Safety
What Consumers Don't Know About Auto Glass Replacement Could Cost Them Their Lives.
Most families are very concerned about automobile safety, and they typically protect themselves through the use of seatbelts, car seats, anti-lock brakes, and air bags. The advantages of these devices are widely publicized. But what about another safety feature that is of equal importance: a properly installed windshield? Unfortunately, recent research indicates that 80 percent of those consumers who were surveyed had no knowledge about proper installation - and no idea that their lives are endangered if the job isn't done correctly.
The fact is a properly installed windshield has three life-saving features in the event of an accident. It acts as a backboard for the deployment of air bags; it can keep passengers inside the vehicle in the event of an accident; and it prevents the roof from caving in during a rollover.
Fortunately, informed consumers can reduce the number of life threatening auto injuries. Hansen Glass encourages drivers to make an educated choice in selecting an auto glass replacement company, to insist on the highest-quality products, and to expect highly trained technicians. The specific "tips" we share include the following:
1) Choose the right auto glass replacement company
It is the legal right of consumers in Colorado to select the auto glass replacement shop of their choice. If customers call an insurance company to arrange for a new windshield, they should be referred to a reputable independent auto glass company that is reasonably close to them. They should not be "steered" by the insurance company's third party administrator (a large national auto glass company that represents itself as the insurance company when the customer calls the 800 claims number) to one of their own shops. And if customers call a replacement company directly, they should make sure it meets the safety criteria listed below.
2) Insist on the right products
Since most drivers are covered by comprehensive insurance, they don't need to put a price tag on safety. Their insurance covers replacement with OEM materials, so why not demand it. We believe they should demand that the replacement company use products that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS - these are established for new car sales, but unfortunately, they are not enforced for aftermarket replacement).
In particular, consumers should specify that they want OEM windshields and fast-cure OEM sealants and primers. These products cost auto glass shops more than aftermarket brands, but they are worth it because they protect the structural integrity of the car. Put another way, how damaging are lawsuits, more of which are being filed by injured motorists? Moreover, what is the value of a human life?
3) Insist on the right people
Even with the right products, the human element is critical. After all, auto glass installation is serious business, and installers - who don't have to be licensed - must perform complicated manual operations (at auto factories, these functions are automated). Further, they must know the specifications and the required techniques for hundreds of models of cars. Accordingly, consumers should determine that the technician assigned to their vehicle is industry certified and highly professional. For example, they should never install glass on corroded metal, they should know when and how to use the proper primers and activators for each manufacturer's urethane, and they should practice safe procedures such as wearing nitrile gloves.
4) Ask about safe drive-away time
Due to ignorance or questionable ethics, too many technicians release cars with newly installed windshields before the urethane adhesive has properly cured. If this happens, the safety of the vehicle occupants will be jeopardized. Under the right circumstances - when the highest quality adhesives are used - the safe drive-away time may be as short as 30 minutes. (We use this fast curing adhesive even though it costs 3 times as much as standard urethane. Many of our competitors save this extra cost and you are none the wiser - unless you are in an accident!!!!). With standard cure urethane and under low temperature and humidity conditions, it could be several days before your vehicle is safe to drive again. Consumers should absolutely verify that a top-quality, fast-cure urethane is being used for their windshield installation. They should also ask to see the urethane manufacturer's safe drive-away time data.
5) Ask about the warranty
At a minimum, customers should expect a written warranty that covers the work done on their vehicle. But what about an assurance of OEM glass and adhesives, as well as industry certified technicians? Can they get that in writing?
In addition to our own warrantee, Hansen Glass also provides a nationwide bonded guarantee (AmeriCare) that will cover defects in workmanship such as leakage, faulty seals and loose moldings. Naturally, our own warrantee covers these infrequent problems, but this could be a valuable remedy if you are traveling or have moved out of our market area.
In the final analysis, windshield replacement is a very sophisticated business, and because the industry isn't government regulated, it's that much more important that consumers do their homework and select a company they can trust. At Hansen Glass we try to inform anyone willing to listen about what is at stake. Armed with this information, consumers are better able to make wise choices.
Be skeptical of where your insurance company or their third party administrator is trying to steer you. They are looking for the absolute lowest cost - which rarely results in the safest and highest quality job. Please give auto glass replacement the attention it deserves. Because, after all, there is no replacement for our families.