Are you facing auto glass repairs or a full windshield replacement? Confused about which option is the safest, most cost-effective choice for your needs? At Only 1 Auto Glass, we know damaged vehicle windows can be a major source of stress. And not knowing who to trust with the repairs or even what to expect from the process serves to further compound the problem. To help lessen any confusion, we’ve outlined a few of our most common FAQs to give you a better idea of how auto glass repairs and replacements work.

 

How Long Does Auto Glass Repair & Replacement Take?

Auto glass repairs can require anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the weather and the complexity of the repair. If we’re performing mobile repairs, outdoor temperature and humidity can have a significant effect on the length of time necessary to complete the work.

 

Auto glass replacement, on the other hand, generally requires about an hour. But again, that timeframe can vary depending on weather conditions. Keep in mind that you should also set aside an additional hour to allow the repairs or replacement to settle before driving your vehicle.

 

Why Can’t I Perform a DIY Auto Glass Repair?

Strictly speaking, anyone can perform their own DIY auto glass repair, but that doesn’t make it the smartest or safest choice. Commercially available auto glass repair kits do not contain the same professional-grade materials, so naturally, they do not deliver high-quality, lasting results.

 

Worse, DIY auto glass repairs often result in further damage due to lack of training and experience on the part of the individual performing the work. If that occurs, your insurance company generally won’t cover the cost of fixing the issue because a twice-damaged window almost always necessitates a complete replacement.

 

Ultimately, we recommend avoiding DIY auto glass repairs for the simple reason that they usually end up costing more than professional work in the long run.

 

Will I Be Able To See the Damage After the Repair?

First and foremost, auto glass repair is a safety measure, not an aesthetic procedure. During a repair, a technician will inject a small amount of resin into each damaged area, which will be slightly visible even after it has set.

 

Bottom line: Repairing damaged auto glass helps support the structural integrity of your vehicle by strengthening compromised glass. If you’re looking for a flawless end result, replacing the damaged window is your best option.

 

Why Do I Have to Replace My Entire Back Window?

In the majority of cases, back glass repair simply isn’t possible because rear vehicle windows are not structured for repairs. Unlike your windshield (which contains a thin sheet of plastic sandwiched between two layers of glass) your rear window is fashioned from a single sheet of glass, making it less structurally sound.

 

Too, if your vehicle features rear defrost, the grid lines in the window can drive up the cost of repairs or even make the process impossible. In some cases, minor rock chips in a rear window are eligible for repair. You’ll need to consult with an auto glass technician who can assess the extent of the damage and recommend the safest course of action.

 

Windshield Repair or Replacement: How Do I Know What I Need?

Generally speaking, minor windshield chips and cracks can be repaired. However, if the damage is in the driver’s line of sight, windshield replacement is typically the safest option. While professional auto glass repair capabilities are rapidly advancing, typically, windshield replacement is the safest, most viable option in the following situations:

 

●        Chips that are larger than the size of a quarter

●        Multiple small cracks

●        Cracks that extend to the outside edges of the windshield

●        Windshield pitting

●        Cracks that are longer than 14 inches (depending on the shop’s capabilities and equipment)

 

If you’re unsure whether your windshield requires repairs or replacement, stop by one of our 15 locations and let us inspect the damage. Our technicians can advise you on the safest course of action for your vehicle and put together a free repair estimate while we’re at it.

 

Ready to Schedule Auto Glass Repair or Replacement? Contact Only 1 Auto Glass Today

At Only 1 Auto Glass, our number one goal is your total satisfaction. With over 200 years of combined experience, plus our Auto Glass Safety Council certification, you can trust that when we work on your auto glass, we’ll return your windows in the best possible condition. Whether you require quick, convenient mobile repairs or you’d like to stop into one of our 15 locations throughout the Twin Cities metro, high-quality auto glass service is just a quick call away.

 

To learn more about our auto glass repair services or to request your free estimate, give our team a call at 651-789-1111. You can also get in touch with us via our contact form, and a member of our team will be in contact with you promptly.