6% of windshields require replacement each year in the United States, and it is important to hire a qualified auto glass service technician when the need arises. Whether needing repair or replacement, it is vital to hire a qualified professional to perform any services regarding your vehicle’s windshield. All newly manufactured vehicles are required to comply with standing FMV safety standards for auto glass before being sold in the United States. The same guidelines do not apply to replacement windshields. National Glass Association (NGA) certified technicians should provide an installation that is comparable to these standards upon request.

13-14 million windshields are replaced annually in the United States, most commonly caused by flying debris, vandalism, and collisions. It is important to realize that windshield replacement is a complicated, challenging process that should only be performed by properly trained professionals.

Replaced windshields must be perfectly positioned and installed as to not compromise the integrity of the vehicle’s cab. The windshield provides essential support to the passenger compartment in the event of an accident, especially in rollovers. Think of the windshield as the keystone of an arch.

When having your windshield repaired or replaced, always use the services of a reputable and competent auto glass service technician. Replacing a windshield is actually a very exact science and is not as simple of a service as you may have first considered. Proper installation of your vehicle’s windshield is crucial to the performance of your vehicle’s safety systems and is the best way to ensure your vehicle is as safe as it can be.

When having your windshield replaced, there are a few things you can look at to help ensure a quality installation. During the installation, make sure that you service technician is using protective gloves while handling the windshield at all times. This prevents oils and dirt from contaminating the bonded surfaces of the windshield. Similarly, the technician should thoroughly clean and prime the windshield and the application area before installation.

Be sure the windshield is perfectly centered on the vehicle. A misplaced windshield will not provide a structurally sound passenger compartment in the event of a collision or rollover. Also inspect the weather stripping to ensure it fits tightly against the vehicle’s body with no bumps, waves, or gaps. If the replacement windshield on your vehicle is not completely bonded to the vehicle, the windshield may become detached in the event of an accident, leading to even greater chance of serious injury or death.

It is important that you should select a qualified auto glass technician to should you need to have your windshield repaired or replaced. Having a structurally compromised windshield can increase your chances of serious injury or death in the event of an accident. Furthermore, if the windshield is not properly installed, these chances increase dramatically.

In 2002, the program 20/20 ran a story which stated that up to 70 % of the 12 million windshields replaced each year are done so improperly. Proper installation of your vehicle’s windshield is crucial to the performance of the vehicle’s safety systems. The best way to ensure a proper installation is to only use a reputable auto glass service technician; one which uses quality materials, provides sound service, and has a good reputation with plenty of experience.

Besides the windshield, the remaining windows of your vehicle, including the rear window, are constructed of tempered glass. This tempered glass is manufactured using rapid heating and cooling methods, which strengthens the glass. When the structural stability of tempered glass is compromised, it does not shatter; rather, it breaks into small, pebble-like pieces which are dull, and do not cut like shattered glass. This helps prevent additional injuries caused by sharp shards of glass in the event of an accident.