When a crack has grown, a chip sits in the driver's view, or the damage has reached the inner layer of glass, the windshield needs to come out. This is the job the shop has done since 1983, and the method matters more than most people realise.
What happens to your vehicle
The old glass is cut free from the body with a cold knife or wire, and the trim, cowl and wiper arms come off to get at the edge. The old adhesive bead is trimmed back to a thin, even layer rather than scraped to bare metal, because fresh urethane bonds best to cured urethane. Any bare or scratched metal is primed so it cannot rust under the new seal.
The new windshield is cleaned and primed on its bonding edge, a bead of urethane adhesive is laid onto the frame, and the glass is set into position. From that point the urethane needs time to cure before the vehicle is safe to drive. That cure time depends on the adhesive, the temperature and the humidity, and we will tell you what it is for your job. The windshield is a structural part of the vehicle: it supports the roof in a rollover and gives the passenger airbag something to push against. A windshield driven off before the adhesive has cured is not doing either of those jobs.
Cameras and sensors
On many vehicles built in the last decade the windshield carries a forward-facing camera for lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control or automatic emergency braking. When the glass is replaced, that camera has to be recalibrated so it sees the road at the correct angle. If your vehicle has any of those systems, tell us when you request a quote and we will explain what the recalibration involves for your model and how it is handled.
OEM or aftermarket
Replacement glass is available from the original manufacturer and from aftermarket makers who build to the same dimensions. Which is right for your vehicle depends on the model, on what features the glass carries, and on what your insurer will cover. We quote both where both are available, and explain the difference.
Insurance
If you are putting the replacement through your insurance, we can help with the claim. See the insurance claims page for how that works.
Getting a price
Send a quote request with the year, make, model and trim of your vehicle, or call the shop during opening hours. We quote each job rather than publishing a price list, because the right glass and the work involved vary from one vehicle to the next.