Top Factors That Impact Windscreen Replacement Cost
There are many reasons why the windscreen of one’s car gets damaged. Even flying debris like rocks can strike the windscreen with enough force and cause a crack or chip that is beyond repair. Some kinds of damage to windscreens need only repair, but in other cases, replacement of windscreen may be the only safe option.
Windscreen replacement comes with added, substantial cost. Repair is, of course, much cheaper than replacement. But windscreen replacement cost is determined by many factors. Following are the major factors impacting the same:
Type of service centre
For starters, one can opt for one’s regular car service centre to replace the windscreen. But many service centres hesitate to do this job. Being fragile materials, windscreens are not liked by service centres for the sake of storage. Windscreens need extra space for storage compared to other car parts. So, one must first check with the service centre before taking the car there.
Secondly, most service centres for cars are generic in nature with regard to technical skills. Most of them do mechanical work such as brake pad repair, fixing engine issues, overhauling etc., which are common services but the frequency of replacing car glass is low. Therefore, it is unlikely that they will have technicians specialized in car glass replacement.
Currently, windscreens feature many items like heating elements, rain sensors, light sensors, etc. One will require a skilled technician or expert in car glass to handle these. Though this might prove to be more expensive, it will be well worth the money.
Choice of doorstep or service centre
One will have arrived at a decision to avail of specialized care for one’s windscreen. Now, one has to decide on whether to hand over the car to the service centre or to ask for service at one’s doorstep. This decision will impact one’s complete cost of car glass replacement. Naturally, doorstep servicing will be more expensive.
One has to visit the workshop in case:
- Windscreen has several sensors requiring calibration after replacement of the windscreen.
- One requires to make an insurance claim, and a survey is required by the insurance company.
- There are multiple damages to the car and not just the windscreen.
- The tempered glass of the car breaks and scatters in the car and needs the car to be cleaned thoroughly.
Doorstep service is suitable if:
- Damage is limited to one’s windscreen.
- The damage to the windscreen is so severe that the car. cannot be driven to the workshop.
- If there is any other emergency that prevents the same.
Type of windscreen
This is an important factor that determines the cost of replacement. There are two distinct types of windscreen glass that can be found in the market: Aftermarket and OEM. Original Equipped Manufacturer (OEM) is the glass made as per all the specifications and features that are exactly the same as the original product fitted by the manufacturer of the car. OEM glass provides better durability, clarity, and security. It is costlier than Aftermarket glass.
As for Aftermarket glass, it is typically produced by the same manufacturer but on another product line. Such car glasses are copies of original glass but cheaper than OEM products. These glasses adhere to the same standards but are inferior in quality. They might be cheap up-front but will surely cost a bomb for correcting issues in the long run. Authorized dealers and car manufacturers do not usually recommend Aftermarket glass. Yet, some customers are attracted by the fact that replacing Aftermarket glass is 20% to 30% lesser than OEM glass.
Type of sealants used
Safe and correct installation of new windscreen glass depends on the quality of the automotive sealant used for installation. One should always go in for a kit of OE sealant for installing car glass. Good workshops use authentic PU adhesives during installation. The replacement cost of the windscreen also depends on the kind of adhesives. At times, customers neglect this aspect in order to save a few bucks. They do not realize that ordinary sealant can result in rusting of car body parts and can harm the structural strength of the car.
Adhesives keep the windscreen attached safely to the car body. In case one opts for un-branded adhesives, the strength of the bond will be impacted. In such cases, accidents can prove fatal. Branded adhesives are mostly tested for a range of temperature, strength etc., as per industry standards. As for unbranded adhesives, it is doubtful that they adhere to such standards.
Kind of insurance
Windscreen replacement can be expensive if one uses the services of specialized workshops featuring OEM parts and high-quality adhesives. This money can be saved if one has comprehensive car insurance. It is important that one’s insurance should cover all kinds of charges like that of windscreen replacement. Before approaching a workshop, ascertain whether they have a cashless tie-up for insurance for ensuring a hassle-free process of pressing for claims.
While one arranges insurance, it is important to consider the clause of No- Claim Bonus (NCB). This bonus will become zero when one presses for a claim, and one will have to furnish a higher premium for one’s policy renewal.
In sum, these are all the major factors that impact windscreen replacement costs. One should explore options and quotes from different service centres. Then, make an informed choice by weighing all the above-mentioned factors.
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