How to Choose the Best Auto Glass Company for Your Windshield Replacement

Your windshield is a vital part of your vehicle, providing structural support and protection from the elements. A windshield with large cracks and deep chips poses a safety threat to you and your passengers. Windshield replacements are the only solution to large amounts of damage to a vehicle’s windshield, but it is important that you choose a reputable and reliable auto glass company to ensure your windshield replacement is done correctly using high quality materials. Here’s some tips on how to choose the best auto glass company for your windshield replacement service. 

Quality Materials 

When it comes to windshields, there are several different levels of quality. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) windshields will possess the same quality and meet the same safety standards as your vehicle’s original windshield. While OEM windshields ensure top quality, they can be expensive. Many auto glass companies offer other windshield replacement options that are equivalent to or exceed OEM quality. It is important to discuss the types of windshields an auto glass company offers before you choose a company to perform your windshield replacement. 

Lower quality windshields may be cheaper, but they also are more prone to scratches, cracks, and chips. High quality windshields are also easier to maintain, as they can often be cleaned with just a wet cloth. If you want to ensure your windshield replacement will last as long as a windshield should, check with the auto glass company to see if they carry OEM equivalent or higher quality windshields. 

Certification and Safety Standards 

As mentioned before, your windshield is a vital component to the safety of your vehicle. A good windshield can even prevent the roof of your vehicle from collapsing in the event of a rollover accident. That being said, the installation process is very important. If a windshield is not adhered and placed correctly, no matter the quality, it will not be able to protect you like it should. The easiest way to ensure an auto glass company will install your windshield to meet top safety standards is by checking their certifications. There are several areas where an auto glass company’s technicians may be certified including: 

ADAS Calibration

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technology is responsible for many safety features in modern vehicles including lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and automatic braking in the event of a possible forward collision. ADAS equipment is usually mounted to the inside of your front windshield, therefore, when your windshield is replaced, the systems will need to be calibrated to ensure they work as intended. An auto glass company can seek certification to calibrate these systems through several different organizations.

Usually, the certification consists of training and education for auto glass technicians about how to use certain tools to perform ADAS calibrations. Some common certification organizations include I-CAR, ASE L4, and Atuel. By choosing an auto glass company with an ADAS certification, you are ensuring that your ADAS equipment is properly calibrated to the proper safety standards after your windshield replacement. Click here to learn more about ADAS calibration.

AGSC (Auto Glass Safety Council)

The Auto Glass Safety Council is an organization that develops the standard for safety in the auto glass industry. The AGSC ensures proper procedures, education, and product performance for participating auto glass companies. By choosing an auto glass company that is a member of the Auto Glass Safety Council, you are ensuring that your windshield replacement will meet or exceed the nation’s top safety standards. 

There are several other certifications that cooperate with AGSC standards. A reputable auto glass company will seek certification for their auto glass technicians in the materials they use for their windshield replacements. If you are curious about this, ask the auto glass company what materials they use and check their certifications for those materials. Certification from the organizations that supply materials to an auto glass company will ensure that the auto glass technicians replacing your windshield are experts on their materials. Some common certifications in this area include Delta Kits, DuPont, GT Tools, and Sika. 

Insurance Claim Assistance

Windshield replacement services can be costly, but the good news is many comprehensive auto insurance plans will cover part or all of the costs to replace your windshield. Filing an insurance claim for your windshield may seem complicated and stressful, which is why many auto glass companies offer assistance for filing your auto insurance claim. It is a good idea to look for an auto glass technician that is experienced in filing insurance claims to reduce the amount of stress you may experience by dealing with the insurance yourself.

Some auto glass companies will even take care of the entire process, including paperwork and communication with your insurance company. While this is not vital to your safety or the performance of your windshield, insurance claim assistance can make the experience of getting a windshield replacement much easier for you. 

Warranty 

Even with high quality glass and materials, problems with your windshield can still arise due to mistakes in workmanship. While most auto glass companies take care to ensure these mistakes do not occur, a good auto glass company will offer some type of warranty or guarantee on their workmanship. This ensures that you do not suffer financially or otherwise from mistakes made when installing your windshield. While it is ideal to have the job done right the first time, it is important to know that your wallet will not suffer from any mishaps in the installation process. 

Mobile Services 

In the past, it was necessary that you have the time to take your vehicle into a shop to have your windshield replaced. Now, many auto glass companies offer mobile windshield replacement services. With a mobile auto glass service, you can go about your day at home, at work, or even grocery shopping, and an auto glass technician will come to you to replace your windshield. Mobile services are fast and convenient as they take away the need to sit with your car in the shop. While in-shop services are great, they might not work in your schedule. If you are avoiding getting a windshield replacement because you do not want to bring your car into a shop, you might consider finding a reputable mobile auto glass company to come to you instead! 

Do You Need a Windshield Replacement in Santa Rosa, CA and Sonoma County Areas?

Do you need a high quality windshield replacement? At West Coast Auto Glass, our windshield replacement technicians are certified to install a new windshield on personal and commercial vehicles, including semi trucks! Our fast and convenient mobile services allow you to go about your day without interruption while we replace your windshield. West Coast Auto Glass is a member of the Auto Glass Safety Council, which means we hold ourselves to the highest safety standards when installing your new windshield. If you are looking for a reliable auto glass company in the Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, or surrounding areas, contact us today for a free quote!