Car Windshield Replacement

Car windshields are the first to get damaged during accidents or other mishaps. They are also a soft target during mob agitations and other anti-social activities. You must have replaced your car windshield several times if you are staying in particularly vindictive neighborhood, or have mischievous kids around. The point is, every car owner has to replace the car windshield at least once during the lifetime of the car.

How to Buy a Car Windshield Replacement

Car windshields are easily available at the local auto glass companies. They even provide you with a repair man who can help you replace the windshield. Search the yellow pages to find the companies that deal in car windshield replacement. Dial a few companies and ask them for the quotes. You can also visit their websites and get the quotes instantly. Also inquire about their service charges and other deductibles. Select the company that suits you the best and fix an appointment with them. While setting an appointment, make sure you are having all the requisite information at hand, such as the make of the car, model year, license plate number, vehicle identification number, etc. Fix an appropriate time with them so that they can come to your home or office for replacement of the windshield. Most importantly, keep your vehicle available at that time.

Car Windshield Replacement Procedure

In rare circumstances, you might have to replace the windshield yourself. However, if you are planning to replace the windshield yourself, make sure you have someone to help you with the job. Following is the procedure to install a new windshield.

• Detach all the assembly around the windshield, like the mirrors, wipers, etc. Cover the heating vents with tape or paper.
• Check the rubber gasket for damages. If it is cracked or damaged, you'll need to replace it. Insert a knife and slice it off the edge. If it is intact, carefully insert a stick and run it across the frame to separate the gasket from the glass.
• Now, carefully push the glass from inside and gently separate it from the frame, your assistant comes in handy here. Beware of the broken pieces of glass.
• Then place the gasket around the new windshield with its thicker side on the inside of the glass. If you are going to use a new gasket, remove its sealant and allow it to heat in the sunlight.
• Apply some petroleum jelly on the outer edge of the gasket and place the glass slowly on the windshield frame. Wipe the petroleum jelly and clean the glass.

Cost of Car Windshield Replacement

So how much does it cost to replace a car windshield? Though you can always send the bill of windshield replacement to your insurance company, make sure the windshield company covers all the expenses in the bill, so that you don't have to spend the money from your pocket. Inquire with your auto glass company if the deductibles can be waived of. The car windshield replacement price is likely to be somewhere in the region of around $200 - $300. The cost may vary depending upon the make of your car and the quote of the windshield company.

Car windshield replacement is a job which takes a few hours and can be easily accomplished by making a single phone call to the auto glass company. However, if you are worried about the factory seal or the hefty cost of replacement, you can consider replacing the windshield yourself. Though repair work is much cheaper, it is only feasible when the damage is minimal, while in all the other cases replacement becomes inevitable.