The National Glass Association recommends that any windshield damage be fixed as soon as possible. Most ‘dings’ or ‘chips’ can be repaired if the damage is not in the driver’s line of vision and is smaller than the size of a silver dollar, including any cracks. This could save you and your insurance company hundreds of dollars. If the break is larger or in the driver’s line of vision, most insurance companies recommend replacement. Glass One provides both services for your convenience.
Yes. Your windshield was designed as the number one safety restraint system in your vehicle. Auto manufacturers say your windshield provides up to 60 percent of the roof crush protection in a rollover accident. It also provides the backstop support for your passenger-side airbag in a front-end collision. If your windshield pops out in a collision or rollover, you could be ejected or crushed. It’s important to know who’s replacing your windshield. Your life could depend on it.
That depends on the make and model of your vehicle. Because of the complexity of some vehicles, it could take as long as 3 hours. Most vehicles, however, require about an hour to an hour and a half to properly install the windshield. Auto manufacturers recommend a full cutout method when replacing a windshield. This method takes a little longer than what has been popular with most technicians in the past. As with most things worth having, quality takes time. If an installer claims he can install your windshield in 30 minutes or less, it’s a sure bet it won’t be done right and certainly not safe.
The first thing to look for is a company that has a good reputation and a proven service record. Next make sure the auto technicians are certified. If you start with the right company, you’re half way there. When the installer comes out, ask questions. Questions about when you’ll be able to safely drive your vehicle and what kind of urethane he’ll be using. He should be knowledgeable enough to answer any questions you may have. Make sure that he’ll do a factory recommended “full cutout” instead of the quicker “short-cut” method which leaves most of the old sealant in place. The installer should carefully clean and always prime the windshield before installation. He should also use suction cups or at least disposable gloves while installing the windshield to insure that the adhesive surface of the glass does not become contaminated. Missing any of these steps could result in an improper or unsafe installation. After an accident is the wrong time to find out your windshield was improperly installed.
You should expect a lifetime warranty on water and air leaks for as long as you own the car. The technician will tell you differently if they find rust or body damage underneath the windshield. Many shops offer a limited lifetime warranty for as long as you own your car. If you have a problem after their installation, a phone call to the shop should be all that’s needed to have someone take care of the problem. Don’t be shy about asking for a warranty. Your safety and peace of mind are worth it.
This will depend on the type of urethane adhesive used to install the glass in your vehicle. While most automotive grade urethane’s rely on temperature and humidity to cure, the time required varies widely depending on the manufacturer. This time frame can range from 1 hour up to 24 hours before your vehicle will meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and is considered safe to drive. In either case, it’s imperative that you follow the manufacturers’ instructions regarding safe drive-away times. Not adhering to those instructions could result in your injury or even death. It is extremely important that the technician replacing your automotive glass explain to you when you are able to SAFELY drive your car.
It is recommended that you wait 24 hours before washing your vehicle. There are 2 reasons for this. First, the high pressure from automatic car washes can damage the seal and outer moldings before the urethane has a chance to cure sufficiently. Secondly, it’s important to leave at least one of the windows open at least an inch to reduce the pressurization in the vehicle when the doors are shut. This prevents the pressure inside the cabin from blowing a hole in the urethane seal, causing an air or water leak. Water on the windshield is not the concern. In fact, if it should rain, don’t fear. The moisture actually helps the curing process of the urethane sealant.
There could be a lot of reasons. Some companies are famous for quoting incredibly low prices on the telephone, but when the customer goes in for service they find out that other parts are required and that tax and labor was not included. Some companies quote low prices because they use inferior aftermarket glass and cheap inexperienced labor. Unfortunately, most people don’t know the difference or don’t understand the safety implications and they make their decision solely on price. Don’t be fooled by gimmicks and giveaways. The old adage applies: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
Quite simply most states grant you the consumer the Right to Choose which company repairs your car. You may find that your insurance company tries to direct you to a shop that they have cut a special deal with to save money on the claim. Since not all shops follow safe installation procedures, your insurance company has no way of knowing what kind of job will be done on your car. You do not have to go where your insurance company tries to steer you. If you do decide to go where your insurance company wants you to go, make sure you ask about OEM parts, urethane sealants, safe drive-away times, and written warranties.
TPA stands for Third Party Administrator. TPA’s are used by insurance companies to process claims. The 1-800 number your insurance company gave you to call in a claim will usually go to a TPA and not your insurance company. This is important to know because some TPA’s are actually glass companies and have an interest in sending you to one of their own shops. Remember, by law, you have a right to choose who repairs your auto glass. Any recommendation made is that of the TPA and is not required by your insurance company.