Windshield replacement is one of the most common auto repairs that can be performed. However, the cost of a windshield replacement can be very high if your vehicle has advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

These safety features require special sensors and cameras that aren`t easily replaced or recalibrated after a replacement. The cost of replacing windshields can rise to $1,000 or more due to the impact of ADAS and other sensors.

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Safety

When it comes to auto glass, you`ll want to choose a professional company that understands and follows all the necessary safety precautions when replacing your windshield. To ensure safety, OEM (Original Equipment Maker) glass can be used.

The windshield is an important structural support system in your car. It helps to prevent the roof from collapsing in the event of a collision. It also assists with proper air bag deployment.

Modern windshields have multiple layers of glass. The inner and outer tempered glass layers are bonded to a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer for added strength and resilience.

When your windshield is replaced, the new adhesive that holds the glass to the frame has to cure properly for the safety of you and your passengers. Immediately after your replacement is completed, your vehicle should sit for at least an hour to allow the glue to settle and set.

Visibility

When replacing your windshield, you should look for a company that is local and established. This is a good way to make sure that the business is trustworthy and won`t cut corners.

Visibility is the measure of how far an object or light can be seen under certain weather conditions. This is reported in surface weather observations and Meteorological Terminal Air Reports (METAR) either in meters or statute miles depending on the country.

There are two main methods to measure visibility: one is the transmission method and the other is the forward scatter method.

The transmission method measures how much light is transmitted through the atmosphere from a source of light to a receiver at a distance. For example, 50 metres away.

Foggy weather causes the ray path to be less clear and less light will reach receivers. This is measured with a sensor, and converted to raw data for straight forward calculation of visibility.

Installation is easy

The installer must align the top and bottom edges carefully when replacing a windshield. He must also set the windshield on top of the pinch-weld, which is a small area where different metal components are welded together to provide structure for the frame of the windshield.

Disposable gloves are used by technicians to prevent oil and dirt from contaminating activated windshields. This can decrease adhesion to the urethane adhesive.

The technician uses a urethane gun to apply a thin coating of adhesive to the windshield. This adhesive is water-resistant and polymer-based and forms a strong bond between glass and metal.

The installation must be done slowly, and the technician should leave both front windows cracked open to minimize vibrations from the vehicle. This prevents the urethane crystals from hardening, and can help to prevent cracks that could cause windshield to fall off.

Cost

The cost of windshield replacement varies from vehicle to vehicle and depends on the type of glass used. Original equipment manufacturer OEM glass is usually more expensive than aftermarket windshields.

In many states, car insurance companies will pay for windshield replacement or repair if you carry comprehensive coverage. You can ask your agent for clarification if you are unsure if your insurance will cover repairs or complete replacement.

Damaged windshields should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. This is to keep the safety of you and your passengers.

Although windshield repair is usually cheaper than replacing the entire windshield, it will last less time than a new windshield. The size of the chip or crack and its location will also influence how much it costs to repair.

The windshield of a vehicle with active safety sensors will also incur extra costs as the dealer needs to recalibrate them before installing the new windshield. This can add up to 20% on top of the average windshield replacement cost for non-luxury cars.