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Cadillac Windshield Replacement Cost
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Your Cadillac's windshield is an integral part of the exterior design, adding to the sleek aesthetics while protecting you and your passengers.
The urgent replacement of a smashed or cracked windshield is highly recommended for safety. Read on as we share more details about the Cadillac windshield replacement cost.
Factors Affecting Cadillac Windshield Replacement Cost
Not all windshields are the same. Every Cadillac model, like other automakers, features a model-specific windshield that is an integral part of the exterior design.
Differing sizes, thicknesses, and specs will affect the Cadillac windshield replacement cost.
Vehicle Model and Year
As we've just learned, all Cadillac models have windshield designs that are unique to each model.
Modern vehicle design makes use of different shaped windshields incorporated into the exterior design, plus the windshield shape plays an important part in a vehicle's aerodynamics.
When it's time to replace a cracked windshield, only the unique correct windshield for your specific model and year will be a suitable replacement. For example, select Cadillac models are fitted with a windshield that contains rain sensors or heating elements.
Generally, the windshield design of a model remains unchanged for the life cycle of that model generation until the next completely new generation model is introduced.
Type of Windshield Glass
Modern vehicles like your Cadillac have laminated glass windshields, while tempered glass is used for side and rear windows.
Laminated windshield glass is constructed of glass layers bonded together with a plastic interlayer that is engineered to stay intact in the event of an accident.
Tempered glass is a single-ply glass that goes through a heat-treatment process to increase its strength and resistance to any impact and is typically used for side and rear windows as it is both cheaper and lighter than laminated glass.
Your Cadillac's laminated windshield may be tinted to reduce glare inside the cabin, or it may be coated for heat and UV protection, or even be made with special acoustic glass to reduce noise levels in the cabin.
Labor Costs
Depending on the size and complexity of your Cadillac, or if your model has advanced driver-assistance systems that rely on the windshield, recalibration after replacement may be necessary, which will add to the cost.
Any Cadillac model that requires additional dismantling of trim, molding, or sensor wiring will incur additional labor costs.
Insurance Coverage
The type of insurance coverage on your Cadillac may affect the cost of replacement.
Comprehensive coverage will most likely cover the full cost of replacing your windshield, with, of course, a deductible, and owners should bear in mind that many car insurance policies may not cover costs unless the windshield is replaced by approved agents.
Average Costs for Cadillac Windshield Replacement
As previously mentioned, there are many factors that will affect your Cadillac windshield replacement cost, so exact costs are difficult to share. However, we can look at some average costs.
Pricing Breakdown by Model
Owners of the latest generation Escalade full-size SUV can expect windshield replacement costs of an estimated $820 vs. older Escalade models that will set owners back an estimated $220 to $300.
Cadillac models without additional sensors have an estimated cost between $300-$600 for normal windshields without calibration.
Comparison with Other Luxury Brands
Other luxury brands, like your Cadillac, tend to use specialized windshields plus fittings, which can lead to higher replacement costs.
Larger vehicles like the Escalade simply have more windshield glass area, which increases the costs.
DIY vs. Professional Replacement
Unless you possess the necessary skills and equipment, replacing your vehicle's windshield is not your typical DIY weekend fix. Due to the complexity of replacing a modern windshield, it is not recommended to go the DIY route but rather leave it to the professionals.
Unless you know what you are doing, incorrect installation of a pricey new windshield can easily lead to leaks, cracks, and compromised safety from your new windshield, leaving you no better off than when you started out on the DIY replacement.
Advantages of Professional Service
Getting your windshield replaced by professionals has the advantage of the replacement being done right. Professional services possess the necessary skills, experience, specialized tools, and materials.
Unless you have the right tools plus the correct windshield bonding adhesive, your chances of DIY success are slim.
Risks of DIY Replacement
There is a high risk of damage to the new windshield, and care needs to be taken so as not to damage your vehicle's surrounding paintwork, the bonding surface needs to be correctly prepared, and the adhesive properly applied. Without the necessary skill, there is a high probability of cracking the new windshield during installation.
A poorly executed DIY installation of the windshield will compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle and your safety.
Steps in the Cadillac Windshield Replacement Process
We will take a quick look at what steps are required for the replacement process.
Initial Inspection
A visual inspection will reveal if there is any damage to the surrounding windshield frame, which can affect the successful replacement of the windshield.
Removal of the Old Windshield
It's best to protect the vehicle's interior and surrounding areas before removing any trim or moldings around the windshield. Once all trim is removed, the old windshield's urethane adhesive bond is cut using a cold knife or similar tool to then release the glass from the frame by prying it carefully out of the frame.
Installation of the New Windshield
The frame area must be thoroughly cleaned of old adhesive, debris, or possible corrosion to prepare the bonding surface.
A primer is then used before applying the urethane adhesive and aligning the new windshield in position with the help of special glass vacuum holders.
Final Checks and Quality Assurance
Once set in place and correctly sealed, the urethane adhesive must be allowed to cure completely, as per the manufacturer's recommended curing time of up to 24 hours.
The new windshield installation is inspected for leaks, alignment issues, and any potential issues before refitting any trim or moldings that were removed.
Get Your Windshield Replaced at Colonial Cadillac
When you are in need of Cadillac windshield replacement, be sure to contact the service department at Colonial Cadillac in New London, CT.
Colonial Cadillac's certified service experts know the exact windshield replacement needs of your vehicle to help you to continue enjoying your Cadillac ownership experience.
