You might forget about your car side windows as you travel, but they’re crucial for your safety despite their small size.
When most people think about replacing the glass on a vehicle, their mind goes straight to the windshield. This is understandable, considering it’s the glass you look through the most.
Even though front windshields are at the forefront of a car, side windows are just as critical. Many may ignore a broken side window, but this can only lead to bad outcomes like theft.
Read on to learn more about the importance of car windows and why and how they are replaced.
Benefits of Car Windows
The windshield is one of the most essential components of any vehicle. A car windshield protects us from unexpected and harsh weather like rainstorms, but it also does much more. In essence, the windshield’s purpose is to shield the driver and passengers from any sort of roadside debris or other unexpected items.
On a day with poor weather, your windshield is your best friend. Your eyes are protected from the alarming amount of dust, debris, and moisture on the roadways. Cars also have side and rear windows in addition to the front windshield for the same purpose. Improved visibility is also made possible by the back and side windows.
Every window serves a certain function. Together, these car windows give the vehicle’s occupants security.
Why Should I Replace a Window?
The driver’s and passengers’ safety is the top priority when constructing a car. Everyone can safely enjoy a car ride to work, the store, or through the mountains if the windows are in excellent condition. Clear, unobstructed windows are a significant part of safe driving.
Driving with a cracked window is not only dangerous but illegal. Many states have cracked windshield laws banning driving with cracks or large chips. Federal regulations state that:
- You cannot drive with a crack or rock chip larger than ¾ inch in diameter
- Your windshield must not contain cracks within three inches of each other
- It’s illegal to drive with chips or cracks directly in the driver’s view
When a windshield or glass is damaged, it gradually becomes worse with time. If you choose not to replace or repair the damage, it might cost you more in the long run, not just financially.
Different Types of Side Windows
It’s critical to have unobstructed vision while driving; however, blind spots can make it challenging to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and objects on the side of the road. If you have clean and clear windows, your car’s blind spots will decrease, and your visibility will increase.
Side windows are located near the mirrors and on the sides of the vehicle. There are two types of these windows — fixed or operated. While you can open operable ones (roll up and down) to let fresh air into the automobile, fixed ones are constructed of glass and cannot be opened (glued onto the frame).
Not only do side windows provide enhanced visibility while driving, but they are also crucial in an emergency. For example, if a car crashes into a body of water and begins to flood, they might be able to smash the car window and swim to safety. These windows can also be broken to save lives in dangerous wrecks on land.
Steps of Window Replacement
You’ll find widespread information on car window replacement online; however, there are a few items to consider before embarking on a DIY project. First, other glass can break, in addition to your front windshield. The car’s windows can shatter if an object is thrown at them, if someone tries to break in, and during an accident, just to name a few scenarios.
Whether you’re a novice or a pro, here are five steps you should follow as you attempt window replacement.
- Door panel removal – You must remove your car’s door panel to repair the broken glass windows. This requires disconnecting any cabling that connects your door to the automobile, which may be a significant job in and of itself; this is the only way a technician can remove all the glass and install a new window.
- Removing glass – All of the glass is removed after the door panel is removed. Any fragments are vacuumed up, and big glass sections in the door panel can be manually removed. If this step is glossed over, a piece of glass may dislodge itself in the future, injuring you or a loved one. Because of this danger, a technician will spend plenty of time removing the glass.
- Installation – A new glass slab is placed once the old glass has been completely removed. Usually, it is inserted into the door frame and then moved into position. Sometimes the window seals may need to be replaced. This usually is not the case unless you own an older vehicle.
- Putting the door back on – This may seem like an easy task, but as mentioned before, door removal is a very intricate and complicated process, so leave it up to the technician.
- Testing – Finally, the regulator is tested to ensure the window operates as it should once the new glass is installed and the door is fastened. If the window malfunctions, the technicians will work on it until they can get the window to move properly again
Reach Out To Utah Mobile Auto Glass Today
Now that you understand how crucial it is to fix your damaged car side window, it’s time to contact the professionals at Utah Mobile Auto Glass.
All customers who live within 25 miles of our Sandy location can receive free mobile service for their rock chip repair from Utah Mobile Auto Glass. We are ideally situated to offer you quick, mobile service whether you’re in Lehi or Salt Lake City, Utah. Call us right away to arrange a repair.
