Auto Glass | Windshields | Budget Glass, Nanaimo BC

The front piece of your vehicle’s autoglass is commonly referred to as a windshield, but it some countries it’s called a windscreen. Windshields are the most important part of a vehicle’s autoglass. It is designed to enhance the driver’s visibility of the road ahead, while offering protection against the elements and debris coming off the road and other vehicles. These days, windshields are usually made of laminated safety glass, which is a type of glass that consists of two curved sheets of glass bonded together with a layer of plastic. This type of glass decreases the risk of penetration by projectiles, by offering higher shatter resistance. Some windshields are UV coated, to screen the inhabitants of the vehicle from UV radiation, although this is not really necessary since the glass and the plastic layer absorb most of the UV-B and UV-A rays.

Because the windshield is an integral part of your vehicle’s safety gear, it’s important that it is kept in good condition. Not only can damaged auto glass inhibit the driver’s visibility but, since the windshield can bear over half of the vehicle’s weight in a rollover, an existing crack or chip can weaken the integrity of your vehicle and increase the risk of collapse.

When you notice a chip or a crack in your windshield, contact Budget Glass in Nanaimo to get your windshield fixed as soon as possible.

There are Different Types of Windshield Damage
By doing your own examination, and a little research, you can figure out if what you are dealing with is a chip, a crack or a pit. A little knowledge like this can help you determine whether your windscreen needs a repair or a replacement, which can help you to avoid getting taken advantage of by less reputable windshield repair shops.
Safety First
Your vehicle’s windshield has the important job of keeping you and your passengers safe. When a repair or replacement is needed, it’s best to use high-quality materials and trust your vehicle with a reliable and well-respected autoglass repair service like Budget Glass.
Trust
You need to be able to trust that the auto glass repair service you’ve chosen is reliable, experienced, and using proper equipment and techniques. The professionals at Budget Glass can not only provide you with a high degree of trustworthiness, they can get your vehicle back on the road in short order.
Materials
Repairing a windshield requires a high-quality urethane adhesive. This adhesive renders chips almost invisible and prevents them from spreading. The higher the quality of adhesive, the better the chance of a successful repair job.

Should I worry about small chips in my windshield?

Many people adopt a “wait and see” attitude when it comes to small chips in the windshield. Take a proactive approach and get a windshield repair shop like Budget Glass to fix the chip so that it will prevent the problem from getting bigger. Each chip is treated differently, but chips under 3/8” (up to the size of a loonie) can be repaired, provided it is not in the driver’s direct line of sight and there is no damage reaching the edge of the windshield.

Is it dangerous to drive with a cracked windshield?

Yes. The windshield can support over half of your vehicle’s weight in the event of a rollover. A cracked windshield will be far less able to support the weight of your vehicle, resulting in a collapse and endangering the lives of the occupants of the vehicle.

Is it illegal to drive with a cracked windshield?

Yes. Driving with a cracked windshield, even if the crack does not extend over to the driver’s side, is illegal. It is considered to be driving with an obstructed view of the road.

What types of windshield damage can be repaired?

Chips that are smaller than 3/8” (up to the size of a loonie) can be repaired, provided they do not obstruct the driver’s line of sight or reach the edge of the windshield. If they do, the windshield will need to be replaced.

Do windshield cracks spread?

Yes. Cracks that start small may spread since the windshield’s structural integrity has been altered. It is best to have your windshield replaced as soon as possible.

How can I stop a windshield from cracking?

This is a difficult problem to prevent, since cracks can happen for a number of natural reasons as well as artificial ones. Some of the causes of windshield cracking include: poor installation, glass imperfections, abrupt temperature changes (including extreme sunlight), hail or pressure changes. The best you can do to prevent cracking is to keep interior sources of heat away from the window, and do not drive when it is hailing.

How do I stop my windshield from cracking more?

You can slow the spread of the crack by cleaning it and the surrounding area completely and then applying either clear nail polish or crazy glue to the crack. Allow the polish or glue to dry thoroughly before putting a piece of clear packing tape over it to keep dirt out while you wait to get your windshield replaced.

How do I stop rocks from hitting my windshield?

Use a bit of preventative medicine when you are driving. For example, if you are driving on a gravel road, keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Can I drive after a windshield replacement?

Yes, but it’s generally recommended that you wait at least one hour after the service is completed.

Should I use my insurance to pay for windshield repairs or windshield replacements?

If you have comprehensive insurance coverage, you can absolutely use your insurance to pay for a repair or replacement. Windshield claims do not affect your premiums in any way, since the driver is not generally deemed to be fault in these claims.

Is windshield repair or replacement usually covered by insurance?

Yes, but it depends on the level of coverage you have. Comprehensive insurance coverage will include windshield repairs or replacement, but less coverage than that or a high deductible may leave you paying for the service out of your own pocket.

How much will it cost to fix my windshield?

Each repair is different. To find out how much your windshield repair will cost, without insurance coverage, feel free to contact us for a quote.

How much will it cost me to replace my windshield without insurance?

Whether or not you have comprehensive insurance that covers windshield repair or windshield replacement, we at Budget Glass will be happy to help you. Simply contact us for a quote.

Will my insurance premiums go up after a windshield repair?

No. Windshield claims do not affect your insurance premiums, as they are part of your comprehensive coverage and the vehicle owner is not considered to be at fault for these claims.

Do I have to pay the deductible for my windshield replacement?

Yes. The amount of the deductible will differ according to the level of coverage you have, and it will likely be different from the collision deductible. It is a good idea to speak to your insurance provider to see what your vehicle is covered for.

Does CAA/AAA pay for windshield repair or replacement?

In a sense, yes. Both CAA and AAA have insurance divisions that will offer you coverage for windshield repair or replacement, provided you choose comprehensive coverage.

Are windshields covered by warranty?

Our auto glass installation service comes with a lifetime warranty, with the guarantee of being free of defects or flaws. If you notice a defect within 90 days of the installation date, we will replace the windshield at no cost to you. We also provide a “no leak” guarantee, which is valid for as long as you own your vehicle.

Do car dealerships repair or replace windshields?

Car dealerships can do windshield repairs and replacements but choosing a glass specialist, such as Budget Glass, to do the repair or replacement means that you are leaving your vehicle in the hands of specialized professionals.

How long does a window replacement take?

We always offer an estimate of 4 hours for a full replacement. The actual installation only takes about an hour, but the sealant requires 2-3 hours to bond properly.

Windshield Repair and Replacement in Nanaimo BC

4 Things to Consider

FAQs

We hope that answers all the questions you have about windshield repair and replacement.