Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Over the years, we have made note of the most common questions that we get when it comes to professional auto glass replacement. This FAQ serves as a resource to help you understand the auto glass industry and what we do.
How much experience do you have in the auto glass industry?
Transparency Auto Glass has over 15 years of experience in the auto glass industry. We have completed safe and professional installs on everything from a Ford Model A to a 2019 BMW 525I and everything in between. If it has wheels and glass then we can replace it.
Do you have any formal training?
Yes we do! Not only has all of Transparency Auto Glass technicians gone through the training necessary to become Certified Technicians with the Auto Glass Safety Council but we are also Dow /DuPont certified to be able to properly apply the top quality auto glass adhesive that we use.
Is choosing the right glass company that important?
Your windshield is much more important than you may think, it adds a great deal of structural integrity to your vehicle. If not installed safely and professionally, with proper materials your newly installed glass can have a multitude of unforeseen issues that can affect your vehicle and potentially your family’s safety.
What is ADAS?
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assist Systems. Car manufacturers have started installing cameras mounted to the inside of the vehicles windshield that can assist the driver in certain situations to help avoid accidents. These systems can do everything from letting you know if you are veering out of your lane, to actually stopping the vehicle for you if the driver is not quick enough to react. For more information on these systems, how they can help, and what this has to do with your windshield install please visit our blog post.
Does a person have to have any certifications in order to do auto glass?
Unfortunately no, the auto glass industry is not regulated as well as other industries. So, anyone with a van and some auto glass tools can call themselves an auto glass technician. This is why it is very important for companies like us to help educate the public, and for customers to take their time and do their research when deciding which auto glass company to go with. Because a technician is not required to have any certifications, one important question that you can ask when making this decision is whether on not they are certified with the Auto Glass Safety Council.
Are you a member of the Auto Glass Safety Council?
Yes we are! The Auto Glass Safety Council or AGSC was founded and is supported by companies in the auto glass repair and replacement industry that keep safe repair and replacement as their primary goal and is an accredited American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards development organization. It has developed and continuously maintains North America’s only auto glass replacement standard. For more information on the AGSC you can call us anytime or visit their website at: https://agsc.org/.
Do the materials you use meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards?
Yes they do! Transparency Auto Glass uses the highest quality materials on the market. Everything from our glass to the adhesive we use all meets or exceed the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.
What sort of warranty do you guys offer?
Transparency Auto Glass offers a lifetime warranty on all of our auto glass installation services. Our replacement warranty covers defects in the glass from the manufacturer, as well as the professional-grade workmanship involved with the materials that are a part of the installation. The warranty covers the installation and materials for as long as the customer owns the vehicle.
What type of adhesive do you use?
Transparency Auto Glass uses Dow / DuPont Betaseal Express 30 auto glass adhesive. Dow / DuPont Betaseal Express 30 adhesive is a high-modulus non-conductive adhesive with a minimum safe drive away time of 30 minutes. Dow / DuPont Betaseal Express 30 is currently the best adhesive on the market.
What is a minimum safe drive away time, and how does that relate to my windshield install?
Minimum Safe Drive Away time or MSDAT refers to how long the vehicle has to sit after the windshield install in order to give the adhesive enough time to set up for the customer to drive away safely. The better the adhesive the shorter the minimum safe drive away time. Just a few years ago the best adhesive on the market had a MSDAT of 4 hours, currently with today’s technology and advances in adhesives they have been able to get that MSDAT down as low as 30 minutes.
How long does a windshield installation take?
From start to finish your average windshield installation takes about an hour and a half. The removal and installation process of the glass itself typically takes about an hour, after the installation is complete because we use one of the best auto glass adhesives on the market the vehicle will only have to sit 30 minutes before you can drive away safely, this is referred to as your minimum safe drive away time or MSDAT.
Do you repair windshield cracks?
Yes we do! Here at Transparency Auto Glass we are proud members of the National Windshield Repair Association or NWRA. If you have damage to your windshield that can be completely covered up with a quarter then it is safe to be repaired.
How long does a windshield crack repair take?
Your typical windshield repair only takes about 25-30 minutes. With repairs immediately after we cure the resin that was injected into the damage you are safe to drive away, no special after care instructions necessary.
Do you provide a Mobile service?
Yes we do! Here at Transparency we include a free mobile service with every auto glass service that we offer. So no need to take off work or hire a babysitter, we will come right to you with all of the necessary tools and materials needed to do the job right the first time.
What glass do use for your windshield installs?
When it comes to choosing the right glass for you and your vehicle OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass is always going to be the highest quality of glass. Unfortunately, sometimes, OEM glass can be very expensive. Original Equipment Equivalent or OEE windshields are a more economical option when it comes to a windshield replacement. A lot of customers go the OEE route and as long as it is properly installed with good quality materials, they never have any issues. The correct glass for you will ultimately be determined by your budget and the type of vehicle you have. Fortunately for you here at Transparency we have over 15 years of experience in the auto glass industry. So if you’re ever not quite sure what glass to go with or what glass will be best for your vehicle give us a call anytime and are experienced technicians will be more than happy to help you out.
Do you guys replace side mirrors?
Yes we do! Driving around with a broken side mirror is not just an eye sore; it can also be very dangerous as well! Some side mirrors do require a little more skill and know how to be able to replace them successfully. Not to worry, here at Transparency we are very experienced in handling side mirror replacements, so give us call and we can help you get that mirror fixed in no time.
Do you replace all types of Auto Glass?
We work with all makes, models and various types of vehicles. Come in with your Honda Civic or your tractor-trailer; big or small and everything in between, we will treat them all with expert care as if they are our very own. If it has wheels and glass, we can replace any problematic windows and/or windshields.
Do you replace clips and moldings?
Yes, we do! Here at Transparency Auto Glass, we do not cut any corners. During the install if there are clips that need to be replaced or if the molding needs to be replaced we replace them. We do not glue anything back together. We put everything back to factory specs.