Three Common Misconceptions About Windshield Repair
There can be a lot of misleading information floating around that masks itself as conventional wisdom or common sense. For example, there are three main misconceptions that get passed off as fact when it comes to windshield repair in St. Charles, MO. The unfortunate reality is that many companies put their bottom line ahead of customer safety, so they make claims to draw in business regardless of their veracity. There are many erroneous search results that come up online for “expert repairs,” and our team at Glas Tek Windshield Repair is going to set the record straight with this post. We’ll address the main misleading claims about windshield repair to educate you so that you can make an informed decision on having your vehicle’s glass fixed. We’ll look at what can and should be repaired, local laws regarding having a windshield repair, and questions you should ask a shop when you go online looking for windshield replacement near me.
Misconception #1: You should wait until the break on the windshield spreads before replacing it
Wrong. Driving with a broken windshield is dangerous. Windshield cracks can spread across your line of sight while you’re driving, and decrease the structural integrity of your windshield. This will reduce it’s effectiveness at blocking debris, and protectiveness in the event of an accident. Also, it’s illegal to drive with a crack in your line of vision here in Missouri, and your vehicle will not pass a safety inspection. Waiting until it spreads, you may disqualify your chances of getting it repaired.
Misconception #2: New windshields are “free” if you have a “zero deductible” on your insurance coverage
Nope. While you may not have to pay the glass company for your new windshield, you do wind up paying for it through higher insurance rates. The average windshield now costs around $300, and some go as high as $1000 on newer vehicles. You better believe your insurance company will notice a $300-$1000 claim on your insurance, and apply that accordingly to your monthly rate.
One of Glas Tek’s technicians can come out to diagnose your windshield, (we do that for free btw) to see if the windshield repair is a viable option. A $60 claim instead of a $300 is less likely to raise your rates. If you have a deductible, your insurance company will usually waive the deductible and pay for the repair, costing you $0 out of pocket.
Misconception #3: A new windshield is as good as the original factory-installed one.
It’s easy to think so, but no. There are several different aftermarket glass manufacturers, and each manufacturers its glass to different specifications. When your car was manufactured, the windshield was installed at the factory with an extremely strong adhesive that creates a safe, leak-proof seal. When a new windshield is installed, it is impossible to duplicate this using aftermarket methods. There is a possibility that your new windshield could leak or it even could lose its grip during an accident and cause your airbags to malfunction, placing you and your family at great risk.
Six questions you should ask a glass shop before you set up an appointment:
- Do they offer windshield repairs?
- If so, how big of a break can they repair?
- Do they offer a 100% lifetime money back guarantee on their repairs? (Or do they just apply it towards a new windshield?)
- Do they offer any warranty on water leaks if they replace it?
- Do they offer mobile service and free estimates?
- How long will the car have to sit before you can drive it? This is especially important in cold weather replacements because the adhesives cure much more slowly in the cold air.
We hope you found this information helpful. If you would like to get a quote on having your windshield repaired or replaced, contact us today for a free diagnosis and repair estimate. You can either text or call us at 314-922-7777.
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