There are a wide variety of reasons you may need windshield replacement in Houston. Maybe a rock hit your windshield while driving on the highway, or your car got hit with hail during a storm. No matter the possibility, a broken windshield is a serious problem. Your windshield is not just there for aesthetics, it’s an important safety feature for your car. When it’s damaged, you need to repair it as soon as possible to keep yourself safe on the road.
Finding the right windshield replacement in Houston can be challenging. You might immediately turn to the cheapest option in the area, but this could have dire consequences. In today’s blog, we will explain how sacrificing quality for a lower price can be a dangerous compromise, especially in Houston’s diverse driving conditions and traffic.
If you are looking for windshield replacement in Houston, contact us!
The Hidden Dangers of “Bargain” Windshield Replacement in Houston
Why is opting for the cheapest option so dangerous? Here are a few reasons:
Compromised Structural Integrity
Your windshield isn’t just there to protect you from flying debris on the road. It provides up to 45% of a vehicle’s structural integrity in a rollover accident. Substandard adhesive and improper installation by an auto glass company promising low prices can put you in danger.
The same goes for the airbag. Your airbag relies on the windshield to provide a solid backstop for proper inflation and occupant protection. A weak bond can prevent the airbag from deploying properly. Also, auto glass companies with low prices may use cheap, generic, or insufficient urethane adhesive that doesn’t meet OEM strength standards, leading to problems further down the line.
Substandard Glass Quality
When you choose a cheap auto glass service, you may also sacrifice glass quality. Non-OEM or low-quality after-market glass can have waves, distortions, or imperfections that strain the driver’s eyes and affect visibility, particularly at night or in varying light conditions. This is especially notable in Houston with our sunny days and rainy weather.
Cheap glass may also lack proper UV filtration, leading to increased sun exposure inside the cabin and excessive glare. Lastly, cheap auto glass may be less durable and prone to chipping and cracking from minor impacts. This can lead to a shorter lifespan and a quicker need for another windshield replacement.
Poor Installation Practices
Houston auto glass companies offering cheaper prices may use poor installation practices that will compromise your auto glass in the future. Detail issues like improper cleaning of the pinch well, leaving old adhesive residue, and not priming the surface correctly are just a few of the offenses. Incorrect placement can lead to gaps, causing water leaks, wind noise, and potential damage to the vehicle’s interior and upholstery.
Scratches to the paint or primer during a rushed installation, along with the Houston humidity, can lead to rust forming on the vehicle’s frame. And lastly, one of the worst offenses, not letting the adhesive properly cure before driving. This will compromise the bond and lead to later problems. These are just a few of the many issues you may encounter when choosing a cheaper auto glass company.
What Defines a Quality Windshield Replacement in Houston
So what sets a quality windshield replacement apart from a “bargain” one? Let’s take a look.
OEM vs. High Quality After-Market Glass
One thing that might set them apart is the type of glass used. There is OEM glass, which is made to the exact specifications as the original glass that came with the vehicle, and after market glass, which can meet and exceed the same safety and optical standards. There’s also the fit and finish of the glass. A high-quality auto glass company will ensure the glass fits precisely for structural integrity and leak prevention. Lastly, there is optical clarity. A good auto glass company will ensure the glass is clear and distortion-free for driver safety.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) Calibration
Many modern windshields have integral safety features, such as lane assist, automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control, that ensure the safety of passengers. When replacing a windshield with features like these, even the slightest shift in the windshield’s replacement can throw off the ADAS camera and sensor calibration, rendering these features ineffective and dangerous. Luckily, a trusted technician will precisely and accurately recalibrate the ADAS features when performing a windshield replacement in Houston.
Quality Adhesives and Bonding Technology
The type of adhesive is just as important as the installation. Most windshield replacement in Houston requires urethane adhesive, a high-modulus, non-conductive, and fast-curing material that provides superior strength and durability. Using a high-quality adhesive, as well as using proper application techniques, is essential to successful adhesion. There’s also the concept of Safe Drive Away Time (SDAT). High-quality auto glass companies will ensure the glass is completely cured before you leave the premises, while low-quality companies may let you leave before the adhesive is properly cured.
Trained and Certified Technicians
Above all, experienced technicians will make or break a windshield replacement in Houston. Good auto glass technicians understand different vehicle models and modern windshield technologies. They also require necessary certifications as proof of adherence to the highest safety and quality standards. This type of job requires meticulous precision that only an expert can accomplish.
The True Cost of a Cheap Windshield
So, what happens when you sacrifice quality for a lower price? Poor quality glass and installation often leads to another replacement later down the line, making the initial low price useless. A bad windshield replacement in Houston may also cause water, electrical, and rust damage to your vehicle.
This could also have an impact on resale value. A poorly installed windshield is a red flag for potential buyers, indicating potential underlying issues or neglect. There’s also an immeasurable cost — the safety of your passengers. If something were to happen to you or your loved ones due to a poorly installed windshield, that’s a cost you can never replace.
Choosing the Right Houston Auto Glass Company
We highly recommend looking beyond the initial quote and considering the overall value of your windshield replacement in Houston. So, what should you look for in a Houston auto glass company? Here are some questions to ask.
- Glass Source: Inquire about the origin and quality of the glass (OEM or high-quality after-market).
- ADAS Expertise: Ask about their ADAS calibration capabilities and procedures.
- Technician Training: Confirm technician certifications and experience.
- Warranty: Look for a comprehensive warranty on both the glass and the installation.
- Local Reputation: Check local reviews, testimonials, and industry affiliations.
- Company Promotion: Ensure the company has a commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction for Houston drivers.
Luckily, Affordable Auto Glass checks all of these boxes. We are proud to provide high-quality auto glass services to the great people of Houston. Our technicians are trained and certified, and will provide nothing but the best quality service. Best of all, we offer low prices, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality for price.
If you are looking for windshield replacement in Houston, give us a call today!
