6 Common Auto Window Repair Questions
It’s a beautiful day, and you’re on your way to a fun event when a rock hits your windshield, leaving a large crack in the glass. In addition to startling you, now you’re wondering how serious the damage is and how to deal with a cracked windshield repair.
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about auto window repair and replacement.
If you still have questions, contact Max Auto Glass. Our auto glass technicians will be glad to answer your questions and take care of your auto window repair or car window replacement at any time, even if you need to repair power windows.
Six Most Common Car Window Replacement or Repair Questions
1. Will insurance cover my windshield replacement and repair?
This is one of the first questions you will have. The answer depends on your insurance policy, but here’s how it generally works. And remember that cracks only get worse, so don’t wait too long to have a car window repair done.
Any auto insurance policy with comprehensive coverage will cover the repair or even replacement of windows for most events, such as:
- Natural disasters (like hurricanes or tornadoes)
- Falling objects
- Vandalism or theft
- Animal damage (like hitting a deer)
- Snowstorms, thunderstorms, or other inclement weather
Collision coverage will also cover a windshield replacement due to an accident.
Depending on your insurance policy, you may not have any out-of-pocket expenses for a windshield repair. Check with your insurance agent before making any decisions on how to handle your particular situation. Before filing any claim, compare the deductible (if there is one) with the cost for the window repair—it might be more reasonable to pay for the repair yourself. But some insurance policies don’t require a deductible, so know what you’re dealing with before moving forward.
If you only have liability insurance, you will have to cover the cost yourself. Check into this before you have a need for it; a windshield protection plan might be worth adding to your coverage. You will then have the assurance that any windshield cracks will be covered in the future.
If your windshield is damaged due to a collision that was another driver’s fault, that driver’s liability insurance should pay for your window replacement. You’ll have to file a claim first and then wait for the other insurance company to respond.
2. Can I repair the damage myself?
The short answer is “maybe,” while the best response is “not a good idea.” You can find many DIY auto glass repair kits for sale, but the materials included in the kits are low quality. More importantly, though, you’ve probably never repaired an auto window before, right? It’s easy to make mistakes while working through the directions, and then it’s too late to correct them. You’ll end up in an auto window repair shop, anyway, possibly facing even more expenses to fix your error, plus the original damage.
Max Auto Glass wants to do the job right the first time. If you want to save on your next auto window repair or windshield replacement, check out our promotions page.
3. Do I need a windshield repair or an entire window replacement?
Before answering, stop and ask yourself two very important questions:
- Does the damage impair the driver’s line of sight?
- Is the crack longer or wider than three inches?
If your answer to either one of these questions is a “yes,” then your windshield should probably be replaced. The windshield does more than block wind, rain, and other elements from annoying the passengers—it is part of the structural safety of the vehicle. Some windshields become a backstop for airbags in a crash. Windshields are also designed to protect passengers during a rollover in an accident. It’s too important to second guess the windshield’s strength merely because you’re concerned about the time or expense to have it replaced.
However, if the damage isn’t hampering the driver’s vision or if it is less than three inches long or wide, Max Auto Glass can repair it so that the windshield still maintains its integrity as part of the structural safety of the vehicle.
If you aren’t sure whether to repair or replace car windshield, our auto glass technicians will be glad to help you make a solid decision for your situation.
4. Is mobile auto glass service as safe as bringing the car to the shop?
Yes, Max Auto Glass offers mobile service that is equal to any repair or replacement you would receive in our shop. And Max Auto Glass mobile service costs no more! The only thing we can’t control is the weather, so if you don’t have a covered work area, the repair may need to wait for better conditions. This also assures the filler materials used for some repairs can be set properly while the vehicle is outside.
5. What about side or back window repairs or replacements?
No problem! Our technicians have the experience and skills to handle any car window repairs, and Max Auto Glass has the highest-quality parts on hand. A side or back window replacement involves the same quality work as a windshield, including:
- Preparing the area properly, including the car door panels to gain access to the glass.
- Cleaning the area before beginning any replacement or repair, including getting rid of all glass shards or debris.
- Replacing the window using high-tech tools.
- Testing the window for proper function and the integrity of the new glass.
- Cleaning the glass to a spotless shine!
No matter the window repair or replacement you need, we are here and ready to help!
6. What is ADAS calibration?
Newer-model cars often have Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS, such as lane assist, backup cameras, parking assistance, and adaptive cruise control systems. These features use computerized systems designed to reduce car crashes and save lives.
ADAS uses cameras, radar emitters, and other sensors built into the windshield that need to be recalibrated after a windshield replacement. Our technicians are trained to carry out this highly technical ADAS calibration task and keep you as safe as you were before the windshield replacement.
