Cost of San Antonio Auto Glass Repair

09 Aug Cost of San Antonio Auto Glass Repair

Driving a vehicle with a damaged windshield can lead to a serious collision that may cost you your life as well as the lives of other occupants in the vehicle. At best, you will not have full visibility while driving, which poses an immediate threat on the road. Did you know you can be ticketed for driving with a damaged windshield? Plain and simple, the risk isn’t worth it. Whether the damage falls on the front windshield or the back glass (rear windshield), it’s best to immediately find a fix to ensure your safety.

If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, the costs will be covered in full minus your deductible. On the other hand, if you are planning to pay without insurance, it’s good to know the range of the potential overall repair cost and the factors that play into pricing ahead of time. So how much will it cost for a replacement?

Windshield Replacement Costs

Typically, the cost of a windshield replacement is between $100-$400, including labor with the average cost ranging between $210-230. Collectible cars and luxury vehicles can jump the price to as high as $1,500 but it all depends on the vehicle. There are many factors to consider when looking into the cost of a windshield replacement. Some of these include: make, year and model of your vehicle, sensors and wipers, type and location of the damage, type of glass used and preferred brand of service.

The most important factor when determining the cost is the type of vehicle. Luxury vehicles like Lexus and Mercedes Benz require specific windshields and will increase the cost of repairs. Some popular vehicle models, take Honda for instance, are more common than others and repair shops often keep these high demand windshield models on hand at competitive prices. Sensors on the glass, such as rain sensors, as well as windshield wipers for different makes and models play into the cost of repair as well. For example, certain Mazda models have more sensors than others, which will add to the cost. If you add wiper assembly cost, from ten to twenty dollars, various vehicles require different sizes and assembly installation, but you can plan on paying more overall. Windshield replacement costs vary, depending on the make, model and year of your vehicle but the installation procedure is generally the same.

Another cost factor is the extent and location of the damage. Some minor damages can warrant a quick repair over a full replacement so check to be sure which fix is right for your vehicle. Is the damage on the front or rear (back glass) windshield? Front glass replacement generally costs more than back glass replacement; typically, back glass replacement doesn’t require the added cost of wiper assembly and falls in the range of $100-$300 for the fix. A vehicle with special molding may add up to 20% to the repair cost.

One more cost factor is the type of glass used. You can find aftermarket windshields at a lower cost (about $100 less) that take a little less time to repair but using a lesser grade of material can be a basis for your windshield to pop out during a collision. Using the same quality of glass installed in the vehicle when it was originally built is the safest available option.

Choosing a reputable company with highly-trained technicians does not necessarily mean higher costs but does mean that you will ensure a quality repair. Be sure to ask about the quality and performance of the products offered, and read through customer reviews before committing to a fix.

How to Ensure a Quality Repair

Your windshield is classified as a “safety device” because it provides structural strength to the body of your vehicle and supports inflation and performance of passenger side airbags. This being said, it is vital to ensure a grade A repair is made when having your windshield replaced. The quality and proper installation of the auto glass adhesive is equally as important as the quality of the windshield.

So how can you be sure the repair is up to par?

Home adhesive kits can be enticing when you’re working within a budget but if this adhesive application is done incorrectly it can lead to leaks, wrecks or the need for further repairs, adding to the expense. It is also important to note that there are several brands and types of adhesive from which to choose, and the type of adhesive used will determine how long you will need to wait before driving your vehicle again, safely. Similarly, a poor or improper installation done by any old repair shop can cause the windshield to separate from the vehicle during an accident, rendering your airbag useless.

Choosing a reputable company like RNR Auto Glass with certified and insured technicians is your best bet. An expert technician from RNR Auto Glass can typically perform a same day replacement. The type of glass that is used for your installation should be OEM in order to achieve the best results.

Only those businesses that meet the following professional standards should be trusted with your vehicle:

• Follow all adhesive manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use only products that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
• Provide written warranty and a detailed record for the work completed.
• Use trained and certified technicians.
• Carry adequate insurance.

Windshield replacement, if done by the right company, can be a breeze, even without insurance. Even small chips can lead to large cracks, requiring complete windshield replacement. RNR Auto Glass offers free mobile service, high quality glass, lifetime warranty on workmanship and reasonable rates for all of your auto glass needs in your area. Call us at 210-340-2588 today to schedule a same day appointment!