their windows until it is too late, and the glass needs replacing.
Read on to learn how much a car window replacement costs and what warning signs you should look out for.
How are Car Windows Replaced?
The severity of the damage to the window will necessitate different forms of repair. Before replacing an entire pane of glass, several methods can re-strengthen damaged areas and reduce the replacement cost.
If the windscreen has been chipped, the depth, placement, and type of chip will determine whether the glass can be repaired or needs replacing. Small, shallow chips that do not impair the driver’s field of vision can be fixed within minutes. To conduct a windscreen repair, the technician will clean the chip to remove any small pieces of glass or debris. After preparing the affected area, the chip will be filled with a clear resin that adheres to the glass.
Unfortunately, not every issue can be fixed that easily. If the glass has cracked or a chip has grown in size, then the whole window will need to be replaced. With the car parked in a sheltered area, a mechanic will pop out the faulty pane of glass and replace it with one that matches the original specification and size.
After thoroughly drying the adhesive glue, the vehicle will be safe to drive again. Typically, the entire window replacement process can be completed in under an hour.
Signs that You Need to Replace Your Car Window
Like any vehicle component, car windows have a lifespan. When the car is in use, the windows are constantly exposed to the elements. Changes in temperature, strong winds, ice, and road debris can damage your windows or worsen pre-existing issues. The glass is also affected when the car is moving. Over time, the vibrations caused by the texture of the road surface can increase the size of cracks and cause them to spread across the entire window.
As such, the smallest of chips can quickly develop into large cracks that impair the driver’s line of vision and threaten the structural integrity of the glass. When you notice a chip in your windscreen, you must fix it as soon as possible and avoid using your car until it has been repaired. This ensures that the chip cannot grow in diameter.
If the windows on your car have been chipped by debris, several factors will determine whether the glass needs to be repaired or replaced. The chip must be less than an inch in diameter and at least an inch away from the window frame. In addition to this, it must not obstruct the driver’s direct line of sight and the damage must be on the outside, rather than the inside of the car.
Damage that exceeds these limits severely weakens the glass and broken car windows endanger both the driver and their passengers. While the glass used in car windows and windscreens is designed to break safely on the point of impact, this cannot be guaranteed if it has already been damaged. As such, the whole pane must be replaced.
How Much Does Replacing a Car Window Cost?
On average, you can expect to pay between $100 to $400 for a replacement window. Larger panes of glass, such as the windscreen, will typically cost more to replace. Additionally, if you have a classic or rare car, it will cost more to source an exact replacement for the broken glass.
Before booking a repair or replacement service, contact your insurance provider. The windows may be covered by your insurance policy. Some companies include windscreen and window cover in their standard car service packages, whereas others only offer this cover as an add-on charge. Always double-check before booking an appointment.
If you notice a chip in your windows, call a technician as soon as possible. Chip repairs are significantly cheaper, typically costing between $35 and $50. Repairing the damage early on can prevent you from having to replace the entire window.
Final Thoughts
Window maintenance is an integral element of car upkeep. By keeping an eye out for small chips and cracks in your windows, you can save yourself the cost and stress of having to replace an entire pane of glass.