In comparison to any other vehicle, owning a Jeep is an experience like no other. The lifestyle, the community, the “go anywhere, do anything” attitude – owning a Jeep is more than just getting from point A to point B. But what about the Jeep Wrangler Windshield Replacement Cost?
If Wrangler and Gladiator owners love a lot of things about their Jeeps, but there’s one thing that consistently keeps them off the road (and not in a good way) – cracked windshields.
As a Jeep owner for quite some time, we bet you have experienced more than your fair share of broken windshields.
Owners of Wranglers and Gladiators are more likely to have to replace or repair their windshields regularly – sometimes more than once a year. What’s the point? Is it worth replacing, and if so, how much? You don’t have to worry – we have answers!
Why Do Jeep Wrangler Windshields Break Easily?
Considering the frequency with which we see this issue, we wondered…are Jeeps prone to cracked windshields? Why Do Jeep Wrangler Windshields Break Easily?
It turns out the answer is pretty straightforward. It was one of the original goals of the Wrangler windshield to produce something that could be manufactured inexpensively and easily replaced. Due to this, we have the flat, vertical windshield we are familiar with.
Any windshield with a flat, vertical surface attracts rock chips. The windshield will get hit head-on by any rocks kicked up when it is more upright. If a rock hits an angled windshield, it is more likely to bounce off and exert less force on the glass, reducing the likelihood of it breaking.
In addition, if you’re out there living the jeep life, your tires may be more off-road than on, so your windshield is even more likely to take some nasty rock chips.
Having a Wrangler or Gladiator windshield with a susceptible windshield orientation and off-road shenanigans will pretty much guarantee you lifetime membership in the cracked windshield club.
When Should You Replace Jeep Wrangler Windshield?
The risk of being ejected from your car during a collision increases if your windshield is not repaired early. Knowing When Should You Replace Jeep Wrangler Windshield is important. Catching it early is especially important for your safety.
This increases your chances of dying. Additionally, your insurance company may not cover overall damages down to the windshield. If left alone, the cracks will continue to grow until replacement is the only option.
To catch this early, what are some of the best signs? The first thing to check is whether your glass is tempered. You have strengthened and reinforced your windshield glass through this process. The first impression may be that this is a positive development. As a result, if a collision occurs, the glass will shatter and fall to the ground or into your face. Collisions are more likely to result in fatalities when this is the case.
You should replace this with laminated glass instead. A layer of plastic is heated between thin sheets of glass and adheres to them as lamination sheets do. A collision will cause the broken glass to stick to the second layer of glass.
Consequently, there is less chance of the driver getting cut by broken glass. Laminated glass is much safer than unlaminated glass for your windshield because it keeps you safer.
There will be more cracks appearing, which increases the chances of something breaking the whole thing. As a result, your insurance company may decrease the amount of coverage you receive.
Even though it may be annoying to pay the money upfront when the crack is small, you end up saving more money in the end. Besides chipping and pitting, other signs can occur. If left unattended, something as small as a rock chip can grow into something much worse.
Jeep Wrangler Windshield Replacement Cost
It’s likely you’re here because your windshield already has a crack, and learning why it’s broken is not as useful as knowing what to do. “How much is the Jeep Wrangler Windshield Replacement Cost?” is probably one of your first questions.
There are a few factors that affect the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield:
- Your Jeep’s year of manufacture
- It depends on the trim level and whether you have any advanced driver assistance systems behind the windshield.
- Replacement glass type (OEM, OEE, or aftermarket)
Older Jeeps tend to have lower replacement costs since there are usually more replacement parts available (generally). A newer vehicle is more likely to have advanced technology behind the windshield, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW). Although these features are awesome, you’ll have to recalibrate them when you replace your windshield, which can be a pretty expensive process. Jeeps aren’t the only ones affected! The cost of windshield replacement has risen skyrocketed lately, as we wrote about in a whole post.
Here’s an example of the difference between a 2015 Wrangler windshield and a 2021 Wrangler windshield based on Safelite’s online quote calculator tool.
We found the following:
Cost By Jeep Wrangler All Years:
2021 windshield replacement cost: On average, the cost ranges from $400 to $950.
2020 windshield replacement cost: This may range from $400 to $900, depending on the location and quality of materials used.
2019 windshield replacement cost: The cost can range from $300 to $900, and may be covered by insurance.
2018 windshield replacement cost: Cost may vary, but on average ranges from $300 to $850.
2016 windshield replacement cost: On average, the cost ranges from $300 to $800.
2015 windshield replacement cost: It can range from $300 to $800, depending on location and quality of materials.
2014 windshield replacement cost: Replacing the windshield on a 2014 Jeep Wrangler can range from $240 to $600.
2013 windshield replacement cost: Cost may vary but ranges from $200 to $700 on average.
2012 windshield replacement cost: The cost can range from 200 to $700, and may be covered by insurance.
2011 windshield replacement cost: On average, the cost can range from 200 to $700.
It depends a little bit on where you live and where you can find a glass repair or replacement shop. This should give you a general idea of what you can expect to pay, but we recommend contacting a local contractor if you need an accurate estimate.
Choosing an OEM part over an aftermarket part is generally going to cost considerably more than choosing an aftermarket one.
What are the Factors Affecting Jeep Wrangler Windshield Replacement Cost?
Cars have a wide range of characteristics, and the windshield replacement costs of are also very different. As part of the windshield of modern cars, there are various safety and technological features such as Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, etc. During the replacement of your windshield, it is likely that these sensors will also need to be replaced and calibrated.
The replacement of a windshield becomes more complicated with the development of new and advanced technology. Therefore, windshield replacement costs are higher on more recent models. Among the other factors that determine the windshield replacement cost are:
1. OEM vs. Aftermarket Windshield:
You can restore your vehicle’s original factory condition by replacing the windshield with an OEM replacement. They are more cost-effective and more viable than aftermarket windshield replacements, which use cheaper materials.
2. Auto Shop Location:
The cost of replacing your windshield varies depending on where you live. In some cases, there are significant differences between states when it comes to this type of service. If you need an immediate windshield replacement after severe damage occurs while visiting a friend in another state, keep that in mind.
3. Windshield Replacement Appointment Type:
You can damage the windshield of your vehicle anywhere and anytime while driving. It is possible to have your windshield installed in a shop or on the go. Your choice of appointment determines the price difference.
4. Insurance Coverage:
A windshield replacement cost may also vary based on the type of insurance coverage and the damage to the windshield.
5. Windshield Type:
For extra security, you must pay extra for tinted or tempered windshields, as these options are generally more expensive.
OEM vs OEE vs Aftermarket Windshields: Which is Better for Jeep Wrangler?
When it comes time to replace your windshield, you probably already know that there are three options: OEM, OEE, or aftermarket.
It can be confusing to distinguish between all three, so here’s an explanation:
OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer
As close a copy as you can get to your original windshield, OEM glass will have the same quality and features as the windshield that came off the assembly line. To maintain the integrity of these safety systems, many manufacturers recommend only replacing your windshield with OEM glass as the technology behind it gets more advanced.
We don’t know if FCA has mandated this for Jeeps yet, but other OEMs such as Honda and Mercedes-Benz have.
Also, if you replace your windshield with OEM glass, you keep your Jeep logo and that little easter egg (if you know what I mean).
If you need to replace your Wrangler windshield on a regular basis, it’s worth considering the cost of an OEM glass replacement over an aftermarket one.
OEE: Original Equipment Equivalent
OEM glass is an aftermarket windshield made to the exact specifications of OEM glass (albeit without the logos and decals you may be familiar with).
Compared to OEM glass, it may have a slight difference in thickness and clarity according to most auto glass specialists. Due to its low cost, OEE glass is often preferred by many people to replace their windshield.
It may be a good idea to use OEE glass if you’re looking for a cost-effective yet reliable option.
Aftermarket Windshields
These aftermarket windshields are made by a manufacturer other than the OEM, but they are cut to fit your vehicle. There is a wide range of quality between aftermarket glass, with some being quite good copies of the original and others being noticeably worse (fit, clarity, thickness – you name it).
Aftermarket windshields may even be more likely to break than your original windshield if their thickness is compromised. With so many aftermarket windshield manufacturers out there, it’s difficult to say whether this is a good idea. Before taking the risk, we recommend consulting an expert or someone who has tried the aftermarket glass you are considering.
Moreover, we recommend doing your research if you are planning to replace the original glass with an aftermarket one (EXOShield is all about safety!).
The choice is ultimately yours! There are plenty of Jeep owners who are completely satisfied with their aftermarket glass, according to Jeep forums. Although some people swear by OEM windshields, others are willing to pay a little more for peace of mind. Based on your driving habits and cost differences, choose the option that makes the most sense for you.
If you’re trying to decide between OEM and aftermarket glass, here’s a resource you might find helpful!
Is It Better To Repair Or Replace A Jeep Wrangler Windshield?
Jeep windshield replacement involves more than just the work – it involves the cost as well. It is possible that repairing it would be more cost-effective than replacing it.
Depending on the type of damage involved, it is sometimes possible to repair a Jeep Wrangler windshield. You can fill a small chip or crack rather than replace your windshield, but only if you have a small one.
In most cases, car windshields become chipped or cracked when they are hit by an object. Before deciding whether to repair or replace the glass on your jeep, consider the following:
- The cost of replacing a Jeep windshield
- The possibility of repairing the damage
- Are there any distortions?
Your Jeep’s windshield is essential to its operation and safety, so it’s essential to get both repairs and replacements done properly.
How Do I Protect My Jeep Wrangler Windshield?
You should install a Jeep windshield sunshade in order to protect your Jeep’s windshield. By using a sunshade, you can protect your Jeep’s windshield from damage. The sunshade can also provide additional protection from UV rays and excessive heat if you have a soft top. Jeep windshield sunshades are easy to install and can be removed when not in use.
A sunshade will protect your Jeep windshield from UV rays that can damage it and cause cracks. As well as being lightweight, the sunshade can also be easily stored when not in use. Using a Jeep windshield sunshade also prevents the sun’s glare.
Conclusion: Jeep Wrangler Windshield Replacement Cost
If your windshield has a large crack, you should avoid driving. Rides like these are unsafe for you and for your passengers. Furthermore, driving with a broken windshield is illegal.
If you get a nasty crack on your Jeep Wrangler’s windshield, you must replace it as soon as possible. A complete replacement may indeed be expensive, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
In the end, you will have to set aside $700-$800 to replace your Jeep Wrangler’s windshield. I sincerely hope this article will assist you in budgeting and understanding why prices differ.
Read More of our Articles here.
Read also: Five common causes of windscreen damage
FAQs
How much is the gorilla glass windshield for the Jeep Wrangler?
Gorilla Glass windshields are available now for the 2018 through 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator for $793 each.
Are jeeps known for cracked windshields?
Windshields on Jeep Wranglers & Gladiators are prone to chips and cracks, especially when driving on uneven terrain.
How do I protect my Jeep windshield?
It’s best to remove a layer of Windshield Defense every six months, but it can last longer depending on how much you use your Jeep® windshield.
What is the most durable windshield?
The glass in laminated windows is made up of two layers of glass sandwiched by a thin layer of vinyl. This makes the windows thicker, stronger, and safer.
What are Jeep windshields made of?
Corning Gorilla Glass Windshield. It’s the last thing you need to worry about. Ask for a Corning Gorilla Glass windshield next time it needs replacing.