Windshield Repair and Safety Information
Your windshield is made of multi layered glass with both a inner and outer tempered glass layers that are bonded to a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer. Modern windshield glass and installation methods have been known to increase occupant safety and reduced the number of injuries. A properly installed (DOT) approved windshield increases vehicle stability in case of a rollover incident and prevent passenger ejection. Leaving a damaged windshield in a vehicle greatly increases the odds of severe injury during an accident. Windshields save lives not unlike seat-belts or todays airbag deployment systems.
Dangers of Faulty Installations
Ralph Nader of a consumer advocacy group called upon the NHTSA in 2005 to issue an advisory regarding windshield replacements
“Inappropriate adhesive applications, shortened drive-away times and improper glass handling techniques are just a few of the dangerous shortcuts plaguing the auto glass replacement industry and resulting in an unknown number of weak windshield installations which will not even protect occupants from the first impact in the first half roll,” wrote Nader in his letter to the agency. “Furthermore, an incorrectly mounted windshield may not even be strong enough to withstand the impact of a passenger airbag, which is designed to fire into the windshield for proper positioning. If improperly installed, a replacement windshield can literally be blown out of its mounting by passenger airbag detonation.”
What Questions to ask?
Many questions come up when shopping for windshield replacement hopefully we can provide some answers.
Does My Windshield Needs to be Replaced?
The most common question people face is whether their windshield can be fixed or requires a total replacement. The simplest solution is to to take a quarter and check if your crack is larger. If the chip or crack is smaller in size than the coin can possibly repair the windshield and avoid a replacement. Keep in mind changes in temperature can cause cracks to spread beyond the repairable size. If the damage is larger than a quarter, consider replacing the windshield for your safety and the safety of your passengers.
OEM (Original) VS OEE (Aftermarket) Windshield?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) windshield refers to the glass being manufactured by the same company as the original windshield glass. An Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) windshield is a windshield that matches the standards of the original car glass but is manufactured by an approved auto glass company. Both are held to the same DOT standards for installation in vehicles. Although (OEM) is the original manufacturer an aftermarket windshield will not reduce your vehicles value or safety. Lastly because we get asked often the (OEM) is generally two to three times the cost of an aftermarket windshield.
Replacement Time for A Windshield?
A windshield replacement can be usually be completed in one to two hours depending on complexity and sensors of a windshield. Although a windshield replacement has a waiting period of at least two hours. The reason for the waiting period is that the adhesives used needs time to cure to the frame of the windshield. CAUTION: Driving a vehicle immediately after replacement is extremely dangerous and is under no circumstances recommended. Please keep your safety in mind and allow for a proper curing time.
I’ve been quoted less than your shop what’s the difference?
It’s no secret that prices vary greatly from shop to shop when looking to replace your windshield. The simple truth is many shops value their time and the time of their technicians while others choose to cut corners for sub-par installations. The moldings, adhesives, primers and general cost of the windshield are taken into consideration for the cost. Keeping in mind adhesives that are not approved or substandard can cause major injury or possibly death. Please ask your shop which company manufactures their adhesive and do a little research. You’ll save yourself time and money.