The windshield of your car is one of the most important safety features in your vehicle. The windshield protects you from wind and weather, maintains interior temperature control, and supports passenger-side airbags. It’s also one of the most expensive parts on a vehicle, which means that replacing it can be a major expense. But whether you need a repair or replacement, it’s important to remember that driving with an improperly installed windshield can be dangerous. So how do you know when to get a windshield replacement? Here’s what you need to know.
There are different types of windshields
There are three main types of windshields: glass, plastic, and laminated glass. Glass is the most expensive choice but also the most durable option. Plastic windshields are less expensive but also less durable when compared to glass. Laminated windshields fall somewhere in between these two options—they’re a good middle ground if you’re looking for an affordable replacement that will last awhile without compromising on quality or potential longevity.
Cracks and chips can be fixed, but major damage means it should be replaced.
While small cracks or chips can be repaired, if your windshield is in bad shape and has multiple cracks or large chips, it’s time to replace it.
If you have a large crack, you should get that fixed immediately. A small chip won’t be as noticeable in your windshield until it spreads out over the whole pane of glass. This can happen quickly — within a few months or even weeks — so make sure that you take care of these issues as soon as possible.
You Can’t Fix It Yourself
You can’t go to Walmart and buy a windshield replacement kit.
You can’t use a hammer and chisel.
You can’t use a rock.
You can’t use a knife or screwdriver, either.
Installing a New Windshield Usually Takes About an Hour
The time it takes for a technician to install your new windshield will depend on several factors. The first is the type of windshield; some are easier to remove and replace than others. Second, the vehicle itself—larger vehicles tend to need more time because they have more moving parts that must be taken into account when removing and replacing the windshield.
Third, if you’re working with a particularly experienced technician, they may be able to complete the job faster than someone who isn’t as experienced or hasn’t worked on your kind of vehicle before (though this can also work against them). Finally, where you live makes a difference: while most urban areas have technicians who know how long these jobs take, rural areas may not have as many technicians available or those technicians might not be as familiar with certain models or types of vehicles (like SUVs).
Don’t Forget to Get an Inspection Sticker
So, you’ve bought a new windshield for your car and you’re wondering what to do next. You’ll want to make sure that the windshield is installed properly. This is where the inspection sticker comes in.
The inspection sticker is a sticker on a window of your car that shows when the last time it was inspected by a mechanic, usually within three months of its expiration date (check with your local laws). It’s important because it shows that there have been no defects found in any part of the vehicle during its last inspection, which means that everything should be working properly and safely for everyone involved on roads everywhere!
It’s important to remember that a new windshield installation must meet safety standards.
You can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the windshield replacement your mechanic is performing meets safety standards. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sets these standards, and they require that all new car windshields be made with laminated glass. This type of glass is actually two layers separated by a thin film of air (known as “spacer”), which helps reduce how much your vehicle sways when you hit something or get into an accident.
If you don’t replace the windshield, it could break and cause an accident—and then you might be liable for damages or fined by the police!
Conclusion
We hope that this guide to windshield replacement has been helpful for you. The most important things to keep in mind are the safety standards, and that you should always contact your insurance company before getting a new windshield installed. We know that dealing with insurance companies can be a hassle, but it is better than having to pay for everything out of pocket. Remember, if you’re ever not sure about what’s going on with your car, it never hurts to ask!
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