Common Windshield Myths

Windshield Services PittsburghDid you ever notice how, when certain unfortunate things happen, everyone around you suddenly becomes an “expert” on the matter? Take your recent windshield damage for example: When your family, friends, co-workers, and other associates heard about it, a few of them probably gave you unsolicited advice or shared some type of story about someone else’s windshield repair experiences.

Maybe your uncle told you not to report it to your insurance company because your rates would go up. Maybe your coworker praised some do-it-yourself product that her boyfriend’s brother used, or perhaps the gas station attendant said that he’s seen plenty of people driving cars with worse windshields.

Whatever the case, as helpful as these people are trying to be, they are not, in fact, “experts” on windshield repair or replacement. But we are. Three Rivers Auto Glass has provided high-quality auto glass services to the greater-Pittsburgh area for over 40 years, and we know the difference between windshield fact and fiction—and we’re here to share our wisdom.

Below are some of the most common windshield myths… and our responses to them.

 

Filing a Claim Will Cause a Hike in Your Insurance

There are many people who, like your uncle, think filing a claim for windshield repair or replacement will automatically raise your auto insurance renewal rate. Usually, however, this is not the case. In most instances where windshield damage is caused by something other than an automobile collision, the claim is considered a “no-fault” claim and will not cause a hike in your insurance. This general rule varies between particular companies and plans though, and it doesn’t apply to drivers who already have a large number of claims (of any type) on their insurance record.

 

You Can Fix Your Windshield Yourself

Your coworker’s boyfriend’s brother may have been successful with the do-it-yourself product he used. But he’s in the minority. Products sold specifically as do-it-yourself, or “DIY,” are typically inferior to products used by industry professionals; and professional-quality products should not be handled by laypersons who do not possess the necessary safety knowledge and gear. So, in other words, no matter what anyone tells you, you shouldn’t try to repair your windshield on your own. Leave it to the professionals.

 

It’s Alright to Drive as Long as You Can See

It doesn’t matter what your gas station attendant has or hasn’t seen as far as other windshields are concerned. Regardless of size, location, or type, any damage to your windshield impairs your ability to see out of it as intended and could cause major problems. What’s more, even if you able to see out of your windshield to some extent, your visibility says nothing about its integrity. Damaged windshields are very sensitive and are more prone to additional damage, so driving could cause existing damage to worsen.

 

All Auto Glass Shops are the Same

Technically speaking, all auto glass shops should be the same, inasmuch as they serve the same function and should operate to the same standards of quality and service. But, in reality, this simply isn’t the case. Not all shops are created equal, and you need to be wise when selecting one for service. Do your research and find a shop that carries the windshield glass you need for your vehicle, is certified, and, if applicable, accepts your insurance. Also make sure it suits you in terms of location, availability to provide prompt service and other conveniences.

 

Windshield Repair is a Pain in the… Tailpipe

At Three Rivers Auto Glass, we pride ourselves on our quick, quality service and commitment to our customers—and, when you bring your vehicle into any one of our six greater-Pittsburgh shops or meet us for your mobile service appointment, we’ll dispel the greatest windshield myth of all and show you that windshield repair does not have to be painful process.

Check out our previous blog posts for more information on related topics, including how to file your windshield repair claim and how to prepare your vehicle for service.

Denny Toth
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