Question 1

Can my windshield be repaired or do I need to replace it?

Accepted Answer

The National Glass Association recommends that any windshield damage be fixed as soon as possible. Most ‘dings’ or ‘chips’ can be repaired if the damage is not in the driver’s line of vision and is smaller than the size of a silver dollar, including any cracks. This could save you and your insurance company hundreds of dollars. If the break is larger or in the drivers line of vision, most insurance companies recommend replacement. Magic windshields provides both services for your convenience.

Question 2

What is OEM glass?

Accepted Answer

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM glass is produced from original equipment-style tooling and meets the manufacturer specifications for safety and quality. Only OEM glass can insure proper fit and finish which greatly reduces the possibility of air or water leaks. Most importantly, only OEM glass is designed specifically to meet the safety standards necessary for your protection in an accident. You should always use OEM glass to insure your safety. If you are making an insurance claim to pay for your windshield replacement, you are most likely entitled to OEM glass. You’ve paid for it in your policy.

Question 3

What are FMVSS and why are they important to me?

Accepted Answer

FMVSS stands for Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. They are standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association relating to vehicle safety. A number of these standards set minimum requirements for windshield retention in vehicle accidents. Because the windshield is the most important safety restraint system in a vehicle, it’s critical that the windshield not come out in an accident. If that were to occur, the passenger compartment would be compromised, occupants could be ejected and the roof could collapse. Any of these scenarios would result in serious injury and possibly death. As a result, FMVSS must be adhered to with every windshield installation. The only way to meet these standards is by strictly following the vehicle manufacturers’ preferred installation methods. These include, performing full cutout procedures, utilizing OEM glass, applying the necessary primers and using only the approved adhesives that provide the proper safe drive-away times. FMVSS were created and are in place to save your life. Unfortunately, not all glass companies comply. It’s up to you to make sure your glass replacement company adheres to them. No one else will.

Question 4

How long will it take to replace my windshield?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the make and model of your vehicle. Most vehicles require less than 1 hour to properly install the windshield. Because of the complexity of some vehicles, it could take as long as 1-2 hours.

Question 5

I just had my windshield replaced. How do I know if it was done right?

Accepted Answer

You don’t. That’s the problem. Without removing the windshield, it’s impossible to tell if the windshield was prepped correctly, if critical primers were used, or if the proper amount and type of urethane was used. Once a windshield is installed, all the critical installation steps are hidden under the moldings and ceramic band. If it looks clean and the moldings are lying flat, you can only guess it was done right. But those things are only cosmetic. It’s what is underneath that counts. The only sure way to tell if a windshield is properly installed is to crash test it, but we don’t recommend it. The next best way is to know the reputation of the company that installed it.

Question 6

I called around and got cash prices on my windshield. Why is there such a big difference in price?

Accepted Answer

There could be a lot of reasons. Some companies are famous for quoting incredibly low prices on the telephone, but when the customer goes in for service they find out that other parts are required and that tax and labor was not included. Some companies quote low prices because they use inferior aftermarket glass and cheap inexperienced labor. Unfortunately, most people don’t know the difference or don’t understand the safety implications and they make their decision solely on price. Don’t be fooled by gimmicks and giveaways. The old adage applies: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Question 7

How can some companies afford to waive my deductible, give me cash back and still do quality work?

Accepted Answer

Chances are, they can’t. In recent years insurance companies have set strict pricing standards on auto glass and will not pay more than these “usual and customary” charges. As a result, the only way the cost of those freebies can be absorbed is by cutting corners. You’ll have to question what kind of job you’ll get. Will they use Original Equipment parts, Certified technicians and AGRSS safety procedures to insure your safety? Probably NOT! Several of these “Cash Back” companies have faced 7 figure lawsuits for insurance fraud from Geico insurance and others. Always check online reviews before doing business with a company that sounds too good to be true. Most companies with reputations for doing quality work don’t need to make wild offers to attract business. And remember what your grandfather told you: “There ain’t no free lunch.”

Question 8

What should I look for when my windshield is replaced?

Accepted Answer

The first thing to look for is a company that has a good reputation and a proven service record. Next make sure they are using OEM glass and have Certified technicians. If you start with the right company, you’re halfway there. When the installer comes out, ask questions. Questions about when you’ll be able to safely drive your vehicle and what kind of urethane he’ll be using. He should be knowledgeable enough to answer any questions you may have. Make sure that he’ll do a factory recommended “full cutout” instead of the quicker “short-cut” method which leaves most of the old sealant in place. The installer should carefully clean and always prime the windshield before installation. He should also use suction cups or at least disposable gloves while installing the windshield to insure that the adhesive surface of the glass does not become contaminated. Missing any of these steps could result in an improper or unsafe installation. After an accident is the wrong time to find out your windshield was improperly installed.

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