Expert Windshield Replacement: Everything You Should Know

Windshield Repair damage is an unexpected and unwelcome setback to a car’s aesthetics and structural integrity. Far from breaking or cracking due to a head-on collision, your windshield might also get damaged from other accidents in San Diego. Such unfortunate and unexpected accidents might include: 

• Tree branches falling on the windshield
• Animals colliding with the glass
• Flying rock and gravel hitting the windshield while driving
• Damages from falling hail during stormy weather 

Man-made or otherwise, the damage to your windshield is unsightly and compromises certain car-safety features if not addressed. Sure, a windshield repair San Diego might fix the problem, but the windshield will need replacing if it is shattered beyond repair.

For the most part, you need an expert windshield replacement service for a thorough and long-lasting outcome. However, particularly DIY-oriented vehicle owners might entertain the idea of a solo fix. But…

Is Windshield Replacement in The Domain of Do-It-Yourself?

The answer is not a straight yes or no. First, you want to ensure your DIY experience fits your car model. Unlike old cars that weren’t particularly challenging for a DIY replacement, modern cars come with specifics that can hinder a proper fix. Not only is it tedious, but it also costs extra dollars to acquire the right tools and materials for the job.

You will need to order a factory-made windshield that matches your car’s specifications rather than purchasing an aftermarket windshield. In addition to solid experience, you need to consider that it’s easier to crack the windshield when installing it yourself. Without insurance against such damage incurred, you might want to leave the installation to the professionals. 

Ultimately a DIY replacement boils down to proficient experience, the right tools, and the ability to incur the risk of any potential damages. If you have that in place, you should have zero problems. But if not, it’s best to trust an expert windshield replacement company in San Diego.

The Ins And Outs of High-Quality Auto-Glass Repair and  Replacement Service

So you ruled out the DIY approach to replacing your windshield and opted for a professional fix. And because you need your car to return to its ultimate shape as soon as possible, you want that fast, affordable auto glass repair and replacement service in San Diego. But…

Where Is The Windshield Repair Work Done?

Most high-quality Auto Glass Repair & replacement companies work from their shops, some offer mobile Auto glass replacement, and a few combine the two. Perhaps you were heading for work, so taking your car to a windshield repair service might be inconvenient. In such a case, what better way than to have it replaced at your workplace? However, mobile windshield replacement might not be feasible in certain weather conditions, such as very hot or cold conditions. Your windshield replacement company will tell you when it’s appropriate.

What Types of Windshield Glass Are Available for Your Car?

Most commonly, windshields fall into two broad categories: original equipment manufacturer (OEM) windshields and aftermarket windshields. Unfortunately, in so many instances, car owners do not know how to distinguish between the two types of glass. And since your windshield repair San Diego company will avail those options for you, knowing their differences can help you make an informed choice.

OEM windshields are made by the original car manufacturer, so the glass resembles the original windshield in terms of thickness, fit, shape, and color. They also bear the car manufacturer’s logo, which means they are designed and tested for your car’s performance. However, OEM windshields are 40% – 60% more expensive than aftermarket windshields. So you might want to check whether your car insurance can pay for such a replacement. 

On the other hand, aftermarket windshields are copies of the original windshields created by Auto glass companies with no OEM relationships with original manufacturers. As a result, they have certain features similar to OEM windshields, like fitness and shape, and others that are not, such as thickness, UV protection, and color tint. While aftermarket windshields bear the mark of an off-band design, most customers prefer them because of their affordability.

You might have heard of the Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) windshields, haven’t you? Well, this category of windshield glass is nothing different from its OEM counterpart except for its branding. Also known as the dealer glass, OEE windshields are marketed and sold under the auto repair’s brand. However, unlike OEM windshields, OEE windshields do not come with a premium price tag. Ultimately, your priority is to ensure you buy a windshield that fits perfectly for your car and is durable.

How Long Should You Wait After the Installation? 

After windshield replacement, you want to give the adhesive time to set for it to tightly hold the newer glass in place before driving the car. In addition, you don’t want the vibrations from the car to interfere with the adhesives. How long it takes for the adhesive to cure also depends on the weather conditions. For instance, where replacements are done under low-temperature conditions, it takes longer before you achieve safe drive-away time.

Autoglass professionals working on your car will tell you how long the vehicle must be stationary (aka safe drive-away time) after the windshield is replaced. And even after you can finally drive away, there are certain things you need to avoid post-windshield replacement, including:

• Washing your car under high pressure, such as using a power washer. If you must, then a regular handwash should be just fine. Otherwise, allow up to 48 hours before you can use a high-pressure wash.
• Extreme hot or cold weather conditions that might interfere with the adhesive’s ability to harden. 
• Placing objects against the new windshield a few hours after the installation or before the 48 hours have elapsed. 
• Driving on a bumpy road where excess vibrations interfere with the attachment of the new glass into the car’s frame. If driving on bumpy roads is unavoidable, be sure to drive as slowly as possible.

Whatever you do with your car, err on the side of caution for at least 48 hours, after which you should be able to operate your car as usual. 

How a Windshield is Replaced

Assuming you’ve successfully delivered your car to an expert Auto Glass Repair workshop in San Diego – you might be wondering how the technicians will handle the job. What steps are involved in windshield replacement? For the most part, auto glass replacements in most auto repair garages are almost similar. 

Usually, by the time technicians get down to the actual work, you’ve already discussed what type of glass you’d like to be installed. If you are curious about how your windshield will be replaced, here is a brief breakdown of the process:

• The technicians start by removing all the hardware surrounding the damaged windshield, including the rubber gasket, wipers, rearview mirror, A-pillar covers, and sun visors. This is essential. Because these parts are attached to the windshield. 
• The experts then cut out the adhesive (urethane) holding the old windshield in place using an icy knife. 
• Heavy-duty suction cups with handles are attached to the glass to lift it off the car frame exposing a windscreen field.
• Any glass pellets and dirt in the frame are cleaned off, and the extra urethane is cut out using a sharp razor. This leaves enough room for the new glass, whose outer edges are also cleaned (primed) using a special cleaning solution. 
• The professionals also apply a primer on the entire frame, followed by the adhesive.
• Suction cups are used to lift the new auto glass for installation into the windshield frame.
• Finally, all the equipment, such as the radio antennas, rearview mirror, and sun visors initially removed, is reinstalled to complete the car’s new look.

In the grand scheme of things, the technicians will contact you to come and pick up your car after the adhesive has cured. Usually, you want to pick up the car or have it delivered to you after it sits stationary for the allotted minimum safety drive-away time. 

Common Windshield Replacement Issues

You should expect a 100% problem-free auto glass fix from a high-quality auto glass repair workshop in San Diego. But there’s nothing wrong with doing a background check to ensure the technicians did a thorough job. You want to know whether the vehicle will maintain its original structurally sound status for years to come.  That said, here are some issues you should look out for after the technicians replace your windshield:

Windshield Leaks

A leak-proof windshield is the first indicator that the edges were properly fixed. Using a (low pressure) garden horse, spray water on the windshield until it’s thoroughly wet. Then you want to inspect the car’s interior to ensure there are no leaks. If you spot any leaks, contact the company for a reinstallation.

Hearing Unusual Sound from the Windshield While Driving?

Beyond testing for leaks, you also want to pay attention when driving at high speeds on a freeway. Turn off the car’s electronics and roll up your windows for this test. Are there any discernible “whooshing” sounds? If present, it’s a sign of a poor installation job. Since the rattling of the windshield car is sometimes barely audible, you might want to seek a second opinion from an expert.

Wavy Glass Windshield

If you are a new car owner, you might think there’s no way to know whether the new auto glass is high quality. But that’s not true. When driving, try paying close attention to the contour of your windshield. A high-quality glass should be straight and clear. No visual distortions should appear in any sections of the windshield. Aftermarket windshields are a predominant culprit regarding the clarity of auto glass. So you want to confirm their quality with your installer if you’ve opted to use them. Otherwise, always opt for OEM or OEE windshields for the best quality.

Windshield Repair Service in your Areas

We’ve all witnessed scams in almost all industries; somebody approaches you physically or online to convince you to buy their product or service, which turns out to be fake. Don’t get us wrong; there are legitimate products from proven sellers offline or online. In regards to scams, the windshield replacement industry is no different. Unscrupulous windshield installers are looking to take advantage of you in various ways. Those windshield scammers often position themselves in high-traffic areas like gas stations, malls, and car washes. 

Usually, they thrive at sweet talking you into accepting a free auto glass inspection and giving you a reason to replace or repair your windshield. But, of course, it’s even easier for scammers if there is a discernible crack or imperfection on your windshield. And suppose there isn’t anything to go by; in that case, they might convince you to give them your insurance information. Then, they use it to convince your insurance company to pay for a replacement you haven’t ordered.

Alternatively, scammers might trick you into signing an assignment of benefits form, giving away the authority to make repairs, file insurance claims, and collect your insurance payments. They can also repeatedly charge your insurance company for repairs they haven’t done. So how do you avoid such scams? 

• Be skeptical about individuals approaching you at gas stations and car washes. If you must work with them, cross-check a salesperson’s background to ensure they are who they say they are.
• Always remember legitimate auto glass repair companies always observe the 3-way call requirement before working with you. The call occurs between your installers, you, and the insurance company. 
• Never reveal your details and bank account information to anyone to avoid identity and insurance theft.

Need a Fast And Affordable Windshield Repair & Replacement Service in San Diego?

With years of experience in the automotive repair industry, Windshield Repair San Diego is your go-to company for the highest quality Mobile Auto glass Repair. We are convenient, fast and affordable to work with, regardless of the damage. All our Auto Glass technicians are certified to provide professional services for all models of vehicles in San Diego. 

We follow the 3-way call approach when with your and your insurance company before commencing the installation. To schedule an appointment or discover more about our fast and affordable Auto glass repair and replacement service, call us at (619) 883-1166. Or, if you want to get started right away, request a free quote via our website.

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