7 Tips for Choosing the Best Auto Glass Shop

7 Tips for Choosing the Best Auto Glass Shop

16:35 27 July 2021

The auto glass that the car manufacturers use in windshields and windows is very different from ordinary glass found in home window panes. It is laminated for windshields, which means high-quality resin cements several layers of glass together. It is to secure the structural integrity of the car and keep it compact during accidents. The tempered auto glass in windows also undergoes extreme hot and cold temperatures before being approved for the vehicle. However, severe accidents often cause the glass to fragment. Aside from unfortunate accidents, prolonged exposure to heat or extreme weather conditions can also lead to glass developing cracks and splits. Sometimes, people find inexplicable chips in their windows and windscreens. All such situations trigger a hunt for an apt auto glass shop in the vicinity.

 

Nevertheless, finding the aptest shop for glass repair and replacement is not a piece of cake, especially when hundreds of businesses claim to be the best. Those with a network in the automobile industry and past experience with car dealers often have a go-to shop for their vehicle problems. It can be an arduous process for others, especially when they need immediate service or are dealing with a budget. To ease the search for the best shop, this article offers seven practical tips and tricks.

 

1. Consider the Quality of the Equipment

It is imperative that the reliable service provider uses high-quality paraphernalia to repair your auto glass. Using lousy material will increase your expenses and trips to the shop. Frequent visits from customers, however, boost the revenue of the companies. Due to this, some businesses may find it appealing to use non-durable and low-quality glass for repairs. Some others may adopt this tactic to lower their costs. To avoid falling for such scams, it is best if you do adequate research beforehand.

 

The best shop would ensure that its specialized tools and adhesives are all authentic by inspecting each glass that arrives in from local or international suppliers. They ought to be identical to the ones used initially by car manufacturers. Using adhesives such as urethane, which has a weak chemical bonding, would expose your glass to easy breakage. In worst-case scenarios, the windshield may fragment into shiny shards and severely injure the passengers in case of accidents.

 

2. Inquire About the Variety of Services 

Before you select an auto glass company, remember to ask about the range of services available. Some only specialize in glass repairs. If your car’s windshield has a hole or has been irrevocably wrecked by accident, repair alone will not fix it. A shop offering both repair and replacement would be a better fit. The type of glass they can install is also crucial. OEM and Aftermarket are the two main categories that car owners consider for glass repair. Original manufacturers design OEM windshields identical to the one your vehicle had when you first purchased it. Specific sub-contractors of automakers are responsible for making OEM windshields. These are generally less costly than their Aftermarket counterparts and also comply with the minimum safety standards.

 

Since different technicians manufacture Aftermarket windshields, there is often a concern for their quality and safety standards. They have somewhat different specs, and most experts prefer OEM glass. It is best if you are aware of the glass your chosen company installs. An ideal shop would let you make this choice after providing authentic information about both types.

 

3. Review Their Customer Service

Repairing and replacing your auto glass is a quicker and simpler process if your chosen shop has competent customer service. No one enjoys dealing with technicians that lack people skills or take a week to respond to a basic query. Besides having highly skilled technicians, the best auto glass shop would also have personalized and proactive customer service. You can assess this by reading in-depth reviews from past customers on their official sites. Talking to the colleagues who have interacted with the business in professional settings will also give you a holistic idea about their customer service.

 

4. Inquire About Insurance Policy

Installing a new auto glass or even repairing the old one can be pretty expensive without insurance coverage. A standard windshield replacement may cost between $200 to $400. Thus, knowing the insurance policies of your chosen auto glass shop is mandatory. If they accept insurance claims, they will directly charge your insurance providers, and you will not have to bear the hefty costs. Some people wait until the final bill is calculated only to realize that the auto glass company does not accept insurance claims. To avoid this blow, make sure you check with your insurance company, as well as the auto glass shop.

 

5. Know Whether They Comply With Legal Standards

The shop must comply with the legal safety and manufacturing standards of the country. Otherwise, you may have to deal with legal battles for using their services in the future. The best auto glass companies have certification from Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS) in the USA. It is an organization that works with the Americal National Standards Institute (ANSI) to ensure conformation to legal standards for auto glass. It is best if you select a shop that offers transparency in its certifications and operations.

 

6. Ask About the Guarantee of the Service

Many good auto glass companies offer one year guarantee to the customers. It follows that if your windshield cracks or chips during this period, they are obligated to repair it without additional charges. However, the best shops extend a lifetime guarantee of their glass services. It is also a measure of integrity in their operations and an indicator of the confidence they have in their equipment. Picking a company that offers no guarantee will make you responsible for future damage to the glass, even if it results from technical or installation faults.

 

7. Ensure That They Offer Active Scheduling

For people who rely on personal transport for work and family life, a company that takes weeks to repair a cranny in the windshield is not a pragmatic option. The best shop would be keen to accommodate your schedule, such as offering services on weekends, so it does not disrupt your work. It would fix the glass at your convenience and would also be feasible in case an emergency arrives. 

 

Following these tips would assist you in finding the best auto glass shop that provides stellar services.