Car window repairs can often save you money. If you break a glass on your car, you will need to purchase a new one, but minor window cracks, scratches, dings, and chips can be fixed without recourse to costly full-on windshield replacement. Your vehicle insurance may cover the cost of a new windshield if you have comprehensive coverage; otherwise, it is well worth your while to take care of the problem yourself.
One of the first things to do after a dented, cracked, or chipped glass is to take it to a specialist for a car window repair. The size of the chip or dent will determine the extent of the repair, which will also determine the price you’ll pay. For small chips and cracks, a repair job should take no more than an hour, while large or more severe damage will likely require you to take it into a specialty shop. Small cracks and scratches will almost always be easily repaired with sealant, sandpaper, or plastic adhesive, while larger or more severe damage will require you to take it to a specialist or a glass company for a more extensive job.
The next expense to estimate for your car window repair business will be labor costs. You’ll need people to fit your windows and clean them afterward, and you will need tools such as hammers and power tools to complete the job. Professional companies charge based on the amount of time they are required to spend on your job, so it’s likely you will have to pay for these extras. In general, though, an hour’s work for a small repair will cost about two dollars, while a medium-sized repair will run you anywhere from five to ten dollars.
Some repairs require sealant, while others just need to be sanded and repainted. The most common problem requiring sealant is a big crack or chip, which will almost always require a new windshield. Other problems include bent and cracked lenses, damaged seals, and worn-out pieces of glass, which can also easily be fixed using resin.
If you decide to do the job yourself, make sure you buy the right tool for the job. You don’t want to buy the cheapest one or try to use a tool you’ve never seen before, since these can lead to bigger problems down the line. If you are doing a repair on a windshield that isn’t too shabby, consider purchasing a couple of cheap replacement auto parts first so that you have a base to work from. You can even save money by doing an oil change before you start, since a cracked windshield requires a thorough cleaning before applying resin.
As far as safety goes, both your customers and employees should be aware of safety procedures when handling glass companies and their repair jobs. Keep all workers’ personal items away from the glass, especially sharp items, to prevent cuts or other injury. If you can, take a few minutes before starting the job to get some air in your tires, as this can help make the job go easier. Also, always let the workers know where the nearest exit is and what to do in the case of an accident.
Once the resin has set, it’s time to work on the glass repair itself. The main thing here is to keep the repairs as simple as possible, since more intricate repairs may cause more damage if not done correctly. The most common crack problems are small and easily fixed using resin, such as those that develop when a cap gets popped off or a split is created. Larger cracks usually require larger tools and more time, so if you think you have a large crack that is blocking your view, talk to a glass repair specialist about it. There are other common issues that involve the glass, including warped, cracked, broken, and frosted views.
Glass replacement costs vary widely depending on the size and severity of the crack, the type of glass used, and how close the damage is to the actual glass. Most places where you would need a replacement, such as at a dealership, have experienced technicians available for this service. However, if you cannot locate someone in your area, there are many specialty shops and DIY stores that are happy to repair these damages for a fee. So, if you want the convenience of a local repair, but aren’t sure whether it will be worth the money, consider these simple fixes to get you back on the road and see how fast they are repaired.