What You Should Know About Windshield Safety

PITTSBURGH, July 1 -- More than just keeping you dry and bug-free while driving, your windshield is extremely important in maintaining your safety every time you get behind the wheel.

The windshield is a critical part of a vehicle's safety system and is classified as a safety device. In the event of an accident, the windshield enables the passenger side air bag to function properly and, in the event of a rollover, it minimizes roof collapse. See http://www.ppgprostars.com/ for details.

"There are a number of things every vehicle owner should know, but most don't," said Alan Boatwright, President of Greenwood Glass Co., S.C., and a member of the Leadership Council of PPG PROSTARS, a national alliance of independently owned auto glass repair and replacement specialists.

Depending on the location and severity of windshield damage, repairing cracks and chips is a viable option that can restore the structural integrity of the windshield's glass, said Boatwright. Because it's quick and relatively inexpensive, insurance companies will often not charge policyholders who have comprehensive coverage for a windshield repair. However, if a repair is done when a replacement is necessary or if the repair isn't done properly, car owners can be at a higher risk for severe injury.

An important factor in the safety of a repair is the training of the technician performing the work. "Quality auto glass work should only be done by trained, experienced, safety-oriented technicians. There are a lot of mistakes an untrained technician can make that would jeopardize the integrity of the repair," said Boatwright.

A large part of finding an experienced technician, he notes, is choosing a repair facility that stresses technician training. Vehicle owners have the right to choose the glass shop of their choice for repairs even if an insurance company pushes the owner toward a particular shop or network of shops, a practice widely known as steering.

Technician experience also applies to mobile glass service, work that is performed at a car owner's home or business instead of in a glass shop. Boatwright notes that mobile service providers often do repairs and replacements outdoors and that unregulated moisture and temperature conditions can affect the quality of the repair or replacement.

Boatwright cautions against driving a vehicle until the adhesive holding the glass in place is fully cured. "Ask your auto glass technician what the safe drive-away time is. If the adhesive isn't cured, the force of the airbag deploying in an accident can blow out the windshield's glass," continued Boatwright.

PPG PROSTARS is a nationwide alliance of certified auto glass professionals who back their work with a national warranty. To learn more about safe, quality, professional auto glass repair and replacement, or to find a PPG PROSTARS near you, visit http://www.ppgprostars.com/ and use the dealer locator, or call 1-866-2-THEPROS.