5 Tips for Choosing the Best Windshield Replacement Company

The windshield of your vehicle blocks debris from flying at you while you drive, but it also provides structural support to the frame. Badly cracked or chipped windshields are a safety threat for you and your passengers. As the only solution to these large cracks and chips, windshield replacements ensure the safety of you and your passengers. Windshield replacement is not a DIY activity, which is why it is important to find a reliable auto glass company for replacement services. Here are 5 tips for how to choose the best auto glass company to replace your windshield. 

1. Do They Use High Quality Materials? 

Windshields come in all different shapes, sizes, and levels of quality. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) quality windshields are held to the same quality standards as your vehicle’s original windshield. However, OEM windshields can be pricey. If you are looking for a cheaper option, many auto glass companies offer high quality windshield options that are less expensive than OEM quality windshields. These windshields often meet or exceed OEM standards. For the best results, consult a professional auto glass technician about what type and quality of windshield you are looking for versus what they offer. 

While low quality windshields are a much cheaper option, they are not as safe as high quality auto glass. High quality windshields are easier to maintain and tend to last longer than low quality windshields, as they are more resistant to damage. If you want the safest windshield option for your vehicle, you should talk with an experienced auto glass technician to ensure they carry the highest quality auto glass options. 

2. Are The Auto Glass Technicians Certified? 

A good windshield should be able to prevent your vehicle from collapsing in the event of a rollover collision. For this to be the case, your windshield needs to be high quality and properly installed. No matter how good your auto glass is, it will not protect you unless it is installed properly. One way to ensure your windshield will be installed correctly is to choose an auto glass company whose technicians hold certifications for the services you need. A few examples of certifications to be on the look out for are: 

ADAS Calibration: ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technology is responsible for safety features such as lane departure warnings, emergency automatic braking, and blind spot monitoring. ADAS equipment is usually mounted to the inside of your windshield, so when you get a windshield replacement, the equipment has to be calibrated. If you want these features to be accurate, you should seek an auto glass technician with extensive knowledge of ADAS technology and calibration techniques. Not all auto glass companies offer ADAS calibration, and some companies offer the service in-shop only. If your vehicle uses any ADAS equipment, be sure to check with the auto glass company to make sure they offer calibration services. Click here to learn more about ADAS calibration.

AGSC (Auto Glass Safety Council): The Auto Glass Safety Council is an organization that ensures proper installment and quality of windshield repairs and replacements. If your auto glass technician is certified by the AGSC, it means they have ample knowledge of the windshield installation process and will likely be able to measure up to the highest safety standards. 

Other Certifications: Another certification you should be aware of is materials certification. There are many different materials used in windshield replacements, and a good auto glass company will seek certification for the use of these materials. Examples of materials certifications include Delta, DuPont, GT, and Sika. Your auto glass company should be certified for any tools and materials they use to ensure your windshield is installed properly. 

3. Are You Going to File an Insurance Claim? 

Windshield replacements can be costly, which is why many people choose to file a claim to have part or all of the costs covered by their auto insurance. Most comprehensive auto insurance plans will give you the option to cover your auto glass at higher premiums. Be sure to check your plan details to find out if your windshield replacement could be covered. The process of filing an insurance claim can be stressful, which is why many auto glass companies offer insurance claim assistance. A knowledgeable auto glass technician can handle all communication and paperwork exchange with your auto insurance company. This aid makes the process much less stressful for you. 

4. Do They Offer a Warranty or Guarantee? 

Even highly certified, reputable auto glass technicians can make mistakes. You do not want to bear the burden of mistakes made when installing your windshield. Many auto glass companies offer warranties or workmanship guarantees on their windshield replacements. This way, if leaks or defects appear after your windshield has been replaced, you can get it taken care of without a problem. While auto glass companies often strive to have the job done right the first time, it is important that you be protected against leaks and defects that may arise. 

5. Do You Need Mobile Auto Glass Services? 

Today, it is very common for auto glass companies to offer mobile windshield replacement services. With mobile auto glass services, a certified auto glass technician will meet you at any location and perform the windshield replacement there. These services are often fast and just as affordable as in-shop services. If bringing your vehicle into a shop does not fit in your schedule, you might want to consider choosing an auto glass company that offers mobile services. As we mentioned before, some auto glass companies do not offer mobile ADAS calibration, as it can be less accurate than in-shop calibration. This is something to consider when choosing an auto glass company to fit your needs. 

Do You Need a Windshield Replacement in the Raleigh, NC Area?

Transparency Auto Glass offers both in-shop and mobile windshield replacement services for any vehicle in the Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and Garner areas. Transparency Auto Glass is certified by the Auto Glass Safety Council to ensure proper installation of your new windshield. As a DuPont/DOW certified auto glass company, our auto glass technicians have extensive knowledge of the materials they use when replacing your windshield. If your vehicle has ADAS features, Transparency Auto Glass offers in-shop calibration services, too! Contact Transparency Auto Glass today!