A car window can sustain damage from various sources. Pebbles, road rash, brushes, ice, precipitation, sand, dust and even the wipers themselves can all cause blemishes that are not only unsightly but that also reduce the visibility of the driver and passengers. In such cases, it’s best to replace the car window as soon as possible. Thankfully, with the right tools and the vehicle service manual, it’s actually quite easy to do so yourself at home.
Unlike the glass in your house, which shatter into sharp and dangerous shards when broken, front and rear door and back car windows are made of laminated glass that’s designed to be safer. The car glass is also tempered during the manufacturing process to withstand a large amount of pressure without cracking or breaking. This kind of glass is used for the side and rear windows, as well as the windshields of all modern vehicles find out more click here.
As you’re probably aware, car windows are fitted not only to improve the aesthetics of the vehicle but more importantly to provide a safe ride for the drivers and passengers. A damaged car window is not only an eyesore but it can also pose a serious safety risk, which is why it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. Luckily, most auto insurance companies cover the cost of replacing a broken car window.
The most common type of car glass is tempered auto glass. This is usually the case for your car side windows, rear windows, quarter glass, and vent glass (if applicable). Your front and back windshields are most likely laminated, however.
When you decide to replace your car window, it’s important to do so using a high-quality replacement. This will ensure that the window is installed correctly and not leaking or creating a gap. It’s also crucial to use a car glass replacement company that uses the proper tools and follows industry best practices for installing your new window.
How To Get Started
To begin the replacement process, locate a quality car window that’s the same size as your original and is an exact fit with the door frame. Your local glass shop should be able to help with this. It’s also important to find a window that has the Department of Transportation (DOT) stamp on it, which indicates that the car window is made of safety glass and meets federal standards.
Once you have the glass, reinstall any hardware that secures it to the door panel and remove any window seals or vapor barriers. Clean the area around the window to remove any shards and vacuum the door panel for any remaining adhesives or vapor barriers that may be left behind. Finally, reinstall the interior door panel and adjust any window track if necessary.
Whether your car window is damaged from a stray baseball, an intruder’s hand or the wind, it should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid any additional damage. While it may seem intimidating, the entire process can be done in a matter of hours and can save you money in the long run.