Dean's Autoglass - Windscreen Repairs & Replacements Across WA (2024)

FAQs

Why is a windshield so expensive? ›

What was once a straightforward and inexpensive repair often exceeds $1,000. Advanced tech in newer model cars makes windshield replacement expensive. Aligning cameras and sensors helps ensure advanced safety features work correctly, but the calibration adds to the windshield replacement cost.

The damage won't fix itself - a cracked windscreen is often the result of a chip that was left unrepaired and then grew into something more serious. It is quicker - and cheaper - to get small damage repaired than a fully cracked windscreen, which will usually need to be completely replaced.

A windscreen repair is accomplished by injecting a specially formulated liquid resin into the damaged area. The resin is then cured with UV light to make a structural bond with the glass and then scraped flat to the surface of the glass and polished to restore structural strength and clarity to the glass.

At Autoglass^®, we will always try to repair any windscreen damage first but sometimes the damage is too large to fix and the whole windscreen has to be replaced.

The size and location of a crack or chip will determine if the windshield can be repaired or needs replacement. Chips smaller than a quarter and cracks less than a few inches are usually repairable but if the crack is too deep or too wide it will need replacing.

If you have comprehensive car insurance, it may already include windscreen cover, but you'll have to check your policy to be sure. Some insurance providers offer windscreen insurance as standard, while others offer it as an add-on you pay extra for. Some insurance providers might not offer windscreen cover at all.

Federal regulations state that you cannot drive with a windshield crack or chip larger than 3/4 inch in diameter, two cracks within three inches of each other, intersecting cracks, or cracks directly in the driver's view.

Usually, auto glass technicians can repair a chip, which has a diameter of around one inch or less. Likewise, a crack is also repairable, if it is no more than three inches long. If the size of the crack is more than that of a dollar bill, you should rule out the repair option.

Depending on the type of glass damage, the costs can vary. A single chip repair will cost £225.03 inc. VAT.

How long does a windscreen replacement take? ›

Whilst a repair can take around 30 minutes, a full windscreen replacement can take up to 2 hours to complete, including drying time. You may be able to drive your vehicle away soon after the replacement is complete, but your mechanic will be able to advise you if this will take longer for any reason.

If your windscreen is cracked, as opposed to just chipped, you shouldn't attempt to drive anywhere. We recommend that you only drive if it's to get your windscreen repaired or replaced.

Including labour, it costs between R700 - R2500 depending on the windscreen.

Yes. If you have insurance that includes cover for glass damage, you can make a claim. In most cases, you will only have to pay your excess.

At Autoglass^®, we only use glass manufactured to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards, whether sourced from original equipment manufacturers or other suppliers, ensuring that the glass we fit is as good as the original piece of glass we are replacing. Autoglass^® has over 1,000 technicians across the UK.

No, driving with a cracked windshield is not legal in California. According to California's Vehicle Code Section 26710, drivers must have an unobstructed view through their windshields, and any damage that impairs visibility can result in penalties.

A rock has just hit your windshield, you're certainly not alone, and Arizona is leading the nation in auto glass repairs. Driving in Arizona is dangerous business, sometimes it feels like you're driving through an asteroid belt.

High quality windshields go through a number of industry specified testing processes before it is sent to the market. Experts make sure that in case of a rollover the windshield supports the roof of your vehicle and prevents it from collapsing that otherwise can injure the car occupants.

If the auto glass shows signs of weakness, you may need a replacement. Compared to brake pads and tires, windshields have a much longer lifespan, often 8-10 years. Based on different makes and models of cars, the average lifespan of an auto windshield is considered to be five years.