Safety Standards

It is the legal right of consumers in New Mexico to select the auto glass or windshield replacement shop of their choice. If customers call an insurance company to arrange for a new windshield, they should be allowed to use the shop of their choice or be referred to a reputable independent auto glass or windshield replacement company that is reasonably close to them. They should not be steered by the insurance company’s third party administrator (a large national auto glass company that represents itself as the insurance company when the customer calls the 800 claims number) to one of their own shops. If customers calls an auto glass or windshield replacement company directly, they should make sure it meets the safety criteria listed below.

Even with the right products, the human element is critical. After all, auto glass and windshield installation is serious business. Installers who don’t have to be licensed must perform complicated manual operations (at auto factories, these functions are automated). Furthermore, they must know the specifications and the required techniques for hundreds of models of cars. Accordingly, consumers should determine that the technician assigned to their vehicle is certified and highly professional. For example, they should never install auto glass or windshields on corroded metal, they should know when and how to use the proper primers and activators for each manufacturer’s urethane, and they should practice safe procedures such as wearing nitrile gloves

Since most drivers are covered by comprehensive insurance, they don’t need to put a price tag on safety. Their insurance covers auto glass and windshield replacement with OEM materials, so demand it. We believe they should demand that the auto glass or windshield replacement company use products that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS “ these are established for new car sales, but unfortunately, they are not enforced for aftermarket replacement).

In particular, consumers should specify that they want OEM auto glass or windshields and fast-cure OEM sealants and primers. These products cost auto glass and windshield replacement shops more than aftermarket brands, but they are worth it because they protect the structural integrity of the car.

Put another way, how damaging are lawsuits, more of which are being filed by injured motorists? Moreover, what is the value of a human life?

Due to ignorance or questionable ethics, too many technicians release cars with newly installed windshields before the urethane adhesive has properly cured. If this happens, the safety of the vehicle occupants will be jeopardized. When the highest quality adhesives are used under the right circumstances, the safe drive-away time may be as short as 1 hour. Chapman Auto Glass uses Essex Betaseal Advance Cure Auto Glass Adhesive even though it costs 2-3 times as much as standard urethane. Many of our competitors save this extra cost and you are none the wiser unless you are in an accident!. With standard cure urethane and under low temperature and humidity conditions, it could be several days before your vehicle is safe to drive again. Consumers should absolutely verify that a top-quality, fast-cure urethane is being used for their windshield installation. They should also ask to see the urethane manufacturer’s safe drive-away time data.

At a minimum, customers should expect a warranty that covers the installers workmanship (leaks, air noises, molding retention, etc.) and against manufacture defects such as distortion or stress cracks. What about an assurance of OEM glass and adhesives, as well as certified technicians performing the installation?

In the final analysis, auto glass and windshield replacement is a very sophisticated business, and because the industry isn’t government regulated, it’s that much more important that consumers do their homework and select a company they can trust. At Chapman Auto Glass we try to inform anyone willing to listen about what is at stake. Armed with this information, consumers are better able to make informed and wise choices about the auto glass or windshield replacement shop they use.

Be skeptical of where your insurance company or their third party administrator is trying to steer you. They are looking for the absolute lowest cost which rarely results in the safest and highest quality job. Please give auto glass and windshield replacement the attention it deserves. Because there is no replacement for you or your family.