If you have a crack in your windshield or car window, it is important to get it fixed immediately. Vehicle windshields are designed to protect you from the dangers of the road. One small crack can compromise the technology in your windshield and diminish the vehicle's safety features.

The Pros and Cons of Replacing Your Own Windshield

If you are a do-it-yourselfer and thinking about replacing your own windshield, here are some pros and cons to consider before starting your project.

Pros of replacing your own windshield

• Cost- If you don’t have insurance, doing it on your own can be a cheaper option if you have the tools, time, and knowledge to do the job right. But for many vehicle owners, having full-glass coverage affords them the luxury of having their windshield replaced with no out-of-pocket expense.

• On your own schedule- If you are going to do-it-yourself, you get to schedule your own appointment -- with yourself of course. Whether you choose to make the repair early in the morning or late at night, it is completely up to you. No need to worry about someone else's schedule and no need to worry about handing someone your keys to make the repair.

• You learn a new skill- For those seeking a new adventure, or a new challenge, replacing their own windshield may bring the satisfaction of accomplishing a rare feat. Not everyone will try their hand at windshield replacement -- so you can set yourself apart from most of society and exclaim that you "put your own windshield in!"

Cons of replacing your own windshield

• Lack of experience- Auto Glass Technicians replace windshields every day. It is safe to say that they have "been around the block" when it comes to replacing windshields. They have seen the crazy situations, they have seen the outrageous repairs, and they have probably seen it all multiple times. Opting to replace a windshield on your own, when you perhaps have never done something like that, could be an overwhelming experience -- especially if you get into a situation that you never expected halfway through the project. Experience goes a long way and people are willing to pay a premium for someone who knows what they are doing. If you had to choose between a heart surgeon who has successfully completed over 100 heart surgeries and a surgeon who has never completed any, we know which one you would choose. Although auto glass replacement does not have the same severity as heart surgeries, choosing an experienced "glass doctor" will lead to better results.

• Applying the right amount of pressure- If you apply too much pressure, the windshield could break during installation. If you don’t apply enough, it might not stick. Knowing the proper amount of pressure to apply during a windshield replacement comes from, you guessed it, experience. See Lack of experience above. ⬆️

• Time- Many repair shops will come to your car to do the fix. So that means you can be at work and have it done without an interruption. If you install it yourself, that is time you can’t get back. Again, there is value to not having to take time off of work to replace your windshield. When Auto Glass companies come to you with their mobile fleet of repair trucks, all you have to do is open the vehicle for them upon arrival.

• Warranty- Auto glass repair shops normally have a warranty in place--to back up the work that they do. We offer a Lifetime Warranty to back up our work. If you do it yourself and something goes wrong, you will have to fork out more money and time to re-do your work or have it done right.

• Insurance- Most insurance companies will cover windshield damages and there will be no impact on your annual premium. Therefore, purchasing the supplies and doing it yourself would be more expensive. Also, you may want to check with your insurance company to see if they cover windshields that are not installed by certified Auto Glass Technicians.

• Lack of equipment- Unless you are a former auto repair technician it is likely that you are lacking some of the proper tools to effectively replace your own windshield. Auto Glass repair shops provide their employees with the proper tools to replace a windshield. Without the proper tools, you will have to purchase new tools; or attempt to get the job done with the tools you have on hand. Attempting to complete a windshield replacement without the proper tools, well, let's revisit the heart surgery analogy above and ask yourself if you'd be okay with a surgeon performing an operation on you without the proper tools. 🤔

• Safety- If you incorrectly install your own windshield and get in a crash, it could cost you your life. Yup, windshields act as a safety device as its primary role is to protect occupants from wind, water, and debris. But it also can help reduce crash injuries and even save your life or that of a passenger. A properly installed windshield plays a role in front airbag deployment and supports the vehicle roof in a rollover to help prevent it from collapsing. 

• Technology- These days, there are so many electronics that could be ruined/altered if you do not install them correctly while replacing a windshield. GPS sensors, heated wiper rests, radio antennas, and more are all located on or in your windshield. If a windshield isn't installed properly, a recalibration needs to take place (normally by a dealership) to align the electronics so they function properly. With ongoing advances in technology, the task of replacing a windshield is becoming more and more complicated.

There is a definite risk when replacing your own windshield. Some people are willing to take that risk while others are not. These are just a few items to consider if you are contemplating replacing your own windshield.