Windscreen Replacement
Common questions regarding the windscreen replacement process:
How long before I can drive the vehicle after a windscreen replacement?
At Maverick Auto Glass we use a fast-curing, high-strength, structural adhesive, with a recommended 1-hour drive away time.
Do I need a replacement windshield or just a windshield repair?
There are rules set out by the NZ Land Transport Agency regarding what cracks can and can't be repaired. Standards AS/NZS2366.2:1999 define what the maximum length of a repairable crack is and in what area windscreen chips or cracks can be repaired. To read these standards please visit our webpage on windscreen chip repair.
Does my car need a camera recalibration?
Typically, most vehicles before 2010 will not have an ADAS camera. ADAS cameras are becoming a more common feature on vehicles nowadays and will require a recalibration after a windscreen replacement. However, there are different types of sensors on the windscreen, and you want to make sure you know what you've got on your vehicle and whether or not your vehicle will require a camera recalibration.
To see the different types of sensors and what to look out for on your windscreen check out our webpage on ADAS windscreen calibration.
Can a technician come to my home or workplace to do the job?
Maverick Auto Glass has multiple mobile windscreen repair vans & experienced auto glass technicians on the road for your convenience. Visit our free online quotes page to get an estimate for a mobile windscreen repair or replacement.
How much does it cost for a windscreen replacement?
The cost of a windscreen replacement can change drastically depending on a number of factors including make and model of the vehicle, size of the windscreen, technology on the windscreen e.g. rain sensor or ADAS camera or even the availability or brand of the windscreen.
To read a full breakdown of these differences and approximate costs of each, check out our blog post titled Windscreen replacement cost NZ.
Does insurance cover the cost of a windshield replacement?
Most full cover insurance policies will include vehicle glass cover. You will need to make sure you understand and read carefully the terms and conditions of your vehicles insurance policy to know if the full cost will be covered. Some insurance companies will require you to pay an excess fee which can be anywhere from $100-$500. There are even some insurance companies with a maximum dollar amount for glass cover, which is usually $1000. $1000 will not be enough to cover the cost of a windscreen replacement on a Tesla or late model vehicle with an ADAS windscreen. Check out our Insurance claims page for auto glass repair claims and information on how to proceed with an auto glass claim.
Call 0800 24 2000 today to book a windscreen replacement!
What to know after your windscreen replacement:
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After a windshield replacement it's common practice to tape down the top corners of the windshield. This holds the windshield in place during the curing process. It's best to leave the tape on until the next day or at least until you get home if you're not going to be driving the vehicle for the rest of the day.
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It's best to keep a window slightly open during the first 24 hours of the glue curing process. This will avoid air pressure from pushing the windscreen out or causing air leaks, when you close the doors.
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Avoid high pressure car washes during the glue curing process. It's best to wait at least 48 hours before exposing the windscreen seal to a high-pressure water or air.
Windscreen Facts
OEM VS Aftermarket windscreens. There is a common misconception about aftermarket windscreens. It is believed that OEM windscreens are stronger than aftermarket windscreens and that the aftermarket windscreens will chip or crack more easily. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the auto glass manufacturing industry. OEM Glass will come with the manufacturers stamp on it and will be made to the manufacturer's specifications. However, aftermarket glass is all bundled up into the same basket as far as the consumer is concerned. But there are many different manufacturers of aftermarket glass, and the quality is not the same throughout all of them. One of the largest manufacturers of aftermarket glass in the auto glass industry is Fuyao. Well established vehicle manufacturers such as General Motors, Ford, BMW, Honda, Tesla and Bently engage with Fuyao to produce the OEM glass for them. So, it's literally the same people responsible for making the glass with the same specifications whether OEM or not. There are however other auto glass manufacturers that do produce an inferior product. This can be in the form of skipping features such as a sun strip to reduce glare from the sun, a millimeter or two thinner glass or just poor-quality checks and handling leading to more windscreen defects. So, it is possible to have high-quality aftermarket auto glass, it just depends on what brand. At Maverick Auto Glass we use high-quality aftermarket brands such as XYG and predominantly Fuyao.
Different types of windscreen installation; There are two different methods of windscreen installation. They're rubber fit or urethane fit. The method of installation is determined by the windscreen.
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Urethane fit windscreens will have a black ceramic edging around the windscreen called frit. This appears as a solid black band which often includes a dot matrix (pattern of small dots where the black ceramic meets the clear glass). The black band around the windscreen is meant to create a stronger bonding surface for the polyurethane glue and protect the polyurethane over time from the suns UV damage. The dot matrix has an additional benefit for the windscreen by creating a buffer for thermal contractions between the two areas, reducing the risk of cracking.
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Rubber fit windscreens normally don't have the black ceramic band known as frit. This is because the windscreen is held in place by a rubber moulding and doesn't require a polyurethane bonding. Although there is no polyurethane used, the suns UV rays can still damage the windscreen moulding over time and may eventually require replacement.
