Car glass are important equipment for the comfort and safety of passengers. Indeed, the glazing helps protect the passenger compartment from the sun’s rays or even rain, but also provides greater safety in the event of an impact. The windows are designed to resist impacts as much as possible and increase the driver’s visibility by reducing blind spots.
Summary :
- What is the role of a car window?
- What are the different car windows?
- What does the law say about car windows?
- Window and car insurance: what do you need to know?
- How much does a car window cost?
- How to change a car side window?
What is the role of a car window?
Glass are essential elements found on all modern vehicles. They play both an aesthetic role by being part of the design of the bodywork , but also protective since they protect the interior of the car from UV rays, wind, rain and all the vagaries of the climate.
Since the beginning of the modern car, the quality of automobile glazing has continued to improve to offer better safety performance. In fact, the car’s windows provide greater visibility by minimizing blind spots , particularly through the mirror windows .
Car windows also play a role in passenger safety since they are designed to resist shocks and impacts. This is why they are not made with classic glass, but with laminated glass or laminated glass .
What are the different car windows?
As you know, there are different types of car windows:
- The windshield which is at the front of the car;
- The side windows which are on the sides of the car both at the front and at the rear;
- The rear window which allows visibility to the rear of the car;
- The mirror windows which are essential for road safety.
The windshield is the largest and strongest window in the car. It ensures the safety of passengers by acting as a shield in the event of a collision thanks to two glass plates separated by a plastic film, this is what we call laminated glass .
The side windows and the rear window are more and more often made with the same glazing. In this way, passengers are fully protected and also benefit from better thermal protection . Indeed, thanks to double glazing, the thermal insulation of the vehicle is optimized.
What does the law say about car windows?
French legislation is rather strict when it comes to car windows. First of all, the Highway Code stipulates that motor vehicles must be equipped with windows that allow the driver to have visibility to the front, but also to the sides.
In addition, since January 2017, windows tinted by more than 30% are strictly prohibited under penalty of a fine of €135 and withdrawal of points on the driving license . However, the window tinting law only applies to the windshield and front side windows. It is therefore possible to tint the side windows and rear window by more than 30%.
Window and car insurance: what do you need to know?
If a window in your car breaks, your insurance contract can cover the repair or replacement of the auto glass.. The guarantee which compensates for the damage to a car window is called the glass breakage guarantee .
Glass breakage coverage is generally included in all-risk insurance contracts, but it is not mandatory . In most cases, it must therefore be taken as an option in third-party or extended third-party contracts.
This warranty covers glass breakage for the windshield, side windows and rear window. It can also apply to mirrors , headlights or even the sunroof.
In some cases, another guarantee may come into play to cover the breakage of a window in your car, for example in the event of an accident , vandalism or natural disaster. In these cases, if you have the corresponding guarantees, you can be compensated even if you do not have glass breakage guarantee.
How much does a car window cost?
The price of a car window varies depending on the type of window you want to replace. If it is a side window , you need to count between €50 and €150 for the purchase of the window. Adding to this the cost of labor, replacing a side window costs around €350.
On the other hand, if you want to change your windshield, the bill will be much higher. In fact, the price of a windshield replacement is between €300 and €500 for a standard car, but can rise to almost €1000 for high-end vehicles.
Good to know: regarding the rear window , changing it will cost you between €80 and €350 and for a rear-view mirror, you have to pay between €80 and €180 .
The good news is that car window repair can be covered entirely or in part by car insurance . However, compensation is only possible if you have taken out glass breakage guarantee and the damage was caused by a third party.
How to change a car side window?
Changing the side window is a rather complex operation that is best left to a professional. In fact, you must be careful not to damage the elements inside the door such as the mechanism for raising and lowering the window or the electrical circuits which allow the window to operate.
However, if you decide to change your side window without calling a mechanic, you must dismantle the door panel , the window regulator and the handles. Then, you must install the new window and then reconnect all the elements.
Car windows are essential elements for the comfort and safety of passengers. Whether it is the windshield, the side windows or the rear window, they ensure good visibility and isolate the passenger compartment from the vagaries of the climate and shocks. However, despite their resistance, it is not impossible that the windows are damaged and you need to replace them. To do this, we advise you to compare garages near you.