What to Know About Car Door Window Replacement

Your car door windows function differently than your windshield does. In addition, they're a different size and shape and often a different type of glass. So you won't be surprised to learn that replacements don't work exactly the same for door windows as for windshields.

Discover some of the basics you need to know about replacing car door windows.

How to Tell When You Need a Replacement

Typically, a car door window isn't laminated glass like the windshield. Instead, car windows have tempered glass. If this is the case for your car, then any significant damage to the glass will require replacement. Since tempered glass behaves differently when broken and doesn't have a tough interior plastic layer like laminated glass, repairs are often less feasible.

If your window simply has a surface problem (such as delamination of the window film), you may be able to opt for repairs. But cracks, shattering, or holes in the glass can mean you'll likely need a replacement. If you're unsure, talk to your local auto glass experts about the feasibility of repairs versus replacement.

Who Will Pay the Bill

If the car window broke by accident, you'll likely have to pay for it out of pocket unless your insurance specifically covers that type of damage. Insurance may cover some types of windows but not others.

However, if you know who broke the window, you may be able to get their insurance to cover the cost of replacement if they have the right liability insurance. Be sure to check insurance details before choosing a repair company, since the insurance may dictate which companies you can choose from.

If your car is brand-new, be sure to check out the warranty coverage as well to see if a replacement window could be covered under your car's manufacturer warranty. The fine print will tell you how much window coverage is available for how long and which windows and types of damage are included.

What Information to Have When Scheduling Replacement

When you get on the phone with your auto glass shop to finalize a date and time for the replacement job, you'll need to have some information on hand.

Typically, this includes information about your car such as its make and model, the year it was made, and the window or windows that are damaged. The shop will need to have the exact right windows in stock to ensure the replacements fit, so these precise facts are very important.

Whether to Choose Between OEM and Aftermarket Replacements

OEM window replacements are auto glass from the manufacturer for your car. Aftermarket replacements are the opposite: parts for your make and model of vehicle but not sourced from the manufacturer. If your insurance will pay for it, you should choose OEM glass for your window. Not only does it have reliable quality, but it tends to have a good warranty.

However, if you need to pay for the replacement out of pocket, the difference may come down to what you can afford. OEM glass is typically more expensive, and since broken windows are unplanned events, you don't have a lot of time to prepare financially. Talk to your auto glass expert about what options they offer and what the price differences are.

How Long Replacement Will Take

Depending on how shattered the window is and how much glass debris needs cleaning up, a professional auto glass shop may be able to replace your window within an hour or so.

Unlike a windshield, a car door window that rolls up and down uses hardware rather than adhesive to stay in place. This difference can save time during replacement, since it means door window replacements typically won't include waiting a specific amount of time while the adhesive cures.

Keep in mind that if you've added aftermarket window tints to your windows, a brand-new window won't match the others. You may want to ask for window tinting service at the same time as the replacement to ensure you don't have to drive with slightly differently colored windows on your car. Typically, tinting for just one window will only add a little time to the job.

How Much a Replacement Costs

While a side window replacement typically costs less than replacing a windshield, the pricing can vary based on how common the replacement parts are. Other factors can also come into play, including:

• How long the job takes (an extra-long job may incur higher labor charges)
• Whether you choose an OEM or aftermarket window
• Whether you have a super high-end car from a luxury car manufacturer
• What the cost of living is in your area (which may affect the labor costs)

Because of all these variables, you'll only be able to get an accurate quote when you call up your local auto glass shop and tell them the specifics of your car and related information such as which windows need replacing.

Call the experts at MS Glass Outlet to learn more about scheduling, paying for, and completing the side window replacement process. We offer full service for not only side windows but windshields and any other windows on your car as well.