Yahoo Autos How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Car Window?
It’s a horrible, sinking feeling to walk out to your vehicle and see a pile of broken glass next to the door. Whether it’s because of an accident, vandalism, or extreme weather, if your window is broken you’ll want it replaced as soon as possible. If you’re ever in this situation, here’s how much it costs to replace a car window.
What Are Car Windows Made Out Of?
Car windows on the side and back are made out of tempered glass, while windshields are typically made of laminated glass. (We also broke down the cost of replacing a windshield, which is a different process than replacing a side or rear widow.) Tempered glass is a type of glass that is four times stronger than regular glass thanks to its careful engineering. Tempered glass goes through an annealing process during which it is cooled down very slowly. This process means if a car window breaks, it will break into small pieces to help prevent injuries.
Do I Need to Replace My Broken Car Window Right Away?
If you’re in an accident, your car windows will likely be replaced with your car’s body work. However, there are circumstances where you might choose to not replace your window right away. However, trying a temporary fix with plastic or duct tape can carry some risks, including:
Your interior can get soaked if it rains.
Your car is more easily broken into through the broken window.
You won’t be protected by glass in the event of an accident.
While you might have to delay replacing your window for a couple of days, you should aim to replace your car window as quickly as possible.
Car Window Repair Vs. Replace
If you have a small chip or a small crack in your window, you can likely get the window repaired instead of fully replaced. In some states, you can receive a ticket for having a chipped window if it’s obstructing your view. While it may not seem as critical as a broken window, a severely chipped window should also be quickly repaired. The longer you wait, the more at risk you are of having the chip shatter the glass, which can cause serious injury.
Where Can I Get My Car Window Replaced?
There are many companies that specialize in working with car windshields and windows. If you look for glass replacement and auto glass service companies in your local area, there should be multiple to choose from. Some, like Safelite, even offer mobile services and can come to your home or the location of your choice so you don’t have to drive with a broken window. You can also go to a local repair shop or even a body shop.
How Long Does Car Window Replacement Take?
Getting your car window replaced can be completed in as little as an hour. However, it depends on which window was broken (driver side and passenger side front or rear windows or quarter glass) and the extent of the damage. Unlike the windshield repair process, a car door window uses hardware rather than adhesive to stay in place. That means that the amount of time you have to wait will be shorter because you won’t have to wait for the adhesive to cure.
