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How To Properly Shop For A New Windshield Replacement

Writer's picture: raul plascenciaraul plascencia
Sep 10, 20233 min read

Shopping for a new windshield for your vehicle involves several steps to ensure you get the right windshield, the proper workmanship and the best quality glass that fits your needs and budget.


Here's a guide on how to properly shop for a new windshield:


This ford f150 is getting a new windshield replaced
Ford gets a new windshield


1. Identify Your Vehicle's Make and Model:

- Before you start shopping, know the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Windshields are not universal, and different vehicles have varying sizes and shapes of windshields. Please have your Vin number (Vehicle Identification Number) ready. Here at Direct Quality Auto Glass we strongly recommend texting or emailing us your VIN number. The Vin number gives shops the correct Windshield part number.


Auto Glass shops need your VIN number for a new windshield replacement
Vin number verification


2. Determine the Type of Windshield:

- There are different types of windshields available, including OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) windshields and aftermarket windshields OE. OEM windshields are made by the vehicle manufacturer, while aftermarket windshields are made by third-party companies. OEM windshields are often of higher quality and designed to match your vehicle precisely but can be more expensive. Aftermarket windshields are more budget-friendly but may vary in quality. Here at Direct Quality Auto Glass we know which brands will be a better fit for your Vehicle. In all truth, Not everyone can afford an OEM Windshield. We will help you save money and help you find the best quality glass.


Ford OEM New Windshield
Ford OEM Glass


3. Check for Certification:

- Ensure that the Auto Glass Company that you choose is certified and follows the Auto Glass Safety Standards. You could find a True Certified Auto Glass Shop at https://www.safewindshields.org/ Look for certifications such as These:


Master tech badge needed for New windshield replacement
Auto Glass Master Tech

NWRD specialist to save against a new windshield replacement
National Windshield Repair Division Logo


4. Research The Auto Glass Shop

- Research and choose a reputable auto glass shop. Look for customer reviews and ratings to ensure you are dealing with a trustworthy provider. Keep Note that some companies buy Reviews so it is recommended to read them thoroughly. If the company you hire does not remove the Cowl (lower portion of windshield cover with wipers) We strongly advise you to look for another company and ask them to leave because you don't want any shortcuts taken on your vehicle. The picture below is from a local company taking shortcuts and compromising your Safety.


Bad New Windshield Replacement
Bad windshield replacement in Loma Linda



5. Ask About Warranty:

- Inquire about the warranty offered on the windshield and installation. A reputable supplier should provide a warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.


6.Verify Insurance Coverage:

- Check your auto insurance policy to see if windshield replacement is covered. If it is, follow your insurer's guidelines for filing a claim. Keep a note that your Insurance company WILL STEER YOU TO USE SAFELITE, That is ILLEGAL YOU have the right to chose any auto glass shop of your choice. Chose wisely


7.Schedule a Professional Installation:

- Once you've chosen a shop, schedule professional installation. Proper installation is essential for your safety, as an improperly installed windshield can compromise structural integrity. Here at Direct Quality Auto Glass we take Safety very serious. Read more about the importance of SAFE windshield replacements here https://www.safewindshields.org/consumer-information/windshields-save-lives/



8. Inspect the Installation:

- After the windshield is installed, carefully inspect the work to ensure it meets your expectations. Check for any visible defects or imperfections. Do not feel intimidated by the Auto Glass Shop and ask questions, Your safety is determined by their workmanship.


By following these steps, you can ensure that you select the right Auto Glass Shop for your vehicle and have it installed correctly, providing you with safe and reliable protection while driving.


Direct Quality Auto Glass

708 w Mill ST, San Bernardino CA, 92410

(909)251-6568 or (909)600-8394




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  • Are you Certified to service windshield repair and windshield replacement in san bernardino county?
    Yes, We are the only true certified shop that is register with the Auto Glass Safety Council and the National Windshield Repair Association. We repair and replace auto glass based on the safety standards in the united states of america. We are the only shop with Master auto glass technicians. Neither local auto glass shops or safelite meet these standards at the moment, Only Direct Quality Auto Glass
  • Does a crack on a windshield need to be repaired or replaced?
    If the crack or chip in the windshield is small, it can probably be fixed. But if it's big, especially in the driver's view, it's safer to get the whole windshield replaced. Legally a chip no bigger than 1 inch can be repaired by the drivers view, only 2 repairs 4 inches away are repairable legally. If the crack is spreading a lot or if its flexing making the windshield weaker, it has to be replaced. It's best to ask Direct Quality Auto Glass over the phone or in person. We are your auto glass professionals, We will help you to figure out what to do.
  • Is windshield replacement covered by insurance? What is the claim process?
    If you have a low comfortable comprehensive deductible then your insurance company will cover the Windshield replacement at the cost of your deductible. We strongly recommend calling your insurance agent and tell them how the windshield broke with a time and date. The insurance agent will try to steer you to using Safelite for windshield repair or replacements, By law you have the right to chose any shop of your choice. When you call and request Direct Quality Auto Glass they will approve the work order and we will be in contact with you to schedule an appointment either the same or next day.
  • How long does a windshield replacement take?
    Every make and model have different installation times. On average a Proper and professional installation done by us here at direct quality auto glass takes about 2 hours. We make sure to properly remove the Cowl, wipers and other trims for a safe windshield replacement. If your vehicle is equipped with ADAS systems (lane departure camera) We always require an extra hour for a proper calibration.
  • Can a small chip or crack in the windshield be repaired, or does it need to be replaced?
    A small Windshield Rock Chip is repairable as long as the chip is not near the drivers sight of view or at the black band surrounding the windshield. Small Windshield Cracks are repairable, Here at direct quality auto glass we only repair up too 5 inches of length.
  • Does AAA cover Windshield Replacement?
    Yes, they do cover it. It all depends on the comprehensive deductible that you have. For instance, if your deductible is $500 but the cost of replacing your windshield and calibration is $1250, it would be advisable to use your comprehensive deductible. This way, you will only need to pay $500 to the auto glass shop and your insurance will cover the remaining amount. Your insurance rate is unlikely to increase as you were not at fault for the broken windshield in most cases. If your Windshield replacement is under the cost of your comprehensive deductible then we do not recommend using your insurance. The less you report the better to insurance companies.
  • How long does it take to replace the windshield?
    The time required for replacing a windshield usually depends on various factors. These factors include the type of vehicle, the specific windshield technology, and the conditions in which the replacement is being carried out. The windshield technology can include rain sensors, lane departure warning systems, or heads-up displays. The conditions such as temperature and humidity can also affect the adhesive curing times. On average, a windshield replacement that involves several technology factors takes around three hours to complete. This duration includes the time required for safe drive away, calibration, cleaning, and inspection.
  • How long to leave tape on after windshield replacement?
    The duration for which you need to keep the tape on your new windshield may vary depending on various factors such as the type of urethane adhesive used, the weather conditions, and the instructions provided by the person who installed the windshield. Our installations usually come with a 30-minute urethane kit, and we typically advise customers to leave the tape on for an hour.In the case where a 3-hour urethane was used, we strongly advise leaving the tape on until the next morning.
  • How often should I replace my windshield wipers?
    It is recommended to replace your windshield wipers every six to twelve months, depending on their condition and usage. The actual frequency of replacement can vary based on factors such as weather conditions, quality of the wipers, usage, and signs of wear. We suggest investing in affordable standard windshield wipers instead of expensive ones.
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