regular maintenance checks for your car

It happens to every driver sooner or later: a windshield chip or crack. There are countless threats to your automotive glass lurking on the roads, from errant rocks kicked up by passing trucks to acorns falling out of trees. In some cases, you may not even know what damaged your windshield in the first place. Whatever the cause, a compromised windshield is not something that you should ever ignore. Not only can minor windshield damage reduce the safety of your vehicle in an accident, but it can also quickly grow out of control.

Unfortunately, some large chips or cracks are simply beyond repair. When this is the case for your windshield, the only option is a full replacement. If you've never had a windshield replaced before, then you may not know what to expect. Luckily, windshield replacement is usually a straightforward job and there are a few steps you can take to prepare.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Many insurance companies offer coverage for glass and zero deductible glass policies are commonly available. If you have collision coverage on your car, then contacting your insurance company should be your first step. Unless your deductible is over $500, your insurance will likely cover some or all of the cost of replacement.

Decide On Mobile vs. Shop Repair

When replacing a windshield, you will usually have two options: mobile repair or shop repair. There are highly skilled and qualified installers of both types, so this is mostly a matter of personal preference. With a mobile repair, the installers will come directly to you and replace your windshield in your parking lot or driveway. With a shop repair, you will take your car into a brick and mortar location. Since glass replacement rarely takes long, you will usually be able to wait for your vehicle to be ready, rather than leaving it at the shop.

Set Aside Enough Time

Windshield replacement usually takes about an hour, although it may take more or less time depending on your vehicle's model. Once you have decided on an installer, contact them to receive an estimate. Installers are often hesitant to provide an exact time frame since every installation is unique, but most will offer a rough estimate. Make sure that you are prepared for your car to be unavailable for at least this long, with a little extra headroom to account for any complications.

Clean Out Your Front Seats

Most installers will do everything in their power to protect your car's interior and clean up after themselves, but it's always better to err on the side of caution. If you have any items in your front seat that can potentially be damaged or that you don't want to get dirty, now is a good time to move them. Windshield replacement is not usually a messy job, but dust and debris can sometimes make their way into the vehicle. Protecting your belongings now can save you some pain later on.

Ultimately, replacing a vehicle's windshield is not a significant job. It can seem intimidating if you've never had this type of work performed before, but with a little preparation, you can get your car back on the road with crystal clear glass in no time at all.

To learn more about auto glass replacement, consult a resource in your area.