Windshield Replacement & Auto Glass Repairs FAQs

Do you have questions about windshield replacements or repairs? Max Auto Glass can help. Below, we answered some of the most frequently asked questions about windshield replacements.

Questions About Auto Glass Problems

Usually, it’s not hard to tell when you need an auto glass repair or replacement. When you notice anything from a small crack in your window to signs of more severe windshield damage, take the first step by reading these common auto glass questions and answers.

Could the Crack in My Windshield Grow?

Glass is unpredictable—you may have one rock chip that will not spread for 10 years, while another chip will become a two-foot crack in 30 minutes. If your windshield is severely cracked, rest assured that it will not shatter or cave in on you randomly. The only situations in which your windshield would cave in or completely shatter are an extreme impact (e.g., a brick or very large rock) or a wreck.

We do not recommend driving your vehicle if there is a crack in the driver’s line of view. Even if the damage is repairable (minor rock chip), if the damage is in the driver’s direct line of view, insurance companies require replacement. If the crack is on the passenger’s side of the windshield, it is important to be aware of the safety functionality your windshield provides to the passenger. There are safety concerns when driving with a cracked windshield—read the next answer to find out why.

My Windshield Is Cracked—Do I Need to Replace It? Will It Shatter?

The windshield does more than just block wind and debris from hitting the driver or passenger. In fact, many front windshields are used as a backstop for the passenger’s airbag to deploy correctly. If the windshield is weakened by a crack or chip in that area, the force of airbag deployment could break the windshield and deploy upward (instead of outward). In this scenario, the airbag does the passenger no service and causes more damage to the windshield. That being said, not all vehicles use the windshield as a backstop for the airbag. Some deploy outward on the passenger’s side, just like the driver’s side, while others deploy up then out using the windshield as a backstop. In most cases, your airbag is going to deploy in the direction that its panel (indicated by the letters “SRS”) is facing.

The windshield also helps protect passengers during rollover accidents. Numbers vary based on design, but some vehicle manufacturers report that up to 60 percent of your roof’s structural integrity relies on your windshield during a rollover. If your windshield is already cracked, your windshield could potentially lose its effectiveness during what is already a bad situation.

Should I Have My Auto Glass Repaired or Replaced?

It really depends on the extent of the damage. Generally speaking, if the damage is in the driver’s line of sight or the damage is greater than three inches wide, a replacement is in order. If the damage is less than that, our repair techniques can fill the crack or chip making it almost invisible and restoring your windshield to appear as good as new.

Why Shouldn't I Use a DIY Windshield Repair Kit?

DIY repair kits vary in both materials and quality. The problem is that most drivers don’t know the difference between good and bad or have the necessary experience when it comes to proper repairs. Auto glass specialists have the experience and expertise to do the best job. A chip or crack that appears to be repairable to the untrained eye could actually lead to danger on the road if you try to repair it yourself.

Plus, if you try to repair the damage yourself and don’t do it properly, you could quickly end up with even more damage, necessitating a full windshield replacement later on.

Who Should I Contact if I Have a Problem?

If you have any problems, please call us toll-free right away at (520) 217-8050. Your satisfaction is our primary concern, and we will work quickly to find a resolution to any issues that arise.

Questions About Max Auto Glass

When you need auto glass services in or around Tucson, you can’t go wrong with Max Auto Glass. In the Q&As below, you’ll find everything you need to know about our auto glass shop.

How Long Have You Been in Business?

Max Auto Glass has been in business since 2011. Customer satisfaction is our goal, and word of mouth is important to us. From your first call to our representatives to your finished auto glass installation, our goal is safety, quality, and integrity. We achieve these goals by only employing professionals with a track record of delivering high standards.

Are the Technicians at Max Auto Glass Certified?

All of the technicians here at Max Auto Glass are both Dow certified and Auto Glass Safety Council™ certified. This ensures they will provide our customers with the highest level of professional service possible and adhere to strict installation and quality guidelines.

Do You Provide Mobile Windshield Repair and Replacement?

When you have a damaged windshield, it needs to be addressed right away. When you need a windshield repair or windshield replacement in Tucson and the surrounding areas, our team here at Max Auto Glass wants to make it as easy as possible. For your convenience, we offer mobile auto glass repair and installation at no extra charge. We can come to your home or office and take care of your windshield with high-quality service and as little downtime as possible.

Will You Sell My Personal Information?

Max Auto Glass will never sell your personal information. We hold it in the strictest confidence, and it will remain only with us.

Do You Service My Area?

The most likely answer is yes! We pride ourselves on serving all major areas of Arizona. Our representatives are always on hand to answer your questions. Please call us at (520) 217-8050, and we’ll do our best to serve you.

Questions About the Repair Process

If you haven’t already dealt with a car window replacement or windshield replacement, this process may seem intimidating. By reading our answers to these common questions, you can familiarize yourself with the services we provide well before your appointment.

From the Time I Call, How Soon Can I Have My Windshield Replaced?

We know you’re busy. That’s why from the time you call, we strive to get your windshield repaired or replaced within 24 hours. You can have it done in the shop, or use our free mobile service to have it done at your home or work. The choice is yours.

How Much Time Do I Need to Set Aside for a Windshield Replacement or Repair?

We understand that your time is valuable, so we strive to get you safely back on the road as quickly as possible. The average windshield replacement takes about 60 minutes, plus a wait time of a couple of hours for the urethane adhesive to fully bond. Windshield repairs usually take about 15 to 30 minutes, with little or no downtime after.

To help make your auto glass replacement or repair even more convenient, our technicians offer free mobile services and can come to your home or office.

What’s The Difference Between OEM and OEE Windshields?

An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) windshield is made by the same manufacturer that made the glass originally installed in your vehicle when it came off the manufacturer’s assembly line. An original equipment equivalent (OEE) windshield is one that matches the standards of the OEM windshield but is made by a different auto glass manufacturer.

Usually, the biggest difference between the two types of windshields is the cost. The price of OEM glass can be between 40 percent and 60 percent more than OEE glass.

It’s important to note that some auto insurance companies won’t cover the cost of a replacement OEM windshield due to its high cost. Others will only pay for an OEM glass replacement for newer cars (most often for vehicles that are no more than one or two years old).

Deciding between OEM glass and OEE glass for a windshield replacement often comes down to what is covered by your insurance or what fits your budget. Our technicians can lay out the pros and cons between the two types and help determine which windshield will work for you.

What’s the Advantage of Using the Vacuum Pressure Repair Method for Windshield Repair?

The technicians at Max Auto Glass work to provide the most affordable, yet still most effective, method of repairing your windshield while also maintaining strict quality standards. Both customers and insurance companies appreciate this.

This is one of the major reasons we use the vacuum pressure glass repair method. The overall benefits of this method include the following:

  • It prevents chips and cracks from spreading.
  • It returns the damaged glass to its original strength and integrity.
  • It restores the glass to a clean, smooth surface.
  • It doesn’t allow for the haze and light scatter that often comes after glass damage.
  • It saves money.

How Do I Know That My Windshield Replacement Was Done Properly?

There are several things to look for after your windshield replacement is complete to ensure it was done properly. Check and make sure that the glass is flush with the vehicle’s body and fitting tightly. There shouldn’t be any visible gaps or bumps in the molding around the edge of the windshield. Additionally, there shouldn’t be any air leaking from around the edge. If there is, you’ll hear a whistling noise while driving.

It’s important to use a professional auto glass repair company, like Max Auto Glass, that specializes in windshield replacement and has a team of certified technicians. This will ensure you can count on the quality and professionalism of the job.

Will the Damage Still Be Visible After the Repair?

With auto glass repair, your main focus should be on restoring safety and not aesthetics. While the repair is being done, small amounts of clear resin will be injected into the damaged spot(s), which can be slightly visible once the resin sets.

The goal of the glass repair is to restore the structural integrity of the windshield and your vehicle; however, if aesthetics are very important to you, replacing the entire windshield (even when a repair would suffice) is probably the best option.

Is Recalibration of My Vehicle’s ADAS Necessary After Windshield Replacement?

Put simply, yes. In newer vehicles, there are often several advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These systems rely on clear lines of sight through the windshield to detect vehicles ahead, pedestrians, and other objects.

When you have auto glass replacement done, the related ADAS need to be recalibrated to ensure they meet your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. If they don’t, these safety systems might not detect an object ahead, allowing an accident to happen when it would have been prevented if your repair included proper windshield calibration.

How Long Do I Need to Wait to Drive After My Windshield Is Replaced?

It’s very important to allow the urethane adhesive to properly “cure” in the sun. The adhesive is a crucial part of the vehicle’s structural integrity. Allowing the adhesive glue to cure ensures it properly adheres the glass to the chassis. If the vehicle is driven before the glue cures, the windshield may shift.

The warmer temperatures during Arizona’s summer months allow for a quicker windshield replacement process because the primer and adhesive cure faster. Conversely, during the winter, the adhesives work at a slower pace.

To be safe, you should wait at least a couple of hours before driving your vehicle after an auto glass replacement is done. Feel free to ask your technician what they advise at the time of your service to best allow the adhesive to cure.

How Soon Can I Wash My Car After a Windshield Replacement?

We recommend waiting 48 hours to give the urethane adhesive plenty of time to properly cure. A drive-through car wash’s high water pressure can loosen the seal of the new windshield if it hasn’t had enough time to cure completely.

If you have to wash your vehicle, a hand wash is usually okay as long as you don’t use a high-pressure water hose. Rain will not affect your new windshield’s seal.

Questions About Payment and Insurance

When your windshield repair or replacement is finished, the final thing you’ll need to do is take care of payment. The questions in this section will help you avoid any surprises related to windshield repair financing or insurance after we fix your auto glass.

What’s the Cost of Windshield Replacement or Repair on Average?

The cost will vary based on a variety of factors, including the type of replacement glass, vehicle make and model, the type of repair, location, and, of course, the auto service glass provider you use.

For windshield replacement, the average cost will range between roughly $250 and $450. In newer vehicles, there are several ADAS that rely on a forward-facing camera mounted just behind the windshield. This can affect the quality of the windshield glass that is required in the replacement, which then affects the cost. You’ll also have to factor in that if you have windshield-impacted ADAS, you’ll need to have ADAS recalibration done after the new glass is installed, which adds to the cost.

The average cost of windshield repair for a small chip will range between roughly $60 and $100, while repairing a crack can cost $125 or more.

Make sure to check with your auto insurance provider to confirm what kind of auto glass coverage you may have to help with the cost.

Be careful of low-ball or “too good to be true” price estimates for windshield repairs or replacements from cut-rate shops. These scenarios can often result in the use of low-quality glass, glass with distortions that can be very distracting, and/or low-quality service. Remember, cheap is not always better, especially when it comes to your vehicle’s safety.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

Currently, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card, cash, and check. We also offer special auto glass repair financing options.

Does My Insurance Cover Windshield Damage?

The best source for the answer to this question is your auto insurance agent. In many cases, a policy with comprehensive coverage covers both windshield repair and replacement due to damage. Those who have premium insurance packages often get 100 percent coverage on the cost of replacement without having to pay a deductible.

However, while standard insurance coverage may help cover the cost of a replacement, you will likely be responsible for a deductible fee. When checking with your insurance, the other thing to ask is if your coverage pays for an OEM or OEE windshield.

I’ve Already Had My Windshield Replaced Once or Twice Before. Will My Car Insurance Rate Go Up If I Get It Replaced Again?

No. Your insurance rate shouldn’t increase due to multiple windshield replacement claims. When determining your risk assessment for your rate, auto insurance companies don’t factor glass claims into the equation. Windshield replacements, unlike accidents, are no-fault comprehensive claims and, by law, cannot cause insurance rates to increase. The safest bet is to talk with your insurance company regarding your policy’s windshield repair or replacement coverage.

What If My Insurance Doesn’t Cover Windshield Replacements?

Don’t let that stop you from getting your damaged windshield replaced. At Max Auto Glass, we have an extensive supply of auto glass available to our customers. With this, we can deeply discount the cost of windshield replacements for customers whose insurance doesn’t cover it. Contact us today to see how affordable our auto glass replacement prices are.

What If I Have No Glass Coverage on My Vehicle?

Not to worry! Max Auto Glass has an extensive supply of auto glass available. This allows us to deeply discount the cost of auto glass replacement for customers without coverage. Give us a call today to see how affordable our prices are! Our free mobile service and installation within 24 hours still apply. Contact us or fill out our quote form for a free estimate.

How Can Some Companies Afford to Cover My Deductible or Give Me Free Dinner Vouchers and Still Provide a Quality Windshield Replacement?

Chances are, they actually can’t. Auto insurance companies have set strict pricing standards on auto glass and will not pay more than the “usual and customary” charges. As a result, the only way an auto glass company can absorb the cost of those freebies is by cutting corners.

This could mean not using original equipment glass, certified technicians, or procedures in accordance with the Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standard. It could even mean not using their own employees (instead using subcontractors).

Make sure to check the Better Business Bureau website before doing business with a company if their offers sound too good to be true. Most companies with good reputations for doing quality work, like Max Auto Glass, don’t need to make crazy offers to attract business.

Does Max Auto Glass Offer Financing?

We understand that necessary repairs on your vehicle can pop up unexpectedly. That’s why Max Auto Glass is proud to partner with trusted financial providers to help our customers secure the money they need for auto repairs, including auto glass replacements and repairs. We offer several financing options, including the BRAKEmax credit card.

With the exclusive BRAKEmax VIP CFNA credit card, you’ll have a quick and easy application process and get a dedicated line of credit just for your vehicle. You’ll enjoy stress-free financing, low monthly payments, and no annual fee.

The Max Auto Glass Difference

  • High-Quality Products
  • Technicians Certified By The Auto Glass Safety Council™
  • Excellent Customer Service
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