Windshields

The windshield of your automobile is key to the comfort and safety of you and your passengers. Comfort-wise, it keeps the weather outside of your car, and keeps bugs and other flying debris out of your face. Safety-wise, it is an important structural component of your vehicle. If you were to get into accident, it provides additional strength to the roof to prevent caving in, and helps keep occupants from being thrown from the vehicle.

I don't know about you, but it seems that one of my cars gets a chip taken out of the windshield at least once a year. It seems to happen more often on the highway. Small stones from construction in the summer or from the sand trucks in the winter get picked up by big semi trucks, and "plunk," another chip comes out of the windshield.

I suggest you get any chips taken care of right away. Vibrations caused by various road conditions and temperature fluctuations can turn that small chip into a crack in no time and then the whole windshield will need to be replaced.

If you have comprehensive insurance, many companies will cover windshield repair at 100 percent coverage with no deductible. This means that you pay nothing! It is cheaper for the insurance companies to pay for a repair then to pay for an expensive replacement. Plus, in the modern cars of today a lot of windshields have built into them: radio & telephone antennas, heating elements to de-ice the windshield, satellite uplinks, sensors to activate windshield wipers, etc. Most companies will pay for 3 chips at a time.

The chip will not disappear after being repaired, which is why you can't have a chip in the drivers view area. To pass Vermont State Inspection, there are 10 different variations of chips, cracks or bulls-eyes that are not acceptable, including: "There can not be any discoloration or any star, or chip or bulls eye larger that ? inch in diameter in the acute area." If you are questioning whether your windshield will pass inspection you can stop by any inspection station and they should be able to tell you.

A chip repair takes approximately 30 minutes and you can drive away immediately. A complete windshield replacement can take up to an hour of labor, plus curing time. There are no adhesives that dry quickly enough for you to drive away immediately after a windshield installation. The vehicle needs to sit for 2-3 hours depending on weather conditions and materials used. If you rush it, you will end up with air leaks that cause annoying whistles or worse, leaks that allow water to drip into the your vehicle.

Again, if you have comprehensive insurance, you will only have to pay the deductible for your windshield replacement. For example, if your deductible is $150.00 the insurance company will pay all the expenses above that dollar figure.

Some rear view mirrors are attached to the windshield by special glue. If yours is, make sure the company agrees to reattach the mirror to your new windshield. Also make sure they reattach all stickers in the same place they were on your old windshield.

Be suspicious of any company that suggests:

  • You let them do the job "off the books." It may look like you will be saving money, but they are breaking the law, probably aren't certified and won't be around if you have any warranty issues.
  • That offers to give you cash back if you let them do your insurance job. This would be considered insurance fraud and you would be involved in any legal action taken by the insurance company.
  • That you have to use a specific company because your insurance company recommended them. Your insurance company can only suggest, not demand, that you use their preferred shop. Legally, you can choose any windshield company you want.

If you need a repair or a replacement, keep these tips in mind:

  • Call your insurance agent first to report any damage to your windshield and to find out what your deductible is before contacting a windshield company.
  • Ask the windshield company if their employees are experienced, certified auto glass installation technicians.
  • Make sure the company offers a warranty on their repairs and replacements. Ask if you can get it in writing.
  • Make sure the company uses only OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass for windshield or auto glass replacements, so the glass will be at least as high in quality as the original glass that came in your vehicle.
  • If the weather is clear, see if they can come to your house or business to do the work. If it is raining or cold outside, ask if they have a warm garage where the job will take place and the car will sit for the urethane seal to cure properly.

If you have a chip in your windshield, don't delay in getting it repaired. A small chip can turn into a large crack that will cost at least 7 times the cost of a quick repair.

Happy Motoring,

Amy