Get Your Windshield Replaced For a Fair Price

A car's windshield is a remarkable invention. It's actually an important part of the vehicle's structural integrity. One chip in the glass can slowly erode the entire vehicle's safety on the road. It's not just an aesthetic issue. The windshield is made up of three layers, including a polymer section and two separate pieces of glass. Damage to any layer calls for an evaluation.

If a car has any chip or crack in the windshield, it's time to take a close look at it. In fact, pulling out a magnifying glass isn't a bad idea. Knowing if the damage can be repaired at all is a good first step. Replacing the entire windshield is always costly. Get your windshield replaced or repaired for a fair price by following a few tips from the professionals. Being able to see the road without any visual obstacles is critical to safe driving.

Types of Windshield Repairs

There's a fascinating array of different damages that can occur to a windshield. Each one of these strikes requires a slightly different repair strategy. Compare these types of windshield repairs to the vehicle in question. Most repairs can be completed without a complete replacement. Types of repairs include: 

• Chips - A chip is one of the least significant damages that occurs to a windshield. It's isolated to a tiny area with just a divot of material removed from the glass surface.
• Isolated Bull's-Eye - The bull's-eye is related to the chip, but it has a slightly deeper appearance. The glass has a blurry or kaleidoscope appearance.
• Spreading Cracks - A crack that spreads is often difficult to patch. Windshield replacement might be a better idea.
• Replacement Scenarios - Multiple damage points or spider-web cracks call for an outright replacement of your glass.

Deciding between repairs and replacements often requires a price comparison. Learn all about the car windshield replacement cost so that a proper decision can be made.

How Much Does it Cost?

Costs varying considerably when consumers compare repairs versus replacement. Consider these cost selections based on the damage's description.

• DIY Kits - Expect to pay about $20 to $30 for a kit to fix a chip or crack in the windshield. Keep in mind that consumers don't usually have the expertise to fix the crack with a seamless appearance. This cost might double if the repair must be performed again for aesthetic value.
• Chips - Repairing a chip with a professional's assistance will range from $20 to $60. Mobile services will always cost more than a traditional visit to a repair center.
• Short Cracks - A crack that's 12 inches or less in length might cost around $55 to fix by a professional.
• Long Cracks - Consumers should expect to pay about $70 or more for cracks longer than 12- or 24-inches long.
• Full Replacement - If the glass must be replaced, a car windshield replacement cost is typically about $200 to $300. Luxury cars demand sensors in the glass, however, so these cars will require a higher bill.

Popular Windshield Repair Locations

As consumers look over a car windshield replacement cost, knowing where the service will take place is also important. Consumers have several options today.

• Dedicated Service Center - For a traditional repair or replacement service, visiting a service center that specializes in glass is always an option. These facilities often dot a city in its industrial areas, so performing some local research is part of the process. Contact several facilities for quotes. Every professional will have a slightly different cost.
• Car Dealerships - Some consumers want OEM windshields from their car dealerships. It's certainly not required for any vehicle to have a certain piece of glass, but consumers have this option. They must make an appointment for the vehicle. The service might take a few hours, depending on the facility's volume and damage's severity.
• On-Site Services - A popular location to perform a windshield service is at the consumer's location. They might be at work or home. Consumers make an appointment with a service provider, and the technician arrives at a chosen location. For safety's sake, the service often runs through an app on their smartphones that tells consumers who is arriving and when. There's no guessing at the service timing while the car ends up with a quality service over a few hours.