The cost of a windshield replacement in New Orleans will vary depending on a few factors such as the make and model of the car, the technology within the windshield, and does the auto glass repair company use windshields from the manufacturer or OEM, which stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer or windshields from the secondary market, and will the windshield be replaced by a windshield repair company like APEX Auto Glass using mobile windshield repair or replacement services.
If you have an expensive European vehicle or luxury vehicle such as a Jaguar or a Lexus make and model, the costs will be significantly higher, as with all parts on European and luxury cars. However, if your make and model is older and a common make such as an American or Japanese make and model, your cost will not be extraordinary. Windshield repair and replacement companies will typically keep common windshield makes and models in stock thereby offering more competitive rates. A typical European make and model car windshield replacement will cost between $400.00 to $600.00. Sometimes, as high as $1,000.00 for classic or custom car replacement windshield. And all factors will be considered as to what technology is embedded in the windshield and windshield wiper assembly, whether it is an OEM windshield that requires strict adherence to installation guidelines or if the auto glass replacement company will be using a secondary market windshield.
The OEM windshields are slightly more expensive than windshields from the secondary market. The installations of an OEM windshield must be installed in adherence to strict manufacturer guidelines. With secondary market windshields, especially do it yourself, can run the risk of ineffective sub-standard adhesives which will lead to the windshield leaking and possibly a full or partial collapse of the windshield or pop-out during a collision. A reputable auto glass installation and repair company should guarantee a secondary market windshield and its installation. But, it may be worthwhile to stay with a windshield from an OEM.
Replacement of a windshield can occur as a front windshield or rear window replacement. The front windshield will have the rearview mirror attached and can be embedded with antennae, rain and light sensors, HUD (Heads Up Display), solar controls, third visor frit (dots near the top of the rearview mirror), and more. With a replacement windshield having more and more technology embedded, will increase the cost of materials, labor cost also increases due to the skill level and expertise required for the installation. The rear window can have heating and defrost elements and an antenna embedded within the rear glass. Due to its lack of technology embedded in the rear glass, the cost is less expensive to replace it than the front windshield by about $200.00.
Another question is when do you repair your windshield and when do you replace your windshield? Of course, the repair of a windshield will always be less expensive than a replacement. But is the windshield able to be repaired? Well, a few factors will answer that question. Is it a chip or a crack, the size of the crack and how long is it, how deep is the crack and are there multiple chips or cracks, and where is the crack located.
If a rock or another object bounces and chips, or creates a divot in the windshield and if the chip or divot occurs as a surface chip on the windshield and if it does not penetrate to the second layer of the windshield, then it could likely be repaired saving hundreds of dollars. A crack is very different from a chip. A crack in the windshield is a separation of the glass, itself. A crack will grow or spread in length due to weather and temperature variances, road conditions such as New Orleans potholes, speed bumps, and changes in the regularities of the roads. All these stressors on the vehicle directly impact the windshield causing a worsening of the crack. If the crack did not penetrate all the way to the second layer of the windshield, then it can be repaired, again, saving hundreds of dollars.
Call the Apex Auto Glass mobile windshield repair and replacement team today. They will come to your location and assess the damage. Apex Auto Glass repair and replacement technicians will be able to determine length and depth and if the windshield warrants replacement or can be replaced. Also, check with your insurance if your policy covers any and all windshield repairs or replacement. Minus your deductible, a quick review of your insurance coverage may save you money.