Which car window would you like to replace?

Many people assume that replacing a car window is always an expensive ordeal, but that isn't necessarily the case. The cost of a car window replacement depends on several factors, many of which you can influence yourself. By choosing aftermarket vehicle glass, the price is much lower than you might expect.

What is the difference between OEM dealer glass and aftermarket automotive glass, and how can you keep the cost of your replacement as low as possible?

If a side window is smashed during a break-in or due to vandalism, it’s clear that the car window needs to be replaced. For windscreens, however, it’s a different story. A small stone chip or star break outside the driver's primary field of vision is usually not an immediate reason for a full replacement.

A windscreen must be replaced if there is damage or discoloration larger than 20 mm in the driver’s field of vision (according to RDW standards). Stricter limits often apply across Europe and the UK (e.g. 10 mm in Zone A). Furthermore, scratches longer than 5 mm combined with multiple cracks are not permitted (¹).

An exception applies to windscreens with an aluminium coating (heat-reflective glass). If you have a chip in a windscreen with an aluminium coating, it is vital to act immediately. Waiting too long causes the aluminium to oxidise, creating a silvery haze. Once this haze forms, the windscreen must be replaced as soon as possible to ensure your safety and that of your passengers.

The cost of replacing a car window depends on several factors, including the type of window and the glass you choose. Aftermarket automotive glass is usually significantly cheaper than glass with the car manufacturer’s logo, while the quality is identical.

Laminated glass is mandatory for windscreens for safety reasons. Side and rear windows normally use tempered glass (commonly referred to as toughened glass in the UK), although laminated glass is sometimes available as an option, which significantly increases the price.

In addition to the type of glass, technical features can also influence the final price. These include a rain sensor, an ADAS camera for driver assistance systems, a heated windscreen, a heat-reflective coating, or acoustic glass (sound-absorbing interlayer).

Laminated automotive glass consists of several layers of glass with a PVB (polyvinyl butyral) interlayer bonded between them. During manufacturing, the glass is rapidly heated and then cooled slowly, making it exceptionally strong. A key safety feature of laminated glass is that it does not shatter into thousands of pieces when damaged.

For safety reasons, windscreens are required by law to be made from laminated glass. While some car manufacturers also use laminated glass for side and rear windows, this remains relatively rare.

In most cases, side and rear windows are made from tempered glass (commonly referred to as toughened glass in the UK, or simply safety glass). Its specific production method ensures it shatters into small, blunt fragments upon impact, significantly reducing the risk of injury to the vehicle's occupants.

Of course, the difference only truly becomes clear when we place both types of automotive glass side by side and attempt to break them:

There are two differences between original dealer glass and aftermarket automotive glass:

1. The brand logo: Aftermarket automotive glass does not feature a car manufacturer’s logo, whereas original dealer glass does.
2. The price: Aftermarket car windows are significantly cheaper than car windows with a manufacturer’s logo.

Both types of glass are produced in the exact same way (often in the very same factories) and meet identical legal requirements. In short: choosing aftermarket automotive glass is the smartest choice if you don’t want to pay extra for a logo.

If you are handy and have a dry space to work in, it is possible in certain cases to replace a vehicle window yourself.

Replacing a side window yourself

You can replace side windows yourself if you have the right tools, a technical mind, and enough workspace. To replace a side window that can be opened, you start by removing the interior door panel. There, you will find the window regulator mechanism, where you can remove the old glass(or any remains) and install the new side window.

Replacing a rear window yourself

Replacing a rear window is often a more involved task. If the rear window needs to be replaced due to damage, you must first remove any fragments still attached to the tailgate. After that, clear all glass shards from the vehicle and clean the area thoroughly so the new rear windowcan be fitted directly.

Replacing a windscreen yourself

Replacing the windscreen of your car yourself is not recommended unless you possess the full range of specialist knowledge, tools, and craftsmanship. If not fitted correctly, a windscreen can easily become detached during an emergency stop. Furthermore, improper installation poses ahigh risk of leaks through the sealant into the vehicle’s interior. Since these leaks often start in hidden areas, you are unlikely to notice them in time, which can lead to extensive damage before the leak is discovered.

Contrary to what is often claimed, it is perfectly possible to replace a side or rear window yourself. However, you will need a reliable supplier for the new glass. That is why we offer you to order automotive glass without installation. You can simply select this option during our user-friendly checkout process.

Does your windscreen need replacing, or do you simply lack the time or space to fit the glass yourself? In that case, you can choose to order your automotive glass including fitting. Our certified fitting partners will then come to your home, or a location of your choice, within three working days.

You can keep the cost of your replacement as low as possible by choosing aftermarket automotive glass. Simply select the window that needs replacing from our menu, and decide for yourself whether you want to receive the glass only or have the fitting handled by our experts.

At Autoglas Concurrent, we are dedicated to helping you replace your automotive glass at the best rates.

(¹) Source: https://apk-handboek.rdw.nl/personenautos/carrosserie/ruiten