A broken windshield means car maintenance, and car maintenance is not fun. It’s not fun for you, and it’s not fun for your wallet. Luckily, there are plenty of ways for the non-mechanically inclined to catch the damage before it gets too pricey and save money in the long run when you need to replace your windshield.
Catching the Damage Immediately
Some things can wait for repair, but a windshield is not one of them. If you notice a small crack or light fissure in your windshield, take action immediately. Waiting only results in the damage increasing and spreading through your entire windshield. A tiny chink will evolve surprisingly quickly into a spiderweb of cracks. Small damages cost you far less, so you save money by catching the damage immediately. If you ignore the problem, you are easily looking at a full windshield replacement. Those replacements cost hundreds of dollars more.
Get Responsible, Qualified Professionals for Windshield Replacement
Another mistake people make is trying to fix the problem themselves. A windshield replacement is surprisingly delicate, and it is a tricky operation. The best thing most people can do is leave it to the professionals. If you do not, you will probably end up wasting money, damaging your vehicle, and going to the professionals anyway. To find qualified experts, start with your local auto shops and branch out. Windshield replacement is pretty standard among car mechanics, but you want to hire people with lots of experience because it can be difficult.
Spend More for a Quality Windshield
Even though your wallet is already aching from the windshield repair fee, you should never be a cheapskate when replacing your windshield. While small chips or indents do not need a complete replacement, a giant crack necessitates buying another windshield. Windshields are an incredibly vital aspect of your vehicle and do a lot to keep you and your passengers safe. In the long run, it is much better to purchase a quality windshield of guaranteed caliber than to buy a cheap replacement that will break again at the slightest bit of asphalt.
Learn the Best Windshield Installation Aftercare Practices
Finally, keep taking care of your windshield after replacing it. Be especially careful and gentle with the windshield in the first few days. Never drive off right after the replacement is done. The windshield adhesive needs time to cure and so you should wait at least an hour before driving away. If you do not wait, the windshield will not properly seal. Then, you’ll end up at the mechanic’s again buying another windshield. Once the windshield has settled, you should still follow the best aftercare practices. These practices include not touching the adhesive, shutting the car doors gently, avoiding car washes, and cracking the windows lightly if the weather permits.
A windshield replacement does not have to be a stressful and messy event. However, it is a process, and it’s helpful to schedule a time as soon as possible when you have several free hours.
