In a perfect world, you'd never need to replace your windshield. But in reality, windshield replacements account for 30% of all auto insurance claims in the United States. In fact, this is one of the most common services that are hired in regards to vehicles. Read on to discover more about what goes into windshield replacements today.

The Hazards

Given the variety of common hazards encountered on your daily commute, it's understandable that you might need windshield replacement. Beyond car accidents, the following are some of the most common causes of a chip or crack in your windshield: 

Driving Behind Construction or Garbage Trucks

Large vehicles hauling loose materials, especially at highway speeds, have the potential to damage your car's glass. 

Traveling on a Gravel Road

When driving on a gravel road, loose gravel and rocks can easily make contact with your windshield, even at low speeds. 

Improper Construction and Installation of a Windshield

A collision often causes a larger and more severe crack in the windshield, necessitating immediate repair. 

What to Do With a Cracked or Chipped Windshield

The first and the best thing you can do if your windshield has a chip or crack is to contact a reputable and highly skilled window replacement installation expert. Before recommending repair or replacement, your glass replacement technician will consider the following factors: 

• Dimensions: Some shallow chips that aren't spreading can be repaired. 

• Glass Damage Types: A technician will look for a chip, crack, spider web crack, series of cracks, or a break on the surface. 

• The Origin of the Chip or Crack: If the chip is directly in front of the driver, the technician may recommend total replacement because discoloration can distract drivers even when the repair work is excellent. 

How Windshield Replacement Is Performed 

If your technician recommends that you replace your vehicle's windshield due to damage, understanding how the process works may be useful. Here are the following steps: 

Step One: Hire a reliable team. 

The best windshield replacement companies always send two highly skilled installers. The right team knows how to precisely install your new windshield to avoid leaks, wind noise, and other issues. 

Step Two: Be patient.

The majority of replacement orders are completed within 30 minutes to an hour. 

Step Three: Remove the cracked windshield. 

A chipped or cracked windshield must first be removed before it can be replaced. With special cut tools, the team will carefully remove the glass, leaving a clear setting for the new glass. 

Step Four: Make use of adhesive.

Reapply adhesive sealant to the vehicle's windshield. Urethane glue, which has a pressure of 1,000 pounds per square inch and is difficult to cut, is used by technicians. 

Step Five: Prepare the new glass. 

Assemble a new, clean, and garnished glass. 

Step Six: Carefully perform the windshield replacement.

The new windshield will be precisely installed by the two installers. 

Step Seven: Be patient.

The majority of windshield replacement companies recommend waiting one hour for the adhesive to dry and the vehicle to be structurally sound, but this can take up to 30 minutes or longer depending on a variety of factors. Your installer will tell you how long the installation will take, so plan accordingly. 

Step Eight: Reapply all permits.

Windshield adhesives, such as those found on a work parking permit or toll transponder, will need to be replaced. Keep this in mind! 

Step Nine: Remove the curing tape, then take off.

Remove the protective tape from the windshield to help with the installation of the new glass, and you're good to go. 

Conclusion

Drivers should remember that regardless of the size or cause of the crack, it should be repaired as soon as possible. After all, the windshield can contribute up to 30% of a car's structural integrity. A small chip can develop into a large spider web crack at any time, such as while driving at highway speeds, which can be dangerous without full vision. Avoid any trouble immediately!
Are you looking for a cheap windshield replacement in Denver? Save Auto Glass is a leading all-around glass replacement in the area. Give us a call today!