A damaged windscreen or other pieces of auto glass can be not only unappealing to look at but also potentially be very dangerous. That’s why it’s important to quickly replace your cracked windscreen after it’s damaged.
Windscreen replacement is more costly than a repair, and prices commonly range from $200 to $600, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. In some rare cases, car windscreen replacement can even cost up to $1000. Please note that these prices are averages and your individual circumstances will vary – it’s best to seek a quote for more accurate costs.
What Can Cause a Windscreen to Break?
The Insurance Australia Group have found some of the most common ways car windscreens can be chipped or cracked. These include:
- Chipping from other vehicles flicking up rocks or other debris up into other car windscreens.
- Severe weather such as hailstorms
- Intentional, malicious damage such as break-ins.
While windscreens are more durable than they were in the past, they are often also more expensive to repair or replace.
Can I Not Just Repair The Damage?
If you think you’d be able to repair your windscreen instead of replacing the entire thing, it’s time to start assessing the damage properly.
Chip repair is only possible to a certain extent. If a chip is smaller than 2.5cm wide or a crack is under 7.5cm in length, it can be repaired. Otherwise, windscreen replacement will be necessary.
If you have previously repaired your broken windscreen, it is not advised to undergo glass repair again. It is safer to replace a windscreen rather than repair it continuously.
This is because the structural integrity of the glass weakens if constantly broken and repaired.
Be aware that it is illegal to drive if your damaged windscreen impedes your view of the road.
What Is Involved in a Replacement Service?
A window replacement service for your car windscreens is a relatively straightforward service. It involves the following steps:
- The vehicle is covered with protective sheets
- Windscreen wipers, scuttle, inner and outer trim, and any sensors such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), are all removed.
- The adhesive bond between windscreen and vehicle is broken via the use of a fine wire.
- The cracked windscreen is then safely removed and any remaining adhesive is removed.
- Inner trims are refitted and new adhesive applied.
- A new windscreen is fitted.
- Any previously removed parts – such as wipers – are reinstalled.
Aftermarket Windscreen VS Car Manufacturer Windscreen
When looking for a window replacement for your vehicle you are usually faced with two different options for the manufacturer: aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer, also known as OEM.
It’s important to understand the difference between these two choices and how they affect the quality of auto glass you’ll receive for your vehicle window replacement.
Aftermarket
Aftermarket windscreen companies refer to companies not affiliated with a particular dealer that do not carry car manufacturer windscreens. You won’t see a dealer logo on any aftermarket auto glass.
The pros of aftermarket car windscreens and other auto glass are that they are usually cheaper than auto glass made by an OEM.
The cons of aftermarket car windscreens that they can’t actually produce windscreens identical to their factory counterparts. They are also not held to the same manufacturer guidelines or standards as an OEM.
This means that if you buy aftermarket auto glass you run the risk of receiving a poor quality product.
It’s not a guarantee that the quality will be low, but the chance remains. Be sure to do your research when choosing an aftermarket manufacturer for when you need to replace a windscreen.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
Windscreens and other auto glass made by an OEM are built to be identical to the windscreen that comes factory-installed in your vehicle.
Pros include that the windscreens are built to specific regulations and standards as set, to ensure a high level of quality.
One of the main cons of OEM windscreens is that they can be expensive and your car insurance coverage may not fully cover the full windscreen replacement cost.
It can be hard to choose between these options, but it comes down to how much you are willing to pay. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for.
What Can Impact The Cost of Windscreen Replacement?
Windscreen and rear windscreen replacement cost can alter depending on a number of factors. When making your windscreen replacement price comparison, be sure to take into account the following:
1. The make and model of your vehicle
The make refers to the automaker of your vehicle, such as BMW, Ford, and Hyundai. The model refers to the different specifications, features, and body of your vehicle.
A Ford Focus is a different model to a Ford Mustang, for example. The more expensive the make and model of your vehicle, the more expensive repairs usually are.
2. Vehicle year
This can seriously affect the cost of replacing any parts of your vehicle, regardless of whether it’s a side window or a transmission.
When it comes to auto glass, it’s usually cheaper to replace a windscreen on an older vehicle. This is because newer vehicles often have more features than older models.
3. Who does the fix and where
Service fees will vary from company to company. When looking at a full replacement, it’s important to compare reviews and quotes from different auto glass specialists before you pay the cost of windscreen replacement.
Check with your car insurance how much you’re covered for and do your own research. You can never be too careful when it comes to windscreen replacement price comparison.
Windscreen Replacement Price List
There’s a lot that goes into window replacement cost for your vehicle, and it can be difficult to wrap your head around what price to expect for a window replacement for your specific vehicle.
To get a better idea of what to expect, take a look at this handy price list below:
Understanding everything that goes into determining windscreen replacement cost can be tricky, but there’s a lot of experts available to help you figure out what options are available to you and your vehicle.
A chipped or cracked window, whether it’s your windscreen or driver’s side window should be fixed as soon as possible.
Don’t put yourself at risk with a damaged windscreen, contact the Perth windscreen replacement experts today and stay driving safely.