Auto Glass Repair FAQ
Do you have questions about windshield repair? We’ve answered some of the most common windshield repair questions below. If you happen to have a question that isn’t answered, feel free to give us a call at 216-351-2193 or click on one of our service center links to contact the location nearest you.
We also repair cracks, but not all cracks.
We Don’t Repair:
- Generally a crack (or chip) in the area of the driver’s side wiper sweep.
- A crack longer than 8″ wide.
- A long edge-to-edge crack.
For more information about windshield repair, click here.
Windshields are installed with a polyurethan sealant.
- It forms a very strong bond between the windshield and the body of your vehicle, but the curing rate varies according to the polyurethane used and environmental conditions.
- C-Auto Glass typically uses polyurethanes with a safe drive away time of 30 minutes.
- You may not know this, but the passenger side air bag, when deployed, bounces off the windshield with significant force, before facial impact.
- The safe drive away time is the time needed for the polyurethane to cure enough, so that the windshield will not break, in the event that the air bag deploys.
- This does not mean that the sealant has fully cured.
- Some auto glass shops use polyurethanes that have longer safe drive away times, because they are cheaper, but may not be as effective.
Auto glass claims fall under comprehensive coverage.
Not collision coverage.
- Typically, comprehensive claims do not affect your premium, unless your insurer is instituting a general rate increase.
- If you have a deductible, you will be responsible for that amount.
- Most insurance companies, not all, allow you to buy full glass coverage.
- Windshield replacement with recalibration can be $1,000+, depending on your vehicle make and model.
- Ask your insurance company if full glass coverage makes sense for you.
- If you wear eyeglasses that are supposed to darken in sunlight, you may have noticed they do not darken when inside your vehicle. That is because your lens needs UV rays to darken.
- Windshields are made of laminated glass, which includes a plastic layer that effectively blocks a significant portion of UVA rays. About 94%
- Side windows, typically made of tempered glass, allow more UVA rays to pass through, providing less protection. About 79%.
- Your Advanced Driver Assistance Systems rely on a variety of sensors to function properly.
- Most vehicles today have a camera attached to an L-bracket that is mounted to the windshield behind your rear-view mirror. This camera must be positioned correctly for safety features like: lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian warning and collision warning to be effective.
- Recalibrating ensures the camera sensor alignment is correct. These procedures can be “dynamic” or “static”, depending on the vehicle make and model. Some vehicles require both recalibrations.
- This is called Insurance Steering and happens when an insurance company attempts to influence or direct a policyholder into using a particular repair shop — usually one within their “preferred network” or Direct Repair Program (DRP).
The language is often subtle, such as:
- “We can’t guarantee the repairs on your vehicle if you don’t use our shop.”
- “You’ll have to pay the difference if it costs more elsewhere.”
- “That shop isn’t on our list.”
- The “preferred provider” for most insurance companies is a national chain in TV commercials. This company also acts as a claims processor. The “800” number leads you to them.
- So don’t be fooled, if you want to use our company as your provider, ask for C-Auto Glass and insist on it. It is within your rights.
Auto Glass Replacement FAQ
Do you have questions about the windshield replacement process? Some of the most common auto glass and windshield replacement related questions can be found below. If you can’t find an answer to your question there, please call our service center toll free at 216.351.2193.
It depends. Unlike the rest of the glass in your car, windshields are laminated and for that reason, can be repaired if the chip is small enough. Because it’s glass, however, even if repaired, it will never look new. Though a chip may be less noticeable after it is repaired, repairs are not cosmetic but designed solely to prevent a chip from spreading into a large crack. Depending on the vehicle, in some cases, a new windshield can be installed for close to the amount that some shops may charge for a repair.
Our mobile services travel all over Ohio to provide quality auto glass and windshield services in cities like Cleveland, Akron and many more. To find out if you’re in our service area, please call us at 216.351.2193.
Typically, a windshield or other auto glass can be installed in about 60 minutes or less. However, C-Auto Glass recommends waiting to drive the vehicle for about an hour after the replacement is complete.
We use some of the highest-grade auto glass materials in all our replacements. However, before the glass is completely secure, the urethane (or glue) must have time to dry. We recommend a 1-hour waiting period after the glass is installed before driving the vehicle.
If you’re getting your windshield replaced and need your rear view mirror reattached, just make sure to let us know when you set up your appointment. We’ll be sure the tech is equipped with everything needed to reattach the mirror once the new windshield is installed.
Yes! At C-Auto Glass, our policy is to return every customer’s vehicle in as good of shape, if not better than how we got it. If your car happens to be returned without being cleaned, please let us know.
Not necessarily… If the damage to your windshield is roughly the size of a quarter, a windshield repair may fix your problem. Repairing your windshield is a great option and can save you lots of money when compared to a replacement.