Repair or Replacement? The Nation's Experts Answer Your Questions

Can the damage to my windshield be repaired?

If you have done any research on this question, then you know the answers can vary widely. Some businesses even claim they can repair damage up to one foot in length. But when you look a little closer, many of the businesses making these claims aren't reputable shops, but one person with a mobile unit - one man vans.

All the trained and certified auto glass shop owners we have consulted took this claim to be outrageous. Dave Burns of Ray Sands Glass in Rochester, NY gave some advice on the topic - "As a general rule, I wouldn't usually repair any damage that couldn't be covered up with a quarter. But there are some exceptions, depending on the size, type, and location of the damage. The only way to know for sure is to have a qualified shop take a look at the damage."

Why pay more for the windshield replacement, if someone can repair it for less?

When considering this question, remember that the windshield is essential to the structural integrity of your car or truck. Not only does it play a prominent role in supporting the roof, it also deflects the airbag and is often the only thing keeping the driver in the car in the event of an accident. Severe damage to the windshield could be equated to severe damage to the seat belts - something that may not cause alarm to the average consumer, until it ends up costing a lot more than a replacement.

The damage to my windshield cannot be repaired and I need a replacement, how do I select an auto glass shop?

The most important factors in a safe auto glass replacement are well trained and certified auto glass technicians. Make sure that the shop you choose follows Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS) and trains all technicians to do so. It is also important that the technicians be certified by the National Glass Association (NGA) this ensures that technician are up to date and qualified to work on all makes and models of automobiles. "I can't say enough about the importance of trained technicians following procedures in safe windshield replacement." said Roger McDonald of A1 Auto glass in Ft. Worth, TX "Technicians must use the proper primers, adhesives and sealants in the proper manner and amount. And the technician must understand how weather conditions can affect the cure time of the different combinations of products in order to decide on a safe drive away time." In factory windshield installation, all of these procedures are performed and measured by advanced computerized machines, so technicians must strictly adhere to safety standards. If a technician is not industry certified, the consumer cannot even be sure if they are aware of these safety restrictions.

What is the difference between OEM and Aftermarket auto glass?

While this doesn't seem like that big of a decision, it can be a big factor in the safety of your vehicle. It is always ideal to keep the factory installed windshield, but when the damage is beyond repair, the best solution is OEM glass. OEM glass is made by the Original Equipment Manufacturer, so all windshields are measured and formed with the same specifications as your original factory installed windshield. OEM glass carries guarantees that aftermarket glass does not, and often dealers will not accept a car with aftermarket glass, because specifications can vary so widely.