Here's What to Expect With Professional Auto Glass Repair Services

Driving a vehicle with a cracked or chipped windshield isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s also unsafe. Even just a small crack can compromise the structural integrity of your windshield. And small cracks become much larger cracks from the vibrations of driving your vehicle. 

Don’t take a chance. Have a professional auto glass repair shop repair or replace the windshield for you. 

Before you take your vehicle to the shop for auto glass repair services you want to know what you can expect. This helpful guide will cover the basics you should know about auto glass repair services and help you choose the right shop to fix your windshield. 

Auto Glass Repair Services

We all experience hazards when we drive. Even if you are a good driver several things can put a crack or chip in your windshield. 

• Driving behind large trucks: Large vehicles kick up a lot of rocks and gravel with their tires. If you drive too closely behind them this will end up damaging your vehicle. If they are hauling loose materials it’s also possible that some of the materials can break free and hit your car. 
• Gravel roads: If you travel down gravel roads or dirt roads rocks can easily kick up and hit your windshield. 
• Natural reasons: There are also natural reasons your windshield may be chipped or cracked. Hailstorms, bad rainstorms, changes in temperature, and intense sunlight have all been known to crack windshields. 

Luckily, a damaged windshield is a quick and easy fix. If you have a chipped or cracked windshield take it to a trustworthy auto glass repair shop. Before you Google “auto glass repair near me” here are some things to ask when choosing an auto glass repair shop. 

Are They Certified? 

Before you take your vehicle to an auto glass repair shop ask if they are certified by the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard or AGRSS. The AGRSS is accredited by the American National Standards Institute. This is an organization that helps regulate safety standards across many industries. 

It is not mandatory for auto glass repair shops to comply but those who do follow a set of standards and regularly undergo independent audits of their company. This certification shows that their shop has gone over and above. 

You can trust a certified installer who is registered with the AGRSS to do a great job and take care of your vehicle. 

What Is Safe Drive Away Time? 

Safe drive-away time is the amount of time you need to wait before you can drive the vehicle again. This amount of time depends on the adhesive that is used, the weather, and the type of glass used in your windshield. Typically that wait time is around three hours. 

Some auto glass replacement shops use special adhesives that may take less time. It’s important to wait the full time before driving away. 

Some companies have started quoting customers a “minimum drive-away time” instead of a “safe drive-away time”. This is because there is less liability for the repair shop or adhesive company to say minimum instead of safe. 

Regardless of the term used, your glass replacement shop should stand behind their work. Do not underestimate the influence of temperature or environmental conditions. 

Windshield urethane cure gets shorter in the summer. Increased humidity and warm temperatures lead to a faster cure.

When the temperature drops below 40 degrees your technician may have to use extra products to aid in the curing process. It best to have a windshield repair completed in a heated area when the temperature drops below 40. 

Do They Accept Insurance Claims? 

Most auto glass chip repair shops accept insurance claims but it is a good idea to ask before you drop your car off. Some auto glass shops will directly bill your insurance company for the cost of the replacement if you are filing a claim. All you have to pay is the insurance deductible.

In some states, deductibles are not be applied for glasswork. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners if your windshield only needs to be repaired (not replaced) some insurance companies won’t apply the deductible. Ask your insurance company about glass wor repair costs for your state. 

Pay a Visit to the Shop

It’s always a good idea to visit the glass repair shop before you drop your vehicle off. This way you can see with your own eyes the condition of the shop that will be fixing your windshield. 

Sometimes just visiting the shop will make you think twice about leaving your vehicle there. Make sure the shop is a fully licensed auto repair facility. Other times, the facility will be clean and everything will be in order. It’s best to know before the day you are dropping your car off. 

Check the Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau or BBB helps people find businesses they can trust. They are one of the oldest and most respectable sources for researching auto glass repair shops. 

You can look up reviews online or with your local chamber of commerce to see if there are any negative reports or outstanding compliments about the auto glass shop. You can also see a list of unresolved claims against the company. 

This will give you a better idea of how honest the company is and how they do business. 

Ask About OEM Glass

Lastly, it is a good idea to ask the glass repair shop if they use OEM glass for replacements. OEM glass is made by your car’s original manufacturer. It will be the best fit and best suited for your vehicle. 

Aftermarket glass can work just fine but it isn’t made by your car’s manufacturer and therefore it may not be the best fit for your vehicle. 

Windshield Chips and Cracks Happen

Don’t worry, windshield cracks and chips happen to the best of us. Hire a professional auto glass repair services and they will have you good as new in no time. 

Xtreme Auto Glass and Window Tint is a professional auto glass repair shop. They have been in business for over 15 years. 

Get a free estimate on your windshield repair and see why they are Addison Illinois’s most trusted auto glass repair shop.