If your vehicle needs a windshield replacement and you’re worried about the cost, you may be tempted to look for used glass to save yourself some money. But installing a used windshield or other windows on your vehicle may not be your best option, in terms of both safety and price.
Why not? Here’s what you should know about purchasing used auto glass, so you can decide whether pre-owned vehicle windows are right for your needs.
Cheaper Isn’t Always Better
When it comes to buying automobile parts, you get what you pay for in most cases. The same idea applies to auto glass.
Though it’s illegal for any Minnesota business to sell you a damaged windshield, that doesn’t necessarily mean every business follows the law. And if you acquire a used windshield that was previously hit by an object, there’s a high chance that glass will break more easily under future impacts.
Glass Removal Can Cause Damage
Installing a windshield properly is a challenging process. Removing one is even more difficult. When you purchase a used windshield, you’re inevitably buying a piece of glass that was removed from another vehicle. And unfortunately, the removal process often leaves behind damage since it puts a lot of stress on the glass.
Windshields are designed to stay put indefinitely. To keep them in place, automobile manufacturers and auto glass repair shops use heavy-duty adhesives and sealants to ensure longevity. When a salvage yard or parts supplier removes a windshield, they have to detach the glass from the adhesive and sealant keeping it in place. That process puts the glass at risk of developing small cracks or chips.
Since these minor glass blemishes are easily fixable, they can be repaired so that they’re virtually indetectable. When you buy a piece of used auto glass, there’s always a chance that glass was previously damaged and then repaired, which may impact its integrity.
While a seller should disclose that information, there’s no guarantee they will.
Insurance May Cover a Windshield Replacement
If you’re considering used auto glass because you’re worried about the cost of a windshield replacement, know that cost may not be a factor. In Minnesota, most insurance companies cover windshield repairs and replacement, and they typically won’t raise your premiums as a result.
If you’re unsure whether your insurance policy covers auto glass replacement, call your provider and ask. Some providers will cover the full cost of the replacement, while others will only pay for a specific percentage of the final bill.
Even if you’re liable for paying a portion of the cost, it’s a small price to pay for brand new glass and more importantly, peace of mind. Check out what you should know about using insurance for auto glass repairs for more info.
Should You Buy Used Auto Glass for a Classic Car?
If you’re restoring a vintage vehicle that has a damaged windshield or other windows, getting replacement auto glass can be challenging and expensive. Since parts for classic cars and trucks aren’t easy to come by, ordering custom-made replacement auto glass will likely be necessary. And as you might expect, anything custom is going to cost you a pretty penny.
To save money, you may be tempted to look for used, vintage auto glass at a salvage yard. But finding used auto glass for a classic vehicle can require a serious time commitment. And at the end of the day, there’s no guarantee you’ll come across what you’re looking for.
Even if you do get lucky and find vintage OEM glass, again, the glass removal process can cause damage. And even if that damage is repaired, it could threaten the structural integrity of the window and ultimately put your safety at risk.
When you’re making this kind of investment, it’s in your best interest to invest in new glass that comes with a warranty. If you opt for used glass, you may not even be able to have it professionally installed since auto glass shops may refuse to do the work for liability reasons.
Bottom line: Before you purchase used glass that may put your safety at risk, consider all of your options. And if you do end up taking the pre-owned route, take extra care to avoid auto glass damage.
Need Windshield Replacement in the Twin Cities?
If you need a new windshield, get in touch with our team at Only 1 Auto Glass! We specialize in auto glass repair and replacement for all makes and models of vehicles, and our multiple Twin Cities locations make auto glass service as easy and convenient as possible.
To learn more about our services, request a free estimate, or schedule an appointment, give us a call today at 651-789-1111 or send us a message, and we’ll be in touch.