Windshield Basics – Know Everything About This Auto Component
If you have an accidentally damaged windscreen, the first thing that comes into your mind is whether to get it repaired or get it replaced. This is a very delicate question, which is actually pretty simple to answer. The practice originally was direct windshield replacement upon damage. This activity used to be costly hence repairs became more popularly practiced. The interesting fact is that even the insurance companies will compensate for windshield replacement costs instead of for its repair costs.
Normally, the word out is that if the crack in your windshield is smaller than six inches, it can be repaired. Repair is preferred by most people to the windshield replacement option because it lets you keep the original factory installation in place. Repairs usually depend on various factors. These are the type of crack, its size, depth and location. The question of repair or windshield replacement necessity will depend on the condition of the component before damage – structural integrity and previous damages. Upon damage, it is necessary to take your vehicle to a professional so that he can assess the situation and propose a repair or replacement with the eye of someone deft at the job.
One more piece of information that is probably unknown to you and in the knowledge of a professional is that your windshield has a mark on it that contains factory information on the material used. This information can be used to provide the perfect windshield replacement service to you, which otherwise would have been impossible. The quality of service depends on how you deal with this matter.
In addition to this, there is the necessity of having your windshield replacement work to comply with the Department of Transportation standards. Your windshield needs to have a DOT code on it. Apart from this, it also needs to be in accordance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. There are the standards that dictate the glazing materials quality. It outlines the requirement of glazing materials to ensure the necessary degree of transparency and reducing the risk of occupants getting thrown out of the vehicle in case of an accident.
The windshield manufacturers produce screens that are usually in compliance with all the required standards and codes. When you take your damaged windscreen to a garage for repair or replacement, the workers make sure that all the compliance standards are met. You can either choose an original equipment manufacturer’s windshield or an aftermarket windshield. You need to know the difference between these two before you can make your decision on which one to purchase. It would interest you to learn that car manufacturers do not produce windshields. They obtain this component through a contract with some company that specializes in these products. An OEM windshield will be almost identical to the one installed on your vehicle during manufacture. It will not be the exact one, but will be almost the same. An aftermarket windshield is the one obtained from a manufacturer that does not hold any contract with a car company for this particular component.
To know more about windshield replacement in Cambridge, visit http://mystarautoglass.ca/.