How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Smart Windshield?
Your vehicle's advanced safety system could affect replacement cost.
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Your windshield catches a rock as you're driving down the highway, resulting in a crack that can't be easily patched. The unfortunate reality is that the safety features you paid extra for are going to make that windshield replacement even more expensive than it may have been in the past.
While smart safety features can improve driver protection, they could lead to unforeseen increases in car maintenance costs. Between a need for high-quality glass and specialized labor, car owners could be facing a higher bill than expected when it comes time to replace a windshield.
How Safety Systems Have Increased Cost of Windshield Replacement
Since their introduction in the early 2000s, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) have been helping drivers stay safer on the roads. The safety systems have been shown to reduce crash frequency across a variety of categories, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The arrival of new, more advanced systems added a number of helpful features to modern vehicles:
- Lane-departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane assist
- Backup cameras
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Head-up displays
While the safety benefits of these systems are apparent, they could have had an unexpected effect on the cost of windshield replacement. System features such as adaptive cruise control and lane assist rely on advanced cameras and sensors, many of which are positioned on or near the windshield and require a clear and calibrated line of sight to work.
This direct connection between your ADAS tech and your windshield's integrity means that if your windshield cracks and needs to be replaced, you could be paying for more than glass.
Once your windshield is replaced, your car will need to be realigned, calibrated, and tested for quality before you can use your ADAS again. This likely will require a certified technician to perform your repairs according to manufacturer standards. That could be a factor in your replacement costs.
The Need for Manufacturer-Quality Glass
As technology advances, your choice of windshield glass could become even more important to the functionality of your safety equipment. Since your car's safety features are typically calibrated to fit standards set by the automaker, using manufacturer-supplied windshields could be your best chance of keeping your system fully operational.
The issue with buying high-quality glass that works with your system is that as the quality goes up, so do your costs. Even standard manufacturer-supplied windshields cost more than an alternative, not to mention the additional costs of heated glass or rain-sensing wipers. However, using the right windshield for your car may be key to your vehicle's safety and reliability.
Although there are aftermarket windshields available, these alternatives don't use the same standards and specifications as your automaker. This means they could vary in quality, thickness, tint, curvature, and material. Compromising your windshield's quality could lead to additional costs that come from more frequent replacements and repairs.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Windshield?
The introduction of advanced driver-assistance systems has not only possibly made it more difficult for car owners to replace and fix their own windshields, but it can also limit service options. The need for specialized labor in the calibration of cameras and sensors means you will likely have to take your vehicle to a certified repair shop.
The question is how much it costs to replace a windshield. Comparing prices from Safelite, a windshield-replacement service, the difference between a replacement for pre- and post-ADAS model vehicles is significant.
- 2022 Subaru Impreza: $1,150
- 2011 Subaru Impreza: $390
- 2022 Ford Edge: $880 or $900 with heated glass
- 2011 Ford Edge: $420
Depending on your insurance coverage, these prices could be reduced.
