How To Choose The Right Car Glass Company
Whoever ever invented the saying “you get what you pay for” was definitely talking about the automotive glass industry.
Glass wholesale distribution companies have made parts easy to access, all that is needed is a resale license. The industry is flooded with people working in the shadows without the proper license or insurance, leaving the consumer in a very unsafe position. Wholesalers have huge inventories that allow even the smallest businesses to have the ability to provide same day service.
It is well known that a windshield is the third most important safety feature in a vehicle behind air bags and seat belts. For the front passenger, a windshield acts as a dash for the airbag, ensuring that the airbag moves in the correct direction during an accident. When a vehicle rolls over onto the roof, a windshield helps strengthen the metal pillars and prevents the roof from collapsing on the occupants. Windshields also prevent debris from hitting us while driving on the highway. Imagine one of those flying stones from a diesel truck actually hitting you instead of glass!
But those security features that I just discussed depend on one simple factor. The consumer chooses a reputable company to complete a safe glass installation. Let’s take a look at some ways you can protect yourself and choose the right company.
First, you can ask if the company has commercial insurance and ask to see the policy (or a copy). To qualify for insurance, insurance agents actually verify the proper city business licenses. The insurance will protect you and your passengers in the event of an unsafe installation that results in injury or even death. Yes, it has happened and auto glass companies have been sued for a lot of money due to unsafe facilities. People have even directly sued the technicians!
Ask the company about their urethane windshield adhesive. This is what attaches the windshield to your vehicle. What glue do they use? Is the glue old? Timed out? Actually, the sticker has an expiration date. Call another company and ask about other people’s glues.
What type of glass will be used? Is it cheap glass? Is it expensive glass? There are definitely different levels of quality, even genuine dealer glass. Higher quality aftermarket glass could include Pilkington, PGW, or Guardian.
Check online reviews. Websites like Yelp, Thumbtack, and Facebook can give you invaluable information about a business before choosing them. Remember to also leave comments about your own experience.
Visit the companies website. A website will give you a complete overview of the professionalism of the company. If a website is of poor quality, it is safe to assume that other aspects of your operations will mimic the impression you get from the website.
Ask about the warranty. Is it for life against water leakage and air leakage? Do you offer free rock chip repair? What about visible distortions? The guarantee is very important and ensures that you get the end result you expected.
If you can’t find a reputable company or if you live in an extremely rural area, you can always try contacting one of these two auto glass companies across the country:
Safelite Auto Glass (corporation) – http://www.Safelite.com
Glass Doctor (franchise) – http://www.GlassDoctor.com