Replacing Your Car's Windshield?

           Your Safety Could Depend on Finding the Right Installer

    PITTSBURGH, March 15 If flying stones from spring and
summer road construction damage your windshield, how will you find the right
auto glass shop to replace it?
    
    Paul Rice, director of PPG PROSTARS, a national alliance of automotive
replacement glass shops, advises car owners to select certified professional
installers, since a vehicle's continued safe performance depends on proper
installation of the replacement windshield.

    "The windshield is a critical component of your car's safety system in an
accident," says Rice. "It reduces the likelihood of people being ejected from
the car in a collision, and helps support the roof from a complete crush if
the car rolls over. The windshield is necessary for proper deflection   of the
passenger-side airbag, as it deploys in the event of an accident."

    Rice says there are four elements to a quality windshield replacement:
     -- A professional installer.
     -- The right glass.
     -- The right adhesive.
     -- A warranty.

    A professional installer has the training and experience to know how to
replace windshields on thousands of vehicles.

    "A professional installer will take the time and use the right materials
-- glass and urethane -- to make sure the replacement is done correctly," Rice
says.

    The right glass is auto replacement glass made by a company, such as PPG
Industries, that also makes original-equipment (OEM) windshields, according to
Rice. While all automotive glass must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards, not all companies make glass for both new vehicles and replacement.

    OEM glass companies typically use the same quality systems to manufacture
windshields for replacement or original equipment, Rice says, assuring optical
quality.  "They use the same tooling to manufacture both, so a replacement
windshield will fit in the frame much like the original part, making wind
noise and water leaks less likely."  Plus the windshield maintains the solar
performance characteristics that were originally designed for the vehicle,
Rice notes.

    The right adhesive is urethane. Windshields are held in place by specially
designed urethane adhesives that bond them to the car frame, Rice said.  Two-
component urethanes should be used when recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer, or when shorter cure times are desired.

    Rice says not to drive your vehicle until the urethane cures.  "A quality
installer will explain the cure time needed before beginning work."

    Because good auto glass shops stand behind their work, Rice said,
consumers should ask for a warranty.

    "Make sure it is at least a one-year, written warranty that covers water
and air leaks," he advises, adding that many shops offer a limited lifetime
warranty.

    If you do experience any problems, go back to the glass shop to have them
corrected.

    "A correct windshield installation returns the vehicle to the level of
safety required to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards," Rice said.