Is It Safe to Replace Your Own Car’s Windshield Yourself?

Introduction

Is it safe to replace your own car’s windshield? This question often arises among those who want to cut down on the cost of windshield replacement. While replacing a windshield may seem like an easy job to some, it’s a task that requires specialized tools, materials, and skill sets. Undertaking windshield repair or replacement without proper training and expertise can not only be unsafe but could also cost you more in the long run.

Safety First

Safety should always be the top priority when it comes to your vehicle. The windshield accounts for about 60% of your car’s structural integrity during a rollover crash. A shoddy installation job can put this vital safety at risk, compromising not just your car’s stability but also escalating the chance of injury or even fatality in the event of an accident.

All Glass Is Not Created Equal

Windshield replacement requires specialized knowledge in choosing the right type of glass. These are three types of auto glass used to replace windshields: dealer glass, aftermarket glass, and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass. Making an uninformed choice could potentially jeopardize your safety. Certified auto glass professionals, following the Auto Glass Safety Council’s (AGSC) recommendations, ensure that the windshield complies with all federal safety standards.

Calibration

Another layer of complexity arises with the calibration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Modern vehicles rely on an array of sensors and cameras embedded in the windshield to enable features like collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control. Specialized tools and software are required for precise calibration, as even a minor misalignment could disable the entire ADAS system.

Don’t Go It Alone

Replacing a windshield is not a one person job. The process involves removing the old windshield carefully, preparing the frame, applying a urethane adhesive, and setting the new windshield precisely. Any errors in this sequence can result in leaks, wind noise, or even a loose windshield.

Conclusion

While the idea of replacing your windshield may be tempting to save on the cost, it’s not advisable due to safety and quality concerns. Unless you’re trained in windshield repair and have the necessary tools, it’s best to leave this job to the pros. Knowing the real cost of a windshield replacement should include factoring in the value of expertise and peace of mind which only a skilled technician can provide.

Who to Call

If you need to have your vehicle’s windshield repaired, you can reach out to the professionals here at USA Auto Glass Florida. We are a locally owned and operated company serving South Florida from South Miami Heights to Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Kendall, Homestead, the Keys, and many surrounding areas. Our highly trained technicians are experts in all things relating to auto glass. We work with individual vehicle owners and their insurance companies, as well as with corporate fleet accounts, providing the same exceptional customer service that has earned for us a reputation as one of the top auto glass companies in the area. We believe in doing business the old fashioned way, treating customers as we would want to be treated. That’s why our slogan is “The Difference is Obvious”.

If you’d like more information about our company or the services we provide, visit our website, or give us a call at any of our four locations:

Dade: (786) 272-5603                        Broward: (877) 336-7217

Palm Beach: (561) 717-7630             South West Florida (877) 336-7217