Windshield replacement starts with the right glass for your vehicle, and often there is more than one option. Most auto glass replacement services can order the windshield for you, then install it in your car, but ensuring you have the right glass for your make and model can be more challenging than you might think.
Windshield Glass
The windshield in your vehicle is often not just run-of-the-mill glass that you can get anywhere. Auto safety glass used for windshield replacement is made from several sheets of glass with a thin piece of PVC plastic between them to create a lamination that is strong but resistant to shattering.
When an impact occurs, the glass will crack but will stay in place to ensure the driver and passengers in the vehicle are protected and safe. Additionally, the glass will often have things like a radio antenna or a defroster embedded for convenience.
Windshield replacement glass is available through most auto glass shops, and you can replace the glass yourself if you know what you are doing. However, it is often easier to take the car to a shop and let them do the work to ensure the glass is watertight and fits the vehicle correctly.
Glass Options
When you need a windshield replacement, the auto glass service may ask about the vehicle to try and determine the right glass for it. In some cases, the glass is tinted partially or has something like a defroster coil embedded in the windshield glass that needs to be in the replacement windshield.
A windshield that is missing these details will still physically fit in the car, but it can be a problem because they are missing features specific to that model. It is crucial that you give the glass shop as much detail as possible when ordering the new glass to ensure you retail all the options that came with the car when it was new.
Used Glass
Some auto salvage yards sell used replacement windshields, and for older cars that are hard to find new glass for, this may be a good option. However, it is vital to understand that the glass may become weak or brittle after years of sitting out in the sun, so removing it from the scrap car and installing it in your vehicle can be challenging.
Some auto glass shops will allow you to provide used glass for them to install, but most will not take responsibility if the used glass cracks or breaks during the installation process. If used replacement glass is the only option, it must be handled with care during removal and installation.
Contact an auto windshield replacement service to find out more.
