Month: March 2019

When it comes to the decision of leasing or owning a car, there are plenty of reasons for people to choose either option. For those who choose a leased car, it’s nice to always have the opportunity to drive a newer vehicle that you get to update every few years because it means you rarely have to worry about repairs beyond your basic routine maintenance. Leasing also gives you the opportunity to drive a car that might be a little too far out of your budget to buy outright, which is always nice. However, it has downsides, as well… such as big upcharges for any damage to the leased car on your watch, including damage to your windshield or auto glass.

It’s not uncommon for us to see people with leased cars in the shop for windshield repair or replacement. It may seem like a strange idea to pay for a repair on a leased vehicle when you can just give it back at the end of the lease term and take the penalty, but in reality you’re actually saving money by doing the repair yourself. Those penalties can be steep and include upcharges that you normally wouldn’t have to deal with if you owned the car, mainly because the auto dealership wants to take an additional cut for the inconvenience of having to take care of a repair themselves. If they want to lease the vehicle again or offer it for resale, it needs to be in the best possible condition, so they want to make sure they’re covered for that cost and then some.

If you’re getting close to the end of your lease and know you have some glass or windshield damage that needs repair or replacement, it’s the perfect time to make an appointment with the team at Lucky Dog to get it fixed. We recommend people wait until their lease is almost up because that reduces the risk of any additional damage happening before you have to bring the car back in to the dealer. Without taking this step, you could not only lose your security deposit, but also be charged additional fees that end up costing you much more than the glass repair.

This is as good a time as any to do some quick budget balancing to determine your costs. Will your fees end up exceeding the cost of windshield replacement when you return the leased car? If so, it’s well worth your time to make the appointment and get that glass fixed up.

Lucky Dog Auto Glass is a reputable local company with a shop location near you! We make the promise to install our auto or truck glass “factory perfect” every time. Our team of expert technicians go the extra mile to ensure a tight, proper seal and we’ll make sure your window frame is cleaned and prepped the right way. When you’re leasing a vehicle, these details are extra important because the auto dealer will be doing an inspection for wear and tear. Give your car back in the absolute best possible condition!

If you have any other questions about how we work with lease warranties or other concerns, give us a call anytime.

The gig economy has become an excellent way to earn additional income. Especially if you have an asset already, such as a car, you can now leverage that asset to make money in your free time! Many people are turning to ridesharing apps to supplement their income. Especially in Kent, Seattle, Tacoma, and the surrounding areas, it seems as if there are cars with pink mustaches and Uber stickers everywhere.

You may want to join in on the financial gains, but will your vehicle make the cut? Uber and Lyft have strict requirements for vehicles. They want to ensure happy customers, so they expect cars to be in good condition, clean, and have no cosmetic damage. For example, Uber requires vehicles in the Seattle area to be 10 years old or newer, have no commercial branding, have 4 doors, be in good condition with no cosmetic damage, and pass a vehicle inspection. Lyft expects Washington applicants to have a vehicle that is 4 doors, 2009 or newer, and has 5-8 seats (including the driver), and pass a vehicle inspection.

Both Uber and Lyft require vehicles to pass an inspection before they begin driving. Why is this so important? Because they will be on the lookout for eyesores and cosmetic damage. If you have a broken windshield, you cannot operate as a driver for these rideshare apps. Cosmetic damage such as cracked windshields or auto glass will disqualify your vehicle. The good news is that auto glass damage can be fixed by the professionals in our facility. We are windshield repair and replacement experts. If you have any issues with your auto glass, we can fix it before your vehicle inspection.

Come by and see us for your auto glass repairs, so you can get on the road and start earning money as an Uber or Lyft driver!