You’re driving along, minding your own business, when a rock flies up and chips your windshield. It happens all the time, right? No big deal. Getting it repaired would just be another headache you don’t need. So you put it off for another day.
Sure, it’s no big deal until you go to your car one day and notice a big crack across the windshield. That little chip was heated up in the sun and caused a fault line in your windshield’s glass.
Still no big deal? In some states it’s illegal to drive with a crack in the windshield that is in the driver’s line of sight. In other states it’s illegal to drive with a cracked windshield at all. I’d call that a big deal.
But really a cracked windshield is a big deal because it’s a safety hazard. It can impair the driver’s vision and cause a wreck. Then if you’re in a wreck the broken windshield may not keep the passenger airbag inside the car. That does your passengers no good. In a rollover the windshield could blow out altogether and allow the roof to crush whoever is inside.
So when you get your windshield fixed, here’s what you need to ask the autoglass shop.
1) Find an autoglass shop in your area you can trust. Check on reputable web sites like Angieslist.com.
2) When you call the glass shop, don’t just ask for a price on a replacement windshield. Ask if the shop works with your insurance company, it could affect the price. Remember, price is a one-time decision. Your family’s safety is a lifetime decision. So look for quality.
3) Ask if the shop can repair the windshield first, unless you can tell it’s already cracked, of course.
4) Then ask if they can do the replacement in the shop, or if they have to do it at your home or workplace. Generally in-shop windshield installations are better quality.
5) Ask if the autoglass technician is nationally certified.
6) Ask if the shop follows national standards. If you want to sound really knowledgeable, ask if the shop is registered with AGRSS. You can look for AGRSS shops at http://www.safewindshields.com.
7) Ask how long a replacement would take and if that includes the safe driveaway time. That’s the time it takes for the adhesive to fully cure.
8) Finally, ask if the shop will guarantee its work.
There are no state or federal regulations or licenses for auto glass replacement technicians, but there are voluntary certifications, like AGRSS (Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards). Asking these questions to the autoglass shop whenever you need your windshield replaced is important for your safety. Your safety is a big deal.
For more information about windshield replacement safety, visit http://www.noshortcutstosafety.com, a public service message by Sika, or visit http://www.glassdoctor.com to find a Glass Doctor shop near you.
