Windshield Replacement

A: Some companies quote incredibly low prices on the telephone; but, when the customer goes in for service they find out that other parts are required or that tax and labour were not included. Some companies quote low prices; because, they use inferior aftermarket glass, inexperienced labour and cheap urethane sealants. Unfortunately, some people don’t know the difference or don’t understand the safety implications and they make their decision based on price.

A: The first thing to look for is a company that has a good reputation and a proven service record. Next make sure they have certified technicians performing the work on your vehicle. 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 cut out” 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 and unsafe installation.

A: OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM glass is produced from original manufacturing equipment and meets the vehicle manufacturers’ specifications for safety and quality. Only Original Equipment Manufacturers can provide the quality necessary to insure a proper fit and finish which greatly reduces the possibility of air or water leaks. Because automobile manufacturers contract with numerous OEM glass fabricators, there could be more than one brand that will meet their specifications for your car. You should know that there are numerous brands on the market that do not meet OE specifications and could result in a poor or even unsafe installation. Unfortunately OEM auto glass is very costly so most consumers tend to choose aftermarket auto glass.

A: That depends on the year, make and model of your vehicle. Because of the complexity of some vehicles, it could take as long as 3 hours but most vehicles require about an hour and a half to properly install the windshield. Auto manufacturers recommend a full cut out 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 less than an hour, chances are, it won’t be done properly and it won’t be safe.

A: Chances are they can’t. Insurance companies have set strict pricing standards on auto glass and will not pay more than these “usual and customary” charges. As a result, the only way the cost can be absorbed is by cutting corners. You’ll have to question what kind of job you’ll get. Will they use quality parts and urethane with Certified Technicians performing the work? Most companies with reputations for doing quality work don’t need to make wild offers to attract business.

A: No, your insurance rates will not increase due to an auto glass replacement or stone chip repair, unless you have a record of frequent auto glass claims. Insurance companies do not factor glass claims by themselves into the equation when determining your risk assignment or your insurance rates. Unlike an accident, windshield replacements are no-fault comprehensive insurance claims and by law cannot cause rates to increase. To be sure, check your policy or call your agent.

A: You have 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 send you. If you do decide to go where your insurance company wants you to go, make sure you ask about the parts they will be using, urethane sealants, safe drive-away times, and written warranties.

A: You don’t know. Without removing the windshield, it’s impossible to tell if the windshield was installed correctly. Were critical primers used? Was there rust damage to the pinchweld and was it repaired? Was the proper amount and type of urethane used? Once a windshield is installed, all the critical installation steps are hidden under the moldings. If it looks clean and the moldings are lying flat, you can only guess it was done right. The best way to be sure is to know the reputation of the company that installed it and ask questions. Pinchwelds are repaired before we install a new windshield: always. If the rust is not repaired then it will blossom out of control under the edge of the windshield and cause serious damage, leaks and a decrease in structural integrity without you even seeing it.

A: 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 if installed correctly. It provides the backstop support for your passenger side airbag in a head on 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 safety depends on it.

A: You should expect to get a written warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship including water and air leaks. Some 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.

A: This will depend on the type of urethane used to install the glass in your vehicle. Because most automotive grade urethanes rely on temperature and humidity to cure, the time required varies widely depending on the manufacturer. Installing a windshield outside is not recommended since urethanes do not cure properly under these conditions. 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. If you need to drive your vehicle sooner, a fast-cure urethane can be used that will be safe to drive within an hour. It is important that you follow the manufacturers’ instructions regarding safe drive away times. Not following those instructions could result in your injury or even death if you were to get in an accident.