Know Your Rights When It Comes To Windshield Replacement
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 1 -- If your vehicle's windshield needs to be replaced and you don't contact your insurance agent for a service referral, you will need to know your rights when you call the claims center 800 number provided by your insurance carrier. Making a wrong decision could compromise your vehicle's appearance, as well as your safetyAs an insurance policyholder, you always have the right to have the work done by the auto glass service center that you prefer. You have the right to demand top-quality service and products.
Paul Rice, director of PPG PROSTARS, a nationwide alliance of certified auto glass technicians, tells car owners, "Windshield replacement is a multi- step process and each step of the process must be done properly or it could affect the fit and functionality of the windshield." He adds, "Your vehicle's continued safety performance depends on the proper installation of the replacement windshield. An improperly installed windshield can contribute to passenger-side airbag failure and possible roof collapse if an accident should occur."
Rice offers four important tips to remember when making decisions about replacing your windshield:
1. You can choose the auto glass shop. If you know a reputable shop in your area, specify your choice when calling to report windshield damage. The choice is completely up to you. 2. You can demand quality work. Ask if the specific technician who your shop assigns to your vehicle has the training, industry certifications and experience to ensure a quality job. And ask if they have worked on your model vehicle before. 3. You can demand quality glass and adhesives. To get the most secure windshield fit, ask for replacement glass made by an Original Equipment Manufacturer, or OEM, like PPG, because PPG replacement glass has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. And make sure the technician uses the proper urethane adhesive based on weather conditions. You should know in advance the safe drive-away time specified by the adhesive manufacturer. 4. You can insist on a written, nationwide warranty. A reputable glass shop will stand behind their work. Securing a nationwide warranty will assure you of service - no matter where your travels may take you.
Rice says the more informed car owners are, the better. And, he recommends that car owners keep a copy of the attached windshield replacement checklist in their glove compartment. This handy guide will help you make sure quality work is performed on your vehicle. So ask that it be completed by the technician who fixes your windshield.
For more information on auto glass or to obtain additional copies of the windshield replacement checklist, visit www.ppgprostars.com. Or call 1-866-2THEPROS to locate a quality auto glass shop near you.
PPG PROSTARS Windshield Replacement Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure that quality work is performed on your vehicle. Clip it out and keep it in your glove compartment. If you ever need a windshield replacement, ask the technician who does the work to complete this form.
Windshield Replacement Checklist Pre-work Inspection completed Yes No* Seat covers used Yes No* Floor mats used Yes No* Car body protected Yes No* Parts and glass removal Cowl removed Yes No* Wiper, trim removed Yes No* Proper glass removal Yes No* Pinchweld and glass preparations Full-cut technique used (trim to 1/16") Yes No* Defrost ducts cleared Yes No* Vehicle body pinchweld prepped Yes No* New glass prepped Yes No* Adhesive system Urethane used Yes No* Adhesive brand ______________________ Expiration date ______________________ Primerless system used Yes If no: Metal primer brand _________________ Expiration date ____________________ Glass primer brand _________________ Expiration date ____________________
Note: Adhesive systems should not be mixed (i.e., primer for one urethane used with another.)
Timing/curing conditions Humidity _________% Temperature __________ Installation completed at ___________________A.M./P.M. Recommended drive-away time _________________A.M./P.M. Date: ______________ Glass replacement Glass from OEM (original equipment manufacturer) supplier used Yes No* Brand of glass used ___________________________ Post-work inspection Windshield tested for leaks Yes No* Interior vacuumed Yes No* Seats checked Yes No* Dash checked Yes No* Vehicle exterior checked Yes No* Glass cleaned Yes No* Glass shop _______________________________ Technician signature _____________________ *No requires an explanation