Windshield Replacement—Visit a Shop or Go Mobile?
Replacing a broken windshield is an important safety task. You will have the option to take the car into a shop for a replacement or to have a mobile tech perform the job onsite. Which you choose depends on some external factors.
Temperature
Temperature is one of the main concerns when it comes to getting a window replacement. Windshields are held in place by adhesives that may not cure properly at overly low temperatures, or it may take much longer for the adhesive to set in cold conditions.
In ideal conditions, such as on a warm summer's day or in the controlled conditions of a shop garage, the adhesives will usually cure within a couple of hours and you can be back on the road. On the other hand, installation in your driveway or the work parking lot in cold weather may mean that the adhesive won't cure for several hours, and possible for up to a day. This isn't a big deal if you won't need to move your vehicle during that period, but a shop replacement is better than a mobile replacement if you need it on the road quickly and the weather is less than ideal.
Exposure
Another weather-related concern is exposure. Moisture is the main enemy after temperature. A windshield needs to be installed in dry conditions, as any moisture along the seal or adhesive edges can compromise proper sealing. The result is a window that leaks or is even loose in the frame -- both dangerous issues.
Mobile service is still a great choice if you can park the car somewhere where it won't be exposed to moisture. For example, in your garage or at a parking garage at work. If you go this route, consider backing into the covered parking space so that the mobile replacement tech can easily access your window. If rain is predicted and you have no covered parking available, though, it is better to take the car to a shop for the window replacement.
Accessibility
The final consideration when choosing between shop or mobile service is the accessibility of your vehicle. Can you park somewhere that provides enough room for the installation tech to access and work around your vehicle? The service will tell you how much room they need, but they'll probably fill access to the front of the car and either side is needed to move the new windshield into place without breaking it.
The technician will also need electrical access for their tools. Some mobile tech will bring along a small generator, but some will need to hook into power onsite. This usually isn't an issue if you are installing at your home but it may be a concern if you are having the work done in the parking lot of your business.
Contact a windshield replacement service for more information on fixing your auto glass.
Share
