It is not easy or cheap to replace the windshield in a Tesla Model S, as the vehicle has unique safety features, glass, and calibration that can only be accomplished by a trained technician.
Most Tesla owners report spending between $1,000 and $2,500 as tesla model s windshield replacement cost, however this can range widely depending on a number of factors.
Key Points:
- Tesla Model S windshield has a large and curved shape that provides excellent visibility and light, but also makes it more prone to cracks and chips.
- Tesla Model S windshield replacement may be covered by insurance, depending on your policy and deductible, but you should check with your insurance company and glass shop before proceeding.
- Tesla Model S windshield replacement may take longer than usual, due to the limited availability of parts and the calibration process
What Causes To Replace The Windshield On Tesla?
Tesla owners replace their windshields for several reasons, including those related to the vehicle’s safety, performance, and appearance. Main causes of windshield replacement are:
Cracks and chips
Damage to a windshield, such as cracks and chips, can damage its safety and appearance due to road debris.
Visibility Issues
A clean road view is essential for safe driving. Visibility and safety might be compromised by major cracks or damage in the driver’s line of sight. In such instances, replacing the windshield restores driver vision, minimizing accident risk.
Integrated Tech
Replacement of the windshield is necessary to restore proper operation of the integrated technology, such as the advanced sensors and cameras installed there for safety purposes.
Calibration
Driver assistance systems rely on accurate sensor calibration, which must be performed after a windshield replacement.
How Much Does Tesla Model S Windshield Replacement Cost?
There are several variables that affect the price of replacing a Tesla Model S windshield, such as the year of the vehicle, the model variant, your location, and whether you opt for a factory-installed or aftermarket windshield.
| Model Year (Tesla Model S) | Glass (Windshield) Cost | Labor cost | Installation time |
| 2012-2016 | $800-$1,000 | $100-$300 | 2-4 hours |
| 2017-2019 | $900-$1,100 | $100-$300 | 2-4 hours |
Note: These are average estimates and may vary depending on your state, insurance company, glass shop, and availability of parts. To get an accurate quote for your specific case, you should contact a Tesla-approved glass shop that can give you an estimate of the total cost and the installation time.
When replacing the windscreen in your Tesla Model S, you might also find yourself paying the following expenses:
- The cost of taking the windshield’s plastic trim, clips, or blades off and putting them back on.
- The price of replacing the windscreen and any embedded sensors, cameras, or heaters in the event that they are broken.
- The expense incurred in having the new windscreen brought to your location or in having the car towed to the auto glass shop or repair center.
- The price of the replacement windscreen plus any applicable taxes, levies, or insurance deductibles.
- Your state, insurance provider, local glass repair, vehicle’s model year and options could all affect the final tally.
These additional expenditures may cost anywhere between $50 and $1,000.
The Cost of Replacing a Windshield: Tesla vs Standard Cars
When it comes to how much it costs to repair a windscreen, regular cars and Tesla models are very different. Tesla windscreen replacement costs vary due to the complexity of the glass and the technological functions built into the windscreen.
A new windscreen for a regular car might cost anywhere from $100 to $400 (not including installation).
Due to the complicated glass and sophisticated technologies, replacing a Tesla windscreen can cost $800 to $1500 or more.
Cost breakdown for replacing the windshield on various Tesla models:
| Model | Replacement cost |
| Model X | $1450 – $2300 |
| Model 3 | $1600 – $1750 |
| Model Y | $1565 – $1685 |
The main factors that make Tesla windshields more expensive than standard car windshields are-
- The Tesla windshields are double-layered, which means that there is a layer of plastic in between the two layers of glass. This gives the windshields more strength, sturdiness, and soundproofing.
- The Autopilot system and other features, like staying in your lane, adaptive cruise control, avoiding collisions, and automatic emergency braking, are made possible by cameras and sensors built into the windshields of Tesla cars.
- The Tesla windshields are big and curved, which makes them easier to see out of and lets in more light, but also makes them harder to make and put in.
- After a Tesla windshield is replaced, the cameras and sensors for the Autopilot system need to be calibrated. This can only be done by a Tesla-approved glass shop or a Tesla service center.
Why Are Tesla Windshields So Expensive?
Tesla windshields are so expensive because they have some special features and qualities that make them different from regular windshields. Some of these features are:
- Advanced Technology: Integration of Autopilot sensors and cameras adds another layer of complexity to today’s very advanced technology.
- Larger and Complex Design: Size and complexity of the design increase the difficulty of production and assembly.
- Specialized Materials: Tesla uses glass and other materials of superior quality for use in creating a safe and energy-efficient structure.
- Innovative Features: The price rises with the addition of novel features like antennas, defrosting mechanisms, and heads-up displays.
- Limited Aftermarket Options: Fewer suppliers means less competition, which in turn leads to higher pricing and fewer available options in the aftermarket.
- Specialized Knowledge: Advanced technology necessitates specialized knowledge, which drives up the cost of labor.
- Brand Premium: Tesla’s high-end reputation may drive up the price of OEM replacement components.
Does Autopilot Affect Windshield Replacement?
Autopilot does affect windshield replacement because the windshield has cameras and sensors that are part of the Autopilot system and need to be adjusted after the windshield is changed. Here are some of the effects:
- Autopilot might not work right or at all until the calibration is done, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, based on the model and software version.
- Autopilot calibration can only be done by a Tesla-approved glass shop or a Tesla service center. This may limit your choices and cost you more.
- Autopilot calibration may need changes to hardware or software, which could take more time and cost more money.
Who Manufactures Tesla Windshield?
Tesla windscreens are made by several glass suppliers based on model and features. Suppliers include-
- Peru-based AGP, which makes the panoramic windscreen for the Model X and the redesigned windscreen for the Model S Plaid.
- Saint-Gobain, a French multinational, makes Model 3 and Model Y2windscreens.
- Fuyao Glass makes windscreens for select Chinese-made Model S and Model 3 cars.
Why Does A Tesla Require Calibration After Windshield Replacement?
After replacing the windshield on a Tesla, the car needs to be calibrated. This is because the windshield has cameras and sensors that are part of the Autopilot system, which helps the driver turn, brake, and change lanes.
For the Autopilot system to work correctly and safely, the cameras and sensors need to be set up and put in the right places. If the calibration isn’t done or is done wrong, the Autopilot system might not work the way it’s supposed to or give false warnings or mistakes.
Only a Tesla-approved glass shop or a Tesla service center with special tools and software can do the calibration.
