Windshield Repair and Replacement – Things to Know

The importance of car maintenance cannot be stressed enough. While you may be particular about servicing the engine and replacing the accessories of your vehicle, the car windshield often gets overlooked. A car's windshield lends primary support to the roof of your car. It acts as a barrier between the exterior and the cabin and is also one of the most important components that facilitate the safety of the car and its occupants. The windshield is a very sturdy piece of glass and even when completely shattered, it is designed to break into blunt, harmless pieces. Repairing or replacing the windshield, however, may be a tricky decision and here are a few points to keep in mind before you head to the auto shop.

Find the right option – Repair with the help of chemical treatment may help temporarily but in the long run, replacing the glass will save added expenditure and retain the integrity of the car.

The perfect fit – Finding the perfect fit in terms of make and model when it comes to windshield replacement is essential. Leading car manufacturers such as Skoda and Volkswagen have numerous car models and variants. If you are looking for a Skoda Laura windshield replacement ensure buying an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) car glass. Do not be persuaded by local windshield centers to skimp on the costs and use a glass that is not a perfect match.

Find a professional – Auto repair shops are very common in India. In fact, most major cities have auto markets with a number of repair shops. The problem, however, is that not many of them are professionals. A poorly installed windshield can cause more damage and put your safety at risk. It could also mean additional and recurrent costs. Find a professional to repair or replace the car glass. Word of mouth recommendations and online reviews of auto shops help. Once you have narrowed down your choices to about 3 or 4 shops, ask for price quotes and compare prices. Do factor in the installation charges. What this means is that while the Skoda windshield price may remain the same, the installation charges of different auto shops may vary.

Replacement takes time – windscreen installation is a time-consuming process. Do not expect it to be done in an hour’s time. Also, do not hurry the auto repairman. The urethane and other chemicals used in the installation process require a few hours’ time to seal the bond.

Delay increases damage – The most important thing to consider is that delaying repair or replacement of the car’s windshield will only add to the problems. Delay may put your car and its occupants at serious risk and damage the vehicle further.