If your car side window is damaged or broken, there is a chance you are fairly stressed about getting it replaced. While the cost is always a concern for car owners, you may also Glaziers Central Coast unsure about where to take your car for repair, and how to find the right kind of glass for replacement. The good news is that side glass replacement is a well established service, and in most cities you will now find dedicated windshield and car glass repair experts to do the job.
Your Dealer is Not the Expert
The moment there is any damage, the first thought that generally crosses car owners is to take their vehicle back to the dealer. However, when it comes to car glass repair, that is not a wise decision. The dealer will get the repair / replacement job done by professionals and mark up the cost significantly. You can save that money by going to a windshield professional yourself.
Avoid your Local Garage
Avoid taking a damaged side window or windshield to a local garage. Your car glass, whether it be the windshield, side glass or rear glass, is one of the most crucial safety features in your car. Make sure you get the glass replacement or repair job done only by trained and certified windshield repair experts. To begin with, they use only OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or OEM quality equivalent glass for replacement. They also know how to install the glass to appropriate safety standards, and in most cases, they will also help you process your insurance claim.
Repair or Replacement
If your side glass is merely cracked, you may be wondering if it can be repaired. In almost all cases, the answer is no. Front windshields can often be repaired, since they are made from laminated glass. However, side or rear glass, in almost all cases of damage, has to be replaced. This is because the side window, is tempered glass, and once tempered glass develops a break, its structural integrity is compromised. On the bright side, tempered glass, although extremely safe and hardy, is not very expensive.
Naturally, if you had more expensive laminated glass installed on your side window, repair is a certain possibility. In such a case, it is best to take your vehicle to an expert car glass repair service the moment you spot the damage, and get their professional opinion on repair or replacement. If the damage is significant, replacement may still be necessary. Always remember, the first parameter for any expert will be your safety.
OEM or After market Glass
OEM side glass is tempered using a heating and cooling process to be nearly 10 times as solid as untempered glass of the same quality. This gives it hardiness and longevity. It is also designed to shatter into blunt and extremely tiny shards on impact, thus protecting you from glass wounds.
The first thing to do, the moment you spot any kind of damage with your car glass, is to take your vehicle to a professional windshield and glass repair expert. The more you delay, the weaker your glass will get, in the process compromising your safety.