Windshield Repair in Houston Before Driving for Uber or Lyft

If you want to drive for Uber or Lyft, you may need windshield repair in Houston to pass their vehicle requirements.

Driving for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft is a great gig for many people. Some drive in their free time to get some extra cash while others make it their full-time occupation. If you’re thinking about driving for Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company, it’s important to note that you may need to get some vehicle repairs first. It’s incredibly common to need windshield repair in Houston for chips or cracks in your auto glass to be able to drive for rideshare companies. In this article, we’ll explain why this is, some specifics about rules from top rideshare companies Uber and Lyft, as well as some signs to get your auto glass repaired or replaced ASAP.

Should I Get Windshield Repair in Houston Before Driving with Uber or Lyft?

If you have any damage or faults in your auto glass in Houston, then you may need to get them repaired before you start driving for Uber or Lyft. There are a few reasons for this. 

You May Need Windshield Repair in Houston to Be Approved by Uber or Lyft

First, damages to your car can prevent you from driving for these common platforms. Uber and Lyft want to make sure that their drivers use vehicles that are safe and also pleasant to ride in. 

Damaged windshields or side windows can affect both of these points. 

For one, your auto glass is there to protect you and your passengers from flying debris while driving. In the event of an accident, windshields are also often important for providing airbags a surface to deploy against and also to prevent ejection from the car. Windshields also provide structural integrity to the car’s roof in case of a roll over crash. 

Also, damaged windshields affect the look of your car. Rideshare companies typically want your car to look good for a positive experience for their riders. Consider if you were to order a ride on one of these platforms and your driver rolled up in a rusted out car with a windshield crack across the entire length of the glass. Would you want to ride in that car? Would you trust that driver with your personal safety? For many people, the answer is no. 

Damages On Your Car Can Lead to Low Ratings and Bad Tips

This leads into another reason to get windshield repair in Houston before driving for Uber or Lyft. Damaged windshields not only can prevent you from driving for these rideshare companies, it can also make riders uncomfortable. For drivers on both platforms, you will rely on creating a good experience to get higher tips and also higher ratings from your riders. If you have car windows that don’t roll up or down or massive cracks in your windshield, they are sure to take notice and tip and rate accordingly. 

Signs You Need Windshield Repair in Houston

In some cases, it may be pretty obvious that you need windshield repair in Houston. If you’re looking past a major crack every time you drive, then that’s a clearly a sign to get your windshield repaired. The same is true if you notice chips in the glass. 

However, there may be other issues that may be more subtle as well. For instance, if you look at the surface of your auto glass in Houston and notice it looks pitted, then you may need repairs. Usually this is due to rocks and debris hitting your windshield over time and can make the glass look dull. In most cases, a quick buff on the glass from our professionals can resolve this problem. 

Also, if you notice water leaks or whooshing noises from your windshield, then you likely need windshield repair. Often, this means that the seal between the glass and the frame of your car isn’t very strong, often due to poor installation techniques. 

Why Get Windshield Repair in Houston Before Applying to Drive for Uber or Lyft?

So, if you notice that you need windshield repair in Houston, why is it important to get it done before driving for Uber or Lyft? Well, in many cases, they will actually deny your application if your car doesn’t fit their requirements. 

Vehicle Requirements for Uber

Uber has several minimum requirements to use your car for rideshare driving, including:

• It needs to be 15 years old or newer
• The car must have at least 4-doors
• It can’t feature commercial branding
• It must be safe
• There can be no cosmetic damage
• It must be properly registered and insured

Different levels also can have different vehicle requirements. For instance, Uber Black vehicles have to be 7 years old or newer with black exterior and black leather interiors. 

Damage to your auto glass in Houston is typically both a safety issue and also a cosmetic issue that can prevent you from driving your car for Uber.

Vehicle Requirements for Lyft

Lyft also has vehicle requirements that are similar to Uber’s. Some of their minimum requirements include:

• Car must be a 2008 model year or newer
• It must have a minimum of 4 doors
• You must have 5 to 8 seats
• You can’t drive a taxi, stretch limo, or a vehicle rented outside of their Express Drive program
• It can’t have a salvage, non-repairable, or rebuilt title
• It must pass a safety inspection
• The car can’t have major cosmetic damages inside or out

Like with Uber, Lyft also has different levels of drivers that may have different vehicle requirements. 

Once again, damaged windshields or auto glass typically fall under both safety and cosmetic issues for Lyft’s minimum requirements.

You Have to Have Your Car Inspected to Drive with Uber and Lyft – Get Windshield Repair in Houston Before Your Inspection

Many people wonder exactly how Uber or Lyft will know if you have cosmetic damages or other issues with their car when they start driving. Actually, usually you have to pass a special inspection from a qualified mechanic to drive for these rideshare companies. 

Uber vehicle inspections look at a minimum of 19 points, with the windshield and other auto glass being part of these inspections. If you have issues with your windshield, rear windshield, or car windows, then you likely will fail the inspection. 

Similarly, Lyft also requires a 19 point inspection for your vehicle to be able to drive for their platform. Once again, among these inspected features is your auto glass and windshield, which can make you fail if you need repairs.

Windshield Repair in Houston vs. Windshield Replacement in Houston

So, will you need windshield repair or windshield replacement in Houston for the damage to your auto glass before you drive for Uber or Lyft? This really depends on the exact type of damage, so it’s important to have one of our auto glass technicians take a look and give you a recommendation. 

The good news is that many damages are repairable, which costs less than a replacement. If you have small chips, cracks, or some pitting in the windshield, then usually we can repair them either through filling the damage with special resin or, in the case of a pitted surface, buffing out the damage. 

However, there may be times when you need to replace the glass instead. For instance, on your windshield if you have extensive damage that is larger than a dollar bill or in the driver’s line of sight, it’s typically better to get windshield replacement instead. Also, if your side windows are damaged, usually you will need replacement for these as well, as most car manufacturers use tempered glass for side windows, which isn’t repairable.

Budget-Friendly Auto Glass Solutions from Apple Glass

When you need affordable, good quality auto glass repair and replacement, choose our team at Apple Glass. We serve the entire Greater Houston area with comprehensive glass services. Whether you need to repair your windshield or are looking to install new glass shower doors, we have you covered. Get in touch now to request a free quote from our glass experts.