Your Vehicle & The Use Of Tempered Glass To Keep you Safe
What is Tempered Glass?
Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that is four to five times stronger than regular glass. Heating regular glass to high temperatures and then cooling it rapidly makes it hard and durable. Various applications use tempered glass, including automotive windows, shower doors, screen protectors, and cookware.
Tempered glass is safer because it breaks into small pieces instead of sharp shards, which lowers the risk of injury. Tempered glass is better at handling high temperatures and sudden temperature changes than regular glass. This makes it perfect for heat-resistant applications.
Reasons for Tempered Glass Replacement
While tempered glass is strong and durable, it is not indestructible. Reasons to replace tempered glass may include wear and damage.
- Car accidents are the most common cause of tempered auto glass damage. A collision can crack or shatter your windshield, side windows, or back windows, making it unsafe to drive.
- Extreme weather conditions, such as hailstorms, can cause significant damage to your car’s glass. Hailstones can dent or break your windshield or side windows, impairing your visibility and safety.
- Unfortunately, vandalism is also a common cause of tempered glass damage. Vandals can break your car’s windows to steal your valuables or simply to cause trouble.
- Tempered auto glass can also deteriorate over time because of wear and tear. Cracks and chips can develop over time, compromising the structural integrity of the glass and reducing its effectiveness.
Tempered Auto Glass Replacement Process
If the tempered glass in your car breaks or cracks, you should replace it quickly for your safety while driving. Here is a step-by-step guide to the tempered auto glass replacement process:
Assess the damage
Start by assessing the extent of the damage. If the damage is minor, such as a small chip or crack, it may be possible to repair it instead of replacing the entire glass.
Remove the damaged glass
If the damage is severe, you need to remove the damaged glass carefully. Auto glass repair shops use special tools and methods to remove glass without harming the structure or paint around it.
Clean the area
After removing the damaged glass, the technician will clean the area thoroughly to remove any debris or residue. This step is crucial to ensure a proper seal and adhesion of the new glass.
Install the new glass
Once the area is clean, the technician will install the new tempered glass. They will apply a special adhesive and align the glass carefully to ensure a proper fit.
Inspect and test the new glass
After installing the new glass, the technician will inspect it carefully to ensure there are no air bubbles or defects. They will also test the glass to make sure it functions correctly and is securely in place.
Allow the adhesive to dry
The adhesive used to install the new tempered glass needs time to dry and cure fully. The amount of time required depends on the type of adhesive used and the weather conditions. Typically, you need to wait for at least one hour before driving your car after the installation.
Tempered Windshield Replacement
Your windshield is one of the most critical components of your car’s safety system. A windshield protects you from wind, rain, and debris. It also helps prevent collapse in a rollover accident. If your windshield is damaged beyond repair, you should replace it with a new one as soon as possible.
Tempered windshield replacement follows the same process as tempered auto glass replacement. However, the cost may vary depending on the type of windshield you need. Some windshields come with additional features, such as rain sensors, lane departure warning, or heads-up display, which can increase the cost.
Tempered Auto Glass Repair
If the damage to your tempered auto glass is minor, you may be able to repair it instead of replacing the entire glass. Tempered auto glass repair is a quick and affordable solution for fixing minor chips and cracks. These repairs are specifically for damage that does not compromise the strength of the glass.
Fixing small chips and cracks through tempered auto glass repair is a fast process. It is also a cost-effective option for maintaining the integrity of the glass.
Tempered auto glass repair is similar to tempered auto glass replacement. It involves filling the damaged area with a hardening resin. This resin helps to strengthen the glass. The repair usually takes less than an hour, and you can drive your car immediately after the process.
How Much Does Tempered Glass Replacement Cost?
The price to replace tempered glass varies based on the type of glass, the damage, and the vehicle's make and model. Replacing tempered auto glass typically costs between $175 and $400. The cost of replacing a tempered windshield can range from $260 to $1,000 or more. The final price depends on the model of your vehicle.
Insurance may cover some or all the cost of tempered glass replacement, depending on your policy and the cause of the damage. If you have full coverage, you might just have to pay a deductible, and the insurance company will pay the rest.
Tips for Finding the Right Auto Glass Repair Shop
It's important to choose the right auto glass repair shop. Here are some tips to help you choose the right auto glass repair shop:
- Check their certifications and experience
- Choose an auto glass repair shop with certified, experienced technicians who know your vehicle's make and model well. Look for certifications from organizations such as the National Glass Association or the Auto Glass Safety Council.
- Ask for referrals and reviews
- Ask your friends and family for referrals and read online reviews from previous customers. Look for comments about the quality of the service, the pricing, and the customer support.
- Compare prices and warranties
- Get quotes from multiple auto glass repair shops and compare their prices and warranties. Make sure the quote includes all the necessary services and materials, such as adhesive, molding, and labor.
- Ask about mobile services
- If you cannot drive your car to the auto glass repair shop, ask if they offer mobile services. Some auto glass repair shops can come to your location and replace or repair your tempered glass on-site.
Need Help With Replacing Your Auto Glass in the Charlotte Area
Replacing or repairing your car's tempered glass or windshield is important. This is necessary for safety and to keep your vehicle in good condition.
Our certified technicians are skilled and use the latest tools and methods. They ensure they install or fix your tempered glass correctly and promptly. We also offer mobile services, so you don’t have to worry about driving your car to a shop. We proudly offer mobile auto glass repair in Charlotte, Gastonia, Belmont, Pineville, Steele Creek, Woodford Green and surrounding areas!
Call us today at
(980) 448-2260 to get a free quote and schedule your tempered glass replacement or repair service. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will answer all your questions and guide you through the process. For more questions, contact our team today!
