Mobile Auto Glass Replacement or In-Shop Auto Glass Replacement?

For convenience, consumers choose mobile auto glass repair and replacement options, but are services performed on-par with those undertaken in auto glass shops?  The answer:  There is no reason mobile replacement cannot leave customers completely satisfied, provided a couple protocols are followed.  Weather has an impact on mobile glass replacement.  Rain, wind and temperature fluctuations each have the potential to undermine auto glass work, so technicians are trained to identify conditions that stand in the way of effective replacement. By their very nature, some auto glass replacement jobs require multiple technicians and controlled environments. In such cases, it is better to sacrifice convenience, in order to ensure a lasting replacement.

Replacing Quarter, Back and Vent Glass

The stationary panels typically found on the side-rear of vehicles, called quarter glass, and the triangular glass panels, known as vent glass, are removed and replaced when damage occurs.  Back glass is the rear panel, opposite the windshield, that is susceptible to chips, cracks and molding failure.  Routine replacements are easily accomplished by mobile service providers, sometimes in as few as thirty minutes. Other, more complex disassembly requires in-shop service.  Depending on individual vehicle design, audio components, seats, trim and other parts sometimes interfere with auto glass replacement. Trained technicians tackle such jobs under-cover, in controlled environments.

Windshield Replacement

When chips cannot be filled, or cracks have expanded to more than a few inches in length, it may be time for full windshield replacement.  Age impacts windshield life too.  Haze and pitting develop in ways that leave replacement as the only option.  Leaks and molding problems are also corrected by replacement.  Some windshields are attached to moldings before they are installed onto vehicles as single units. In these cases, windshield replacement addresses both parts, through removal and installation of an entirely new assembly. Other moldings are sold separately, but it is always recommended to replace your existing black rubber molding during windshield replacement.  Among the most important considerations associated with full automobile windshield replacement:  Glue and Technicians.  The integrity of any auto glass replacement is reliant on the glue used to affix the glass parts to the vehicle.  Using inferior urethane adhesive opens the door to premature failure, including stress cracks, leaks, and wind breaches.  While materials weigh heavily on windshield replacement success, the most important variable in the process is the technician performing the work.  Qualified auto glass replacement technicians are trained to identify problems with other parts proximate to the windshield.  Plastic parts, like the cowl at the base of the windshield, and trim pieces that run along the side of a vehicle, are sometimes compromised along with the automotive glass being replaced.  Even windshield wiper damage can impact windshield replacement, so it is imperative to contract with a competent installer.

Replacing Door Glass

Automobile door glass falls prey to vandalism and theft attempts, creating replacement needs for unlucky victims.  Tempered glass repair can be impractical or impossible, so full replacement is usually the most prudent course of action.  Operational concerns also impact door glass functionality.  Four primary components comprise the electric door window system: Window regulator, door glass, window elevator and the electric power window motor.  Mechanical failures leave windows stuck, or inconsistent in their operation.  Replacing appropriate auto glass parts restores fluidity to door window movement.  The scope of door window repairs depends on the particular configuration and accessibility of each vehicle model’s door assembly.  Removing interior panels and reassembling window mechanisms is expedited by technicians with experience working on a variety of vehicle types.

Failed Car Window Motors Require Replacement

Door windows that move slowly, erratically – or not at all, may require motor replacement.  Unusual sounds during window operation are also clues to internal problems.  Rough roads and door impacts can cause electrical supply issues that stop windows from moving.  Loose contacts and plugs are easy fixes that don’t require replacement.  In other cases, parts fail and must be removed. Window regulators attach to the door window glass itself, which is guided by the elevator.  Window motors supply the power for the whole operation. Motors, regulators and elevators are sold independently at times, but some replacements call for assemblies that contain all three parts.  Where glass replacement can usually be accomplished in less than an hour, replacing door window motors requires more time.

Additional Auto Glass Replacement

Tempered glass panels are designed to shatter on impact; so when damage occurs, replacing these parts is the only option.  Since they usually do not have moving parts, vent glass, quarter glass, and back glass are set in place with urethane adhesive. Sunroof repair and convertible glass replacement are specialized skills that are model-specific.  As a result, repairs to these auto glass parts are best undertaken by dealer technicians.

Replacing Sunroof and Convertible Glass

Specialized auto glass replacement requires OEM parts and technical savvy, so these repair and replacement needs are best delegated to individuals with experience working on your make and model.  Dealerships have access to appropriate OEM sunroof replacement panels, and also handle convertible needs.  Many convertible glass panels are integrated into ragtops in ways that don’t allow for individual replacement. Your convertible auto glass replacement may require the purchase and installation of a brand new top.

Replacing Car Mirrors

Damaged external side-view mirrors, especially those that do not contain extensive electronics, are easy fixes for qualified auto glass technicians.  The rear-view mirror attached to your interior windshield may contain sensors and features that make replacement tricky.  Thermometers, compasses, auto-dimmers and other ‘electro-chromic mirror’ features complicate rear-view mirror replacement. Aftermarket suppliers are not prevalent for rear-view mirrors containing advanced technology, so dealerships are the best resources for rear-view mirror replacement.

Windshield Repair

Several issues arise affecting automobile windshield functionality.  Comprehensive repairs extend windshield life, and prevent small problems from growing larger.  Stopping the spread of cracks, and preventing them from forming, is accomplished with appropriate repairs.  Leaks and air breaches resulting from loose molding and other conditions are addressed alongside glass problems.

Repairing Windshield Leaks

Windshield leaks require repair when any of these conditions exist:

- Moisture build-up near molding seams.

- Audible whistling or other noise caused by wind

- Drips or streams originating from the edges of the windshield

Depending on the severity of a windshield leak, repair techs select from a variety of strategies to correct the deficiency.  In extreme cases, it is necessary to remove and install the windshield from scratch.  R&I is not required on every job; in fact, the need to reset a windshield is present in only a fraction of cases.  The common goal of many windshield repairs is to restore the integrity of the perimeter seal, where the glass meets the vehicle’s frame weld. In routine cases, urethane adhesives are injected in small amounts, to fill the gaps causing the leaks.  When windshield removal is required, rust and other factors dictate the extent of preparation that must be undertaken before reinstalling it. Regardless of which approach is taken, windshield repairs have high success rates, provided they are performed by qualified technicians.

Sunroof and Convertible Glass Repair

Specialized repairs to sunroofs and convertible glass are often performed at automobile dealerships.  Aftermarket sunroofs are not available for all models, so OEM parts and labor are sought from authorized dealers.  Due to the nature of convertible top construction, glass panels are not always available independent from the tops themselves.  As a result, convertible top leaks and glass problems are best corrected by trained dealership service technicians.

Repairing Windshield Glass Chips

Chipped windshields commonly result from the forceful impact of road debris, stones, and other unwelcome materials. Any chip holds the potential to develop into a crack; a more serious condition, so repair is recommended – even if a small chip does not affect windshield performance.  The good news is that most windshield chips are repairable, and that repair costs are as little as $100 in many instances.  Certain factors influence the success rate for chip repairs, including age of the chip, moisture, preparation and ambient temperature during the repair.  Qualified technicians manage these variables, to create consistently successful outcomes repairing chips.  Techs inject resin into chips, under high pressure, before curing the substance with ultraviolet light.  Once hardened, the resin serves to restore the integrity of the point weakened by the chip.  Form follows function, as most glass chip repairs are nearly invisible to casual observers.  Resin repairs do not require extended curing times – vehicles are ready to roll shortly after being repaired.

Molding Repairs

Molding repair methods are closely related to those used for leaks.  In some cases, moldings are attached to windshields before that are placed on vehicles.  As a result, it can be difficult to reposition the molding without removing the entire assembly.  Other moldings are adjusted using specially designed tools, and technical experience.  When molding replacement is required, techs utilize removal and installation.

Repairing Door Windows on Cars and Trucks

Unlike windshields, door windows are usually made from tempered glass. When broken, tempered door windows usually shatter completely, eliminating the potential for repair.  As a result, damaged door glass requires complete replacement on most vehicles.  Other door glass components also fail, causing problems with window operation.  Internal mechanisms like window elevators, window regulators, and electric car window motors require replacement when fluid window movement is compromised.  In some cases, door window issues are addressed simply, by placing door window panels back on track.

Windshield Crack Repair

Cracks are serious business, especially those that extend more than a few inches.  The structural integrity of a windshield is compromised by a significant crack, potentially creating a hazard for vehicle occupants.  A crack is more problematic than a chip caused by a stone, because of its inherent potential to spread.  Subsequent impacts, rough roads, and changes in temperature are enough to expand cracks – so early repair is recommended.  Crack repair is more labor-intensive than filling chips with resin, so windshield replacement should be considered in cases that involve cracks of several inches in length.

Repairing Car Mirrors

Aftermarket mirrors are available for purchase from third-party vendors, so car mirror repair is performed by some auto glass shops.  Rear view mirrors do not require frequent replacement, so parts are not always available outside dealer channels.

Repairs for Quarter, Vent and Back Glass

Quarters, vents and backs are stationary, so they are generally glued into place.  The safety glass used for these applications is tempered, not laminated like windshield materials. Since panels shatter under impact, there is little call for chip and crack repair.  Instead, technicians are tasked with vent, back and quarter glass leak repairs, which usually involves injecting urethane sealant into problem areas.  Under certain circumstances removal and installation is warranted, but most breaches can be closed without taking these measures.

Additional Auto Glass Repair Applications

Depending on the vehicle in question, additional specialty auto glass repairs may be appropriate.  Vent glass, back glass, car mirrors, quarter glass panels and convertible glass call for specialized repair techniques and replacement protocols.  Quarter glass and vent panels are glued in place, but other glass parts for sunroofs and convertibles call for different treatments.

Is In-Shop Service Better Than Mobile Auto Glass Repair?

There are several considerations to be made when auto glass repairs are required, and the spread of mobile service adds another option.  Hands down, mobile glass repair provides the most convenient solution for glass problems – but are mobile repairs just as good as those performed in shops?  The simple answer is yes – they absolutely can be, but the quality of any repair ultimately comes down to the skill level of the technician doing the work. Whether in-shop or on-location, quality glass repair workmanship should be backed by warranties and customer service.  When using mobile-only auto glass repair services, it is important to establish that your provider maintains some type of business office that customers can turn to if problems arise.