Auto Glass News

Finding Windshield Parts

Getting the correct part for your vehicle can be an onerous task.  Some vehicles can have multiple windshields for that same model year. 

The first thing a consumer should consider is the color of glass.  Thirty years ago most vehicle manufacturers used clear glass, but since the 80’s car manufacturers have primarily adopted the use of green (typically North American) or blue (Europe or Asia), but have also ventured into using some grey or bronze.  The easiest way to determine the tint is to hold a sheet of white paper against the glass and see what shade is shown.

Next you will want to know if there is a shade band near the top of the windshield of a different darker tint.  This transparent shade band is usually dark green or dark blue, but can also come as a painted solid or dot matrix band. Some vehicles will even have their logos or vehicles slogans printed into this band.

Once the color has been established you will then need to know what type of attachments are required.  Does the vehicle have heating elements, heads-up display on the windshield, antennas, GPS, electro chromatic sensors or any other wires attached?  Without the glass being taken out it will be tough for the average consumer to know all the options.

If the above is past your comfort level than I suggest giving Speedy Glass a call.  Their experts will help you find the right part and if stock is available sell it to you for your own installation.  Of course installing is another whole set of instructions and is way more complicated than finding the right windshield.  Give them a call today to find your piece of glass and if you want them to install they can help you with that too.

DIY Auto Glass Repair and buying a windshield

For the adventurous, or auto-mechanically inclined customers, the prospect of replacing your vehicle glass may seem simple; but be careful as it’s not what it’s all cracked up to be.   Sorry for the pun.  Years ago, when windshields had basic curves with no attachments, and fit into a rubber gasket, the process was much simpler.  Most windshields were definitely smaller and thicker, which allowed for some rougher handling before damage would occur during installation.

Today the windshield is quite complex and in many cases very expensive.  It’s not uncommon now for windshields to have many electronic peripherals built into their specifications. For example, many windshields now have heated wiper rests, radio antennas, GPS and electro chromatic sensors attached.  Engineers for the major car manufacturers are now designing windshield to have larger surface areas, to allow more light into their vehicles; in addition to asking glass manufacturers to use thinner glass materials to reduce the overall weight. This all leads to a more fragile and encompassing glass installation.

Now with this information in your possession, you can better understand why it’s important to use a qualified and reputable glass company to replace that broken windshield.  However, if that still doesn’t deter you from trying that replacement on your own, then make sure to buy your windshield from a company that knows the various models and requirements of your vehicle.  Get it wrong and you may be buying it twice.  Speedy Glass www.speedyglass.comstocks most of the common windshields and can help you with finding the right part for all your glass needs.