An Introduction to Windshield Replacement. What You Need to Know to Make an Informed Decision.

Windshield replacement is a crucial service for maintaining your vehicle's safety. A damaged windshield can compromise the structural integrity of your car. Auto glass repair services, including windshield repairs, are provided by auto glass experts using either OEM or aftermarket windshields. At Aaron's AutoGlass, we exclusively use OEM windshields for all our glass replacement services.

Most auto insurance companies cover windshield replacements, reducing the cost burden. It's essential to check with your insurance carrier to understand your coverage. Mobile auto glass services are also available, offering convenience as a technician can come to your location.

Here are some key aspects of windshield replacement:

Types of Windshields: OEM and Aftermarket

When it comes to windshield replacement, understanding the types of glass available is essential. There are primarily two kinds of windshields: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket. Each has its own set of features, benefits, and considerations.

Why Aaron's AutoGlass uses OEM Windshields Exclusively?

OEM windshields are produced by the same manufacturers who supplied the original glass in the vehicle. They are designed to match the exact specifications of the original, ensuring a perfect fit and maintaining the integrity and safety standards set by the car manufacturer. These windshields often come with the same technology and features as the original, such as built-in sensors or tints, ensuring consistency in performance and design.

Benefits of OEM Windshields:

1. Perfect Fit: As they are made to the car’s original specs, the fit is precise.

2. Quality Assurance: Comparable quality to the initial windshield installed by the manufacturer.

3. Consistency: Maintains the car’s original design and functionality.

What You Need to Know About Aftermarket Windshields.

Aftermarket windshields, made by third-party manufacturers, are usually cheaper but can vary in quality, fit, and features versus OEM windshields. They might lack noise-reducing interlayers or solar coatings, affecting sealing and possibly causing leaks or wind noise. Their imprecise fit can compromise vehicle safety by failing to support airbags properly during collisions, increasing injury risk.

Some aftermarket windshields may not undergo the same rigorous testing for impact resistance and UV protection as OEM options. This can lead to premature wear, such as chips or cracks, which might necessitate more frequent repairs or replacements, ultimately diminishing any short-term savings.

Additionally, aftermarket options may not align with the vehicle's ADAS system. A replacement windshield that does not match OEM specifications might interfere with systems like lane departure warnings, automatic windshield wipers, or heads-up displays, compromising the vehicle's innovative features and potentially endangering the driver.

Downside of Aftermarket Windshields:

1. Auto Glass Safety: During a collision, it may fail to retain airbags or provide necessary structural support, raising the risk of injury.

2. Varying Quality and Fit: An imperfectly fitted windshield can compromise your vehicle's structural integrity.

3. May Compromise Safety Systems: Compromising the vehicle's innovative features and potentially endangering the driver.

Common Auto Glass Repair Shop Services: Rock chip repair and full windshield glass replacement

When it comes to auto glass repair, two of the most common services you'll encounter are rock chip repair and full windshield replacement. Let’s take a closer look at each of these services and what they entail:

Rock Chip Repair

Rock chip repair is an essential service offered by our auto glass repair shops. This quick and cost-effective process involves filling chips and small cracks in your windshield using a special resin injection. The process not only improves the appearance of the glass but also restores its structural integrity, preventing the damage from spreading.

Options:

• Time-Efficient: Typically, rock chip repair can be completed within 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for minor damages.

• Cost-Effective: Repairing a chip is generally much cheaper than a complete windshield replacement.

It's important to address rock chips promptly. Ignoring them can lead to larger cracks over time, necessitating a full replacement down the line.

Full Windshield Replacement

Sometimes, damage to a windshield is too severe for a simple rock chip repair, requiring a full windshield replacement. This process involves carefully removing the damaged windshield and fitting a new one.

The certified technician's at Aaron's AutoGlass work diligently with customers, whether at our glass shops or via our mobile replacement service, ensuring quality windshield replacement services. That includes specialty vehicle's and high end models. Our expert team can guide you through the process, ensuring your car is road-ready with a secure windshield.

Using proven strategies, our auto glass repair shop team can also recommend maintaining your new windshield, such as checking and replacing windshield wiper blades regularly, ensuring longevity and clarity.

Importance of Timely Windshield Replacement

Timely windshield replacement is essential for maintaining vehicle safety and comfort. A windshield in poor condition can pose risks to the driver and passengers. Compromised windshields can impair visibility, making driving dangerous. They also influence the car's structural integrity, affecting how it responds in the event of an accident.

Ignoring damage can result in more significant problems over time. Fortunately, our auto glass experts provide efficient solutions, ensuring damaged windshields are replaced promptly. Using services from a professional team means you receive a high-quality glass. By acting promptly, you reduce the chance of injury and avoid high replacement costs. Insurance companies often cover windshield replacements, making it cost-effective. This proactive approach ensures that your car remains secure, and you can drive with peace of mind.

Ensuring Safety and Visibility

A clear and intact windshield is critical for the safe operation of any vehicle. A damaged windshield can distort vision, creating blind spots or glares that interfere with driving. These issues can put drivers and passengers at risk, especially in poor weather or at night.

Additionally, the windshield plays a critical role in your vehicle's structural integrity. It supports the roof and helps the airbags deploy effectively. Damage may compromise these features, endangering lives. Utilizing professional auto glass replacement services ensures that your windshield meets safety standards.

Our technicians are certified by the Auto Glass Safety Council. They will assess the condition of the windshield and use high-quality materials to restore it. Insurance companies often include coverage for windshield repairs, making the decision both safe and affordable. By keeping a windshield clear and sturdy, drivers enhance their safety and ensure adequate visibility of the road.

Preventing Further Damage

Acting quickly on windshield damage is key to preventing further problems. Even minor chips or cracks can spread due to temperature changes or road vibrations. This expansion can lead to more significant and costly repairs or even total replacement. If left untreated, small cracks can compromise the overall strength of the glass.

Seeking professional auto glass repair when damage is first noticed can prevent these issues from worsening. Our mobile windshield repair services deliver expert solutions right to your location. This minimizes inconvenience and keeps your vehicle protected from further damage. By having technicians replace or repair your windshield promptly, the glass retains its integrity, and the need for more advanced fixes is reduced. Timely action is an investment in vehicle structure safety, saving time and avoiding unnecessary expenses in the future.

Reducing Cost by Submitting and Insurance Claim

One of the significant concerns for vehicle owners is the cost associated with a full windshield replacement. Fortunately, most comprehensive car insurance policies offer coverage for glass damage, which can significantly mitigate out-of-pocket expenses.

Steps to File an Insurance Claim for Windshield Replacement

1. Review Your Insurance Policy: Before proceeding, check your policy to confirm if it includes glass coverage, which usually appears as a separate line item under comprehensive coverage. Please provide us with your insurance carrier and policy number.

   
   

2. Gather Necessary Information: Have all pertinent details on hand, including the make and model of your vehicle, policy number, and a description of the damage.

   
   

3. Choose an Authorized Auto Glass Repair Service: In MA and RI, insurance providers must allow you to select your auto glass repair service. At Aaron’s AutoGlass, our certified technicians are well-versed in collaborating with multiple insurers and can help guide you through the claims process efficiently, ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction.

   
   

4. Contact Our Auto Glass Experts: Contact Aaron's Auto Glass by phone or online to initiate your inquiry. A representative will promptly reach out to you. During this call, please have your vehicle's VIN number ready, as we'll need it to gather necessary information. For cash payments, we can provide an accurate quote over the phone. If you are using insurance, we will coordinate with your provider by setting up a three-way call if needed—which is often the case—to establish your claim. This process will authorize us to proceed with the work. As a preferred insurance provider, we adhere to predetermined insurance rates.

   
   

5. Schedule Your Glass Repair: Once everything is set, we will place the glass order and coordinate a convenient installation date for you, ensuring it aligns with the glass delivery schedule.