Windshield damage is all too common in northeastern Oregon, whether it’s from kicked-up rocks trailing behind vehicles or stress fractures from raking those bumpy and windy desert roads.
While you may think that all windshield repair places are the same, the type of service you’ll receive and the amount you’ll pay for windshield replacement or repair depend on who you go to for your business.
General mechanics don’t usually handle windshield repairs, as these services are considered specialized and are left to dedicated auto glass repair shops.
That means you have two options to choose from when fixing your windshield: going to your local dealership or a dedicated auto glass repair shop. Both choices offer their benefits, but we’ll discuss why a dedicated auto glass repair shop is usually preferable to your dealership.
Why Auto Glass Shops Are a Better Option than Dealers
Most drivers who own, lease, or have a loan on their vehicle may be tempted to go straight to a dealership for any and all of their auto repair needs. However, as we’ll illustrate below, there are several advantages of using a dedicated auto glass repair shop that may save you money and deliver the same quality (if not higher) service.
Less Expensive Repairs at the Same Quality
It’s no secret that repairs at your local dealership are more expensive than a local repair shop or independent mechanic. The same holds true for windshield repair.
Dealerships are required to use OEM glass, which is the same quality glass that came from the factory on your car. In many cases, this is typically more expensive than aftermarket glass, which features more options and is more readily available.
While OEM glass is trustworthy, shops like Island City Glass use the highest-quality aftermarket glass, giving the same quality as your OEM glass at a fraction of the price.
Furthermore, you also run the risk of having to wait at a dealer for your windshield repair if the glass is out of stock. Since most dealers only carry a small supply of windshield glass, a sudden recall to your windshield can put local supply chains in a crunch.
For example, during a recent Honda recall on rear windshields, many customers had to wait weeks for a simple windshield replacement that would have taken an hour at a local shop.
This is not to mention that dealerships already suffer from long wait times for repairs as they handle higher volumes and conduct more services.
Insurance Will Cover Repairs at Either Location
Perhaps the number one reason that many drivers instinctively turn to their dealer for windshield repair is because they think it will be more likely covered under their insurance or a lease. However, in the former instance, drivers can rest assured that auto glass shops like ours work directly with your insurance company to handle claims and reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
From windshield crack repair to full replacements, if you have comprehensive coverage, you can expect a majority of your out of pocket costs to be offset at a local shop.
Auto Glass Shops Offer Mobile Windshield Repair Options
One huge benefit of an auto glass shop that you won’t get at a dealership is mobile windshield repair. Shops like ours also offer this as a complimentary service at no extra cost for you. This means if you were in a recent accident and don’t want to drive your car to a shop or are simply too busy, you can schedule a van to drive out to you anywhere in Northeast Oregon.
Don’t be mistaken; mobile windshield repair vans can offer most of the same services you can get at a shop or dealer, including windshield replacement and ADAS calibration.
Auto Glass Shops Are Trained to Calibrate Your ADAS
Modern vehicles equipped with ADAS safety features are required to get these calibrated after a windshield replacement for proper functionality. Both your dealership and local auto glass shop are well-trained in these services so you can rest assured that either option you choose will get the job done right.
Dealership Pros and Cons
| Dealership Pros | Dealership Cons |
| OEM glass that matches factory quality. | Services are more expensive than a local or independent shop. |
| Trained to work with your specific vehicle make and model. | Wait times may be longer and supply limited. |
| May cover some services under a lease or insurance. | Service locations can be limited depending on your location |
Auto Glass Shop Pros and Cons
| Auto Glass Shop Pros | Auto Glass Shop Cons |
| Aftermarket glass that is more affordable and of comparable quality. | Auto glass quality can vary between shops. |
| Mobile auto glass repair that is more .convenient and comes at no extra cost | May not be able to work on specialized, foreign vehicles. |
| Can offset costs of repairs by working directly with your insurance. |
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing to Get Your Windshield Repaired
While there are benefits to going to a dealership or an independent shop for your windshield repair, choosing the right one will depend on a few factors.
- Cost: Dealerships tend to be more expensive due to OEM parts and labor rates. If you’re on a budget, a shop might be a better choice.
- Glass Quality: OEM glass is identical to the original windshield, while aftermarket glass can vary in quality, though shops like ours use the highest quality available.
- Warranty: Both dealerships and shops provide warranties on repairs and replacements, but their terms can differ. Verify the coverage before making a decision.
- Urgency: If time is of the essence, local shops usually offer quicker appointments and service.
- Mobile Repair: If you cannot travel to a physical location, an auto glass shop can come to you for repair.
- Insurance Coverage: Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover the replacement cost and whether they have a preferred service provider in your area.
When all is said and done, a specialized auto glass repair shop will offer the same quality as a dealership for a much better price. Plus, you can request mobile repair services for most forms of auto glass repair, making your day much more convenient and enjoyable.
FAQs
What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket windshields?
OEM windshields match the exact specifications of the original glass installed in your car. Aftermarket windshields are manufactured to fit but may not be identical.
Will my insurance cover the cost of windshield replacement?
Most comprehensive insurance policies cover windshield replacement, but coverage may vary. Check your policy details or consult your provider.
How long does a windshield replacement take?
Typically, windshield replacement takes 1 to 2 hours at an independent shop, but recalibration for ADAS features can add extra time. Times at dealerships tend to be longer as they tend to have longer wait lines and perform more services outside of auto glass repair.