Auto Glass Repair Guide - Misconceptions

Misconception #1: All auto glass is the same.

No, that's not true. The best glass for your car is "O-E glass" meaning "original equipment - the brand of glass it was built with. Mopar, PPG, Carlite, and LOF are a few good brands of "O-E" glass. O-E glass is the ONLY type of glass reputable shops use. Some glass shops install a lower quality imported glass, often made across the border in Mexico or worse yet - in China. It saves the glass shop money - but could cost you plenty. It often needs to be "forced fit" to your vehicle, and is often thinner and much more brittle -- all of which cause it to chip and break easier or crack from stress. Here's the bad part: You may not initially be aware that the glass is of lower quality.

Misconception #2: Your windshield is just a piece of glass to look through.

No, that's not true either. It's actually much more. Today's windshields are designed to prevent you and your passengers from being ejected in the event of an accident. It helps prevent the roof from collapsing in the event of a rollover and facilitates the proper deployment of your airbags, keeping you and your passengers safe. An improperly installed or poor quality windshield could put you and your family at great risk in the event of an accident.

Misconception #3: You can drive your car immediately after a new windshield is installed.

No! You could be making a deadly mistake if you do. The adhesives that hold your windshield in place take time to dry to full strength. This could be in as little as 2 hours, or as long as 24 hours, depending on the weather. The warmer and wetter the weather, the faster the adhesives dry, the cooler and drier, the longer it takes. If the adhesives used to install your windshield haven't reached full strength, you could lose your life your life in the event of an accident.

Another problem with driving the vehicle too soon is the windshield could shift slightly and cause it to leak when it rains.

Misconception #4: You must go where your insurance company tells you to go to have your auto glass repaired or replaced.

No. It's your car and as the insured, you have the right to choose ANY glass shop. Although some insurance companies still try, the law does not allow them to direct you to a particular shop as a condition for paying your claim.

Some insurance companies may give you an 800 number to call and submit your claim - then you're again directed to a certain shop they choose -- one that may or may not adhere to the strict standard of glass replacement your vehicle manufacturer recommends.

Misconception #5: A warranty/guarantee is not important for a good job.

False. Reputable companies are not afraid to stand behind its work, but less than honest companies won’t. Be wary of any shop that won’t include a written warranty on the glass, as well as the installation. Review it carefully before you decide who will do your installation. Steer clear of those who don’t have one to show you. They may not be around to help you in the future when you need it.