Houston Auto Glass Repair

Affordable Auto Glass has earned its name in Houston, and our reputation is upheld by our team of skilled and experienced technicians. We deliver exceptional service and utilize only the highest quality materials for all auto glass repairs.

Not only that, but we are more than just a repair shop; we are a major auto glass wholesaler for the city of Houston. This means we maintain an enormous local inventory of windshields and other auto glass for a vast range of vehicles.

What’s the Difference Between Auto Glass and Other Types of Glass?

We often get asked about the difference between the auto glass repairs in your car and the glass you find in other places, like your home windows. While they might look similar at first glance, they are actually quite different, especially when it comes to safety.

Regular Glass

The main goal of regular glass is usually to provide a clear view and let light in. Safety isn’t the primary concern, and it isn’t made to withstand significant impacts. It’s relatively brittle and breaks easily when hit with force. When regular glass breaks, it usually shatters into large, jagged pieces with very sharp edges.

You find this glass in:

• Windows
• Mirrors
• Display cases
• Business storefronts
• Glassware
• Jars and bottles

Auto Glass

Auto glass is specially designed and manufactured with safety as the top priority. There are two main types of auto glass, and they break in very different (and safer) ways than regular glass:

Laminated Glass for Windshields

Laminated glass is made of two layers of regular glass with a layer of strong, clear plastic (usually Polyvinyl Butyral or PVB) sandwiched in between and bonded together with heat and pressure. When laminated glass takes a hit and cracks, the plastic layer in the middle holds the broken pieces together. This means the windshield might crack significantly, but it’s less likely to shatter into flying shards.

This design is crucial for safety because it helps prevent occupants from being ejected from the vehicle in a crash, reduces the risk of injuries from flying glass fragments, provides structural support to the roof of the car in a rollover, and can even help the airbags deploy correctly by providing a backing.

Tempered Glass for Side and Rear Windows

Tempered glass is made from a single layer of glass that has been specially heated to a very high temperature and then rapidly cooled. This process makes it about four times stronger than regular glass. When tempered glass breaks, it doesn’t shatter into sharp, dangerous shards. Instead, it breaks into thousands of small, relatively harmless, pebble-like pieces with dull edges. This helps to reduce the risk of serious cuts and injuries in an accident, and allows occupants to exit the vehicle more easily if a door is jammed.

Why Go to an Auto Glass Repair Shop vs. Car Dealer?

When you need to replace your vehicle’s windshield, you have a couple of options: an independent auto glass repair shop like Affordable Auto Glass, or the service department of your car dealership. While dealerships offer a comprehensive range of maintenance services, a specialist like us often has key advantages, especially when it comes to being faster, cheaper, and more knowledgeable about auto glass.

Here’s why going directly to an auto glass shop in Houston is often the better choice:

Specialized Expertise

Our core business is exclusively auto glass. We deal with auto glass issues day in and day out, which means we are both highly efficient and very knowledgeable about our industry.

Our NGA-certified technicians are highly trained and experienced in windshield repair and replacement for all makes and models. We understand the nuances of different glass types, adhesives, and installation techniques. 

Dealership service departments handle a wide array of automotive repairs, from engine issues to brake replacements. Auto glass might be a smaller part of their overall service offerings, and their technicians may not have the same level of specialized, daily experience with glass work.

Cost Savings

Independent shops like Affordable Auto Glass typically offer more competitive pricing for auto glass repair and replacement. Our overhead costs are often lower than those of a large dealership, and we can pass those savings on to you.

Dealerships often have higher labor rates and may source their glass from us directly as one of the major glass wholesalers in the city, but with added markups. Going directly to us eliminates that extra layer of cost.

Faster Turnaround Times

Thanks to our huge inventory, we usually have the necessary glass in stock and can schedule your repair or replacement much more quickly. Dealerships may need to order specific glass for your vehicle, which can take time.

High-Quality Aftermarket Glass for Your Vehicle

When your car needs a windshield or window replacement in Houston, the term “OEM glass” (Original Equipment Manufacturer) often comes up. While OEM glass is the exact same brand that came with your vehicle, high-quality aftermarket glass offers comparable quality at a more affordable price. 

Aftermarket auto glass is produced by reputable manufacturers to meet or exceed the safety and quality standards of OEM glass. Plus, these manufacturers often supply glass to vehicle manufacturers directly, so they generally have excellent quality control.

Here are five reasons why aftermarket auto glass is a great choice for you:

1. Significant Cost Savings: The primary advantage of choosing high-quality aftermarket glass is the significant cost savings compared to OEM glass. You can often save a significant amount of money without sacrificing quality or safety. This is because aftermarket manufacturers don’t carry the same branding and licensing costs associated with OEM parts.
2. Wide Availability: The vast network of aftermarket glass manufacturers means that high-quality options are readily available for a wide range of vehicles, including older models where OEM glass might be harder to find or more expensive. As a major auto glass wholesaler in Houston, we have access to this extensive inventory.
3. Comparable Quality and Safety: Aftermarket glass manufacturers must follow strict industry standards and safety regulations set by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This ensures that the glass we install is just as safe and durable as the original glass in your vehicle.
4. Excellent Fit and Functionality: Modern manufacturing techniques can ensure that the glass is made to precise specifications, guaranteeing a perfect fit for your specific vehicle. This proper fit is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of your car, ensuring a proper seal against wind and rain, and allowing your ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) to function correctly after calibration.
5. Insurance Acceptance: Most major auto insurance companies in Houston readily approve the use of high-quality aftermarket glass for replacements.

Trusted Auto Glass Shop in Houston Since 2003

Come directly to us for the fastest timelines and the best price on your auto glass repair or replacement. We’re Houston’s #1 trusted name in auto glass for a reason. Get a free quote today.