Windshield replacement can be one of the most common repairs you can make to your vehicle. However, the cost of a windshield replacement can be very high if your vehicle has advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

These safety features are dependent on special sensors and cameras, which can`t be easily replaced or calibrated after a replacement. ADAS and other sensors have a major impact on the cost of windshield replacements, which can be as much as $1,000 or more.

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Safety

Professionals who understand and follow safety precautions when replacing windshields will be the best choice. This can include using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass to ensure your vehicle is safe.

The windshield is an important structural support system in your car. It helps to prevent the roof from collapsing in the event of a collision. It also assists with proper air bag deployment.

Modern windshields have multiple layers of glass. The inner and outer tempered glass layers are bonded to a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer for added strength and resilience.

When your windshield is replaced, the new adhesive that holds the glass to the frame has to cure properly for the safety of you and your passengers. After your windshield replacement is complete, you should allow your vehicle to sit for at most an hour so that the glue can set.

Visibility

You should choose a local company to replace your windshield. This is a good way to make sure that the business is trustworthy and won`t cut corners.

Visibility refers to the distance an object or light can see under certain weather conditions. This is reported in surface weather observations and Meteorological Terminal Air Reports (METAR) either in meters or statute miles depending on the country.

There are two main methods of measuring visibility. One is the transmission method, the other is forward scatter.

The transmission method measures the ray path through the atmosphere – how much of the light a beam of visible light is transmitted from a light source to a receiver located a distance, for example 50 metres away.

Foggy weather causes the ray path to be less clear and less light will reach receivers. This is measured using a sensor and reduced to raw data for strait forward calculation of visibility.

Ease of Installation

When replacing a windshield, the installer needs to carefully align the top and bottom edges of the glass. He must also set the windshield on top of the pinch-weld, which is a small area where different metal components are welded together to provide structure for the frame of the windshield.

Technicians use disposable gloves to avoid contaminating the activated windshield with oils and dirt from their hands. This can reduce adhesion of the urethane adhesive.

The technician uses a urethane gun to apply a thin coating of adhesive to the windshield. This urethane is a polymer-based, water-resistant adhesive that forms a strong bond between the glass and the metal.

To minimize vibrations, the technician must take the installation slowly. This prevents the urethane crystals from hardening, and can help to prevent cracks that could cause windshield to fall off.

Cost

The cost of windshield replacement varies from vehicle to vehicle and depends on the type of glass used. OEM glass from the original equipment manufacturer is typically more expensive than aftermarket windshields.

Comprehensive coverage is required in many states. This means that car insurance companies will cover windshield repair or replacement. If you`re unsure whether your insurance will cover the cost of repairs or a full replacement, it`s best to consult with your personal agent.

It is important to replace or repair damaged windshields as soon as possible. This is to keep the safety of you and your passengers.

Windshield repair is generally cheaper than replacing the whole windshield, but the repair will not last as long as a new windshield will. The size of the chip or crack and its location will also influence how much it costs to repair.

The windshield of a vehicle with active safety sensors will also incur extra costs as the dealer needs to recalibrate them before installing the new windshield. This could add up to an additional 20% over the average price of windshield replacement for non-luxury vehicles.