Exploring Auto Glass Repair and Auto Glass Replacement

Here are the things you need to know about auto glass repair and replacement.

Did you know that as many as 70% of all car windows are replaced incorrectly? Did you know that in the majority of cases you won't have to replace your windshield should you have taken care of that chip in your glass that have been there for a while? Did you know that carmakers largely rely on the windshield as far as the roof strength concerned? The statistics show that every two weeks one death occurs in a car accident where a windshield has been replaced within the last two days.

Unfortunately improper or mishandled auto glass installations are very common. In fact, safety experts from the automobile industry say that the windshield ranks as the 3rd most essential safety factor in today's trucks and cars, right after airbags and seatbelts that come second and first respectively.

You need to realize that your vehicle's windshield adds considerably  to the overall structure of your car's roof, particularly when it comes to a car accident, most notably during rollovers. Therefore, the total structural integrity of your windshield can be the most vital factor as far as the crash survivability concerned.

Auto Glass Repair and ReplacementRemember, your safety comes first! If you can repair your car window, then just do it. Don't wait until you will have to replace it. In a car accident, the windshield will be one of the most important components of the car's safety restraint system, that needs to work seamlessly in less than a second.  There will be no second chances, therefore, you need to make the best choice for your family and yourself.

These days automobile manufacturers design their windshields so that they become the main structural part of the chassis, with the goal in mind to keep the passengers inside the car in case of an accident, and more specifically to prevent the roof of the vehicle from crushing during the rollover. If the windshield is installed properly, then it should stay bonded to the car during the accident. If the windshield comes apart from the vehicle, the airbags will become totally useless. The important thing is that you should stay inside the vehicle during the accident as about 75% of those who become ejected would not survive.

Also, remember that about 10% of all car accidents are rollovers. When the windshield separates from the car while it rolls over, the vehicle's roof will inevitably crush down on the passengers causing death or serious injuries. This is because the a-pillars of the car will not support the vehicle's weight by themselves without the windshield in place.

Any professional auto glass repair service would tell you that in order to install a new windshield properly, you need to use only well-trained professional installers that would use proper materials and stick with the correct procedures. When looking for a professional windshield replacement service make sure this company abides by the standards developed by AGRSS Council (Auto Glass Replacement Standards) for windshield replacement - the benchmark for auto glass industry.

Here's what everyone needs to know about safe car window installation.

As you can imagine your car is not only built to give you a means of transportation but it is also designed to protect you should you get involved into a car accident. Certain repairs performed to your vehicle are regulated by FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) to guarantee that all installed parts perform well and add to your overall safety. Car manufacturers have designed special auto glass adhesives that meet the FMVSS standards to ensure the windshield is firmly secured against the body of the car.

FMVSS classifies a windshield a safety device as it provides the necessary strength to the body of your car and keeps occupants inside the vehicle in case of an accident. It also helps to support the inflation of the side airbags. The quality of the auto glass adhesives is as important as the quality installation of the vehicle's windshield. For instance, according to the FMVSS standards, the factory adhesives used in cars with passenger side airbags should be six times stronger than when used without passenger airbags. This is because vehicles with passenger side airbags need more time and require faster performing glass adhesives to provide that extra strength to support the airbag's development in a car accident.

Now, if you need to replace your windshield, do it the same way your car-maker has had it installed.

Questions to ask your auto glass replacement service:

-do they follow the car manufacturer's specifications;

-do they make use of  urethane;

-what's the correct cure time for the adhesive they will be using (it would take at least 24 hours for the adhesive to fully set - longer in winter time);

-does this shop use Butyl. If they do, go elsewhere;

-is this auto glass replacement service a member of AGRSS;

-can they repair your windshield; in case they can, what's the biggest break they can repair;

-if the windshield is cracked, can they repair it;

-ask how many repairs they perform in a given week;

-is mobile service available;

-once the windshield has been replaced, how long will you have to wait until you can drive it;

-do they offer a guarantee should the replaced windshield leak (air or water);

-does the guarantee apply to a new windshield only, or does it offer money back guarantee as well;

Stunningly, many auto glass shops will risk the lives of their customers in order to save just a few minutes of their time. The new windshield they have equipped your car with could be a huge risk and you will not even know it.

All your safety precautions will be worthless provided that the car window is not securely adhered to your vehicle. In this situation, a properly worn seatbelt and correctly functioning airbag will not save your life. The auto glass installed at the factory is engineered to prevent the vehicle's roof from caving inside and deflects the airbag. On the other hand, when the windshield is installed improperly it will most likely come out during a car crush - just when you need it the most.

You should be proactive when replacing your windshield. Start with choosing an auto glass shop that appreciates their clients safety, and not as much as saving a couple of dollars for the auto glass repair shop's bottom line. Educating yourself on the auto glass industry standards is as important. And never hesitate to ask as many questions as you need to. Choosing an auto glass repair and replacement service that stands behind their work is the best thing that you can do for your own safety.

When at the auto glass shop, observe how installers work, and make mental notes. Here are just a few things that may suggest that the service may not be up to par:

-installers, when handling a car window, should wear disposable rubber gloves. If they don't, dirt and oil from their hands can get onto the bonding surface of the windshield and contaminate it, which will cause the windshield not to cure properly.

-the pinch weld is not prepared correctly, which will cause it not to bond completely. The installers should examine the pinch weld to ensure its free of scratches and clean. A primer should be used to eliminate the exposed metal, if the scratches are found. Another recommendation is that the installer should use a primer to prepare the windshield surface, or use an adhesive that won't require a primer. If the replacement windshield is prepared properly, this will help avoid typical problems such as rust formation.

-if your installer cleans the windshield with a dirty rag, this will contaminate the bonding surface of the windshield as well. Better, your technician should utilize a glass cleaner along with disposable paper towels.

-the worst thing your auto glass repair shop can do is not to advise you that your vehicle is not safe to drive until that time that the adhesive has had enough time to cure, forming a firm bond between the body of the car and the windshield.

Always ask your installer about the adhesive he is going to use and how much time it will take for the adhesive to cure properly. Your technician should advise you when it will be safe to drive your car again.

Auto glass repair and replacement is paramount for your safety. You should always contact only reputable installers with any questions regarding your windshield repair and replacement.

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Filed under: Auto Glass Repair

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