Our Most Common Customer Queries

Every day we get all manner of queries from our customers relating to our services and vehicle glass in general. Over the years we’ve noticed that some questions crop up more often than others. So, to make it easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of answers to our most common customer queries.

Do you fix?

Q: Do you fix electric window regulators or motors?
A: No, this is not a service we provide. However, this post provides tips on how to fix broken electric window regulators/motors: Common Reasons Why Your Side Window Has Stopped Working – Autoglass® Blog

Q: Do you fix wing mirrors?
A: No, this is not a service we provide.

Q: Do you fix scratches on car glass?
A: No, this not a service we provide, however this post offers useful tips on how to treat this kind of damage: Windscreen Scratch Removal – Our how to guide – Autoglass® Blog

Q: Do you fix windscreen washer nozzles?
A: No, this is not a service we provide.

Q: Do you fix rubber seals/trim around windows?
A: Not as a standalone service, we will however replace these items if they are part of a windscreen/vehicle glass replacement job.

Our service

Q: What does it cost to replace a windscreen
A: There is no definitive answer to this question as every car make/model and model year has a different shaped windscreen. These factors mean that the price varies from car to car.

Q: How long does it take to replace a windscreen?
A: Typically it takes 1-2 hours to complete this work. If your vehicle requires ADAS calibration following a replacement, this process can take longer.

Q: What time does Autoglass® open?
A: Monday to Friday we open at 8.00am and Saturday/Sunday we open at 9.00am.

Q: Can you do repairs at my home/work address?
A: Most repairs/replacements can be carried out at your home/work address, however if your windscreen requires calibration following a replacement, the work will need to be carried out in one of our depots. Our call centre agents will be able to advise you on this.

Q: Do you do window tints?
A: No, not as a standalone service. We do however replace tinted glass.

What is repairable?

Q: Can a crack in car glass be repaired?
A: No, unfortunately, glass damage of this nature is beyond repair.

Q: What size windscreen chip can be repaired?
A: If the chip on your windscreen is smaller than a €2 coin, it can usually be repaired. This helpful guide explains what qualifies as a repairable chip: Windscreen repair – Autoglass®

Q: Can windscreen scratches be repaired?
A: This depends on the severity of the scratches – there are steps you can take to treat scratches on your windscreen. This post explains this in more detail: Windscreen Scratch Removal – Our how to guide – Autoglass® Blog

Windscreen care

Q: How soon can you drive after a windscreen replacement?
A: We recommend that you wait an hour before driving after a windscreen replacement. This would allow sufficient time for the new windscreen to bond to the car.

Q: What is the best windscreen cleaner?
A: We recommend alcohol based glass cleaner (ammonia based glass cleaners can cause discolouration if your windscreen has a tint). For expert tips on how to clean your windscreen take a look at this post: Ask an Expert: The Correct Way to Clean a Windscreen – Autoglass® Blog

Q: What if it rains after a windscreen replacement?
A: Provided you have waited sufficient time for the new windscreen to bond to the car, you have no need to be concerned if the windscreen is exposed to rain.

Q: What can you put on your windscreen to stop it freezing?
A: There are a number of steps you can take to prevent your car windscreen freezing during the colder months. This post explains all: Defrost your windscreen fast with these useful tips – Autoglass® Blog

Insurance

Q: What is windscreen cover?
A: Windscreen cover is an optional insurance product that can be added to most policies, it covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged glass on the insured vehicle.

Q: What does windscreen cover include?
A: Windscreen cover includes all repair and replacement relating to glass on the vehicle. Depending on the policy the entire cost may be covered however in many cases the customer must pay an excess fee when availing of windscreen cover.

Q: How do I get my windscreen replaced through insurance?
A: The first step is to check your policy documentation or contact your insurer directly to confirm that you have windscreen cover on your policy. The next step is to contact us on 01-4090900 and we can handle the rest.

Q: Do I have an excess?
A: If you consult your policy documentation or contact your insurer directly, you will be able to find out this information.

Q: Will the work affect my no-claims bonus?
A: No, it will not.

General

Q: Can windscreen damage affect your NCT?
A: Yes, certain windscreen damage can result in an NCT fail, this post explains all: How your windscreen can fail the NCT – Autoglass® Blog

Q: How do I know if I have an ADAS windscreen?
A: The most obvious hallmark of an ADAS equipped windscreen is the presence of a front-facing camera and in most cases a lidar/radar system positioned behind the rear view mirror.

Q: What should I do if my car windows are stuck?
A: There are are common reasons why car windows stick and quick fixes you can try, this post explains all: Common Reasons Why Your Side Window Has Stopped Working – Autoglass® Blog

Q: Is a cracked windscreen dangerous?
A: Because a windscreen is in itself a vital piece of safety apparatus in terms of maintaining the structural integrity of the vehicle and aiding in the proper deployment of air bags, a crack in your windscreen can be dangerous if the worst happens. A crack weakens the windscreen and makes it more susceptible to failure in the aforementioned situations. This post explores this in more detail: The Dangers of Driving With A Damaged Windscreen – Autoglass® Blog

Q: How far can I drive with a crack in my windscreen?
A: There is no definitive answer to this question as a cracked windscreen endangers the occupants of the vehicle, our advice would be not to drive the vehicle at all if the windscreen is cracked.

Q: Why is my car window getting scratched?
A: A scratched car window can happen for any number of reasons, focusing on the windscreen for a minute, the most common culprit is worn or damaged wiper blades.

Q: What is OEM glass?
A: OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM glass is manufactured by the same supplier that created the glass used in the car’s assembly at the factory.

Q: What are windscreens made of?
A: All modern windscreens are made using laminated glass, also known as safety glass.

Q: What causes oily film on the inside of windscreens?
A: The oily film on the inside of a windscreen is usually as a result of off-gases from the materials used in the car dashboard. Over time the sun’s heat magnified through the windscreen can cause these materials to degrade.

Q: What does it mean to calibrate a windscreen?
A: When a windscreen containing ADAS integration is replaced there is a danger of misalignment which can have a significant effect on the efficient functioning of the system. If the camera or sensors are out by even a few millimetres, it can mean the difference between a vehicle avoiding a collision or not. For this reason calibration is required to realign the system and ensure it functions perfectly following a windscreen replacement.

 

We hope you found this post informative. As always if you have any other questions about our services or vehicle glass in general, our expert call centre staff are here to assist – simply call 01-4090900 or email customer.services@autoglass.ie. Check back with the Autoglass® blog again soon for more explainers, tips and guides for all things motoring.