Tips to Choose The Best Auto Glass Company
Windshield damage can happen anytime and anywhere. Even a small pebble or a chunk of debris can leave minor dings or major dents on the windshield. You should avoid leaving pesky chips and cracks on the windshield for a long time because windshields protect the occupants of your car and safeguards you from natural elements, like wind and rain.
We strongly advise you to choose the right auto glass repair company to fix this problem, because your safety is priceless and auto glass is an integral part of your vehicle.
You need to do your homework before hiring a windshield replacement service provider. With so many options, we are sure that choosing the right auto glass repair shop can be difficult.
In this article, we have highlighted the important points you need to keep in mind during your search. It will assist you to pick a company that will meet all your needs as well as industry standards.
1. Process
When there’s damage to your windshield, you’ll obviously need a quick repair. But it is also important to figure out if the company will meet all the safety standards. If your windshield is not properly installed, the airbags inside your car may push out the windshield and put you in a dangerous situation.
To enhance the safety for you and for the people that will travel with you, the auto glass replacement company you select should meet the safety standards of the Auto Glass Safety Council.
2. Materials
Ensure that the auto glass company you select uses quality materials for your glass replacement. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) are windshields made by car companies like Honda or Toyota. Such types of windshields will be subject to rigorous testing and come with a manufacturer stamp.
Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) windshields aka aftermarket windshields are less expensive, but they don’t meet the same safety standards of OEM. Even though it costs more, OEM auto glass is the best in class and will save you from spending more money on repairs.
3. Repair First
A reliable auto glass company will initially take the ‘repair’ first route. Windshield replacements are more expensive than repairs. Unreliable technicians or companies will suggest a replacement even for minor damages that could be repaired at a lower price.
However, a genuine auto glass company will repair the damage first. If they feel that repairing your windshield will make it structurally weak, they will suggest an auto glass replacement.
4. Skilled Technicians
Keep in mind that auto glass installation is not an easy job. You only get one shot at fixing it properly. The best auto glass repair companies will be aware of this delicate process and hire only skilled or licensed technicians.
Plus, windshield replacement is a two-person job. If the company says that only one person will do it without extra help, they may not be a reliable company.
5. Removal of Cowl Panel
Ask the auto glass replacement company if they remove the cowl panel when they do the work. If the answer from the company is a no, it may mean that they’re rushing or using a shortcut. If that’s the case, there’s a higher chance they may make mistakes during your windshield replacement. However, with some makes and models it may not be feasible to remove the cowl panel, so ask the company how they handle the cowl panel on your vehicle.
6. Customer Service
Most people will delay the repair process of their auto glass because they don’t have free time to go to the service station. A good windshield company will think about customer convenience and offer mobile auto glass repair and replacement services.
Mobile windshield services are a convenient option as the technicians can travel to the location of your choice and perform the work — ideal for emergencies and time-constrained situations.
7. Insurance Deductible
If you have comprehensive coverage on your car insurance policy, you can claim for windshield repair or replacement. Please note that the insurance deductible for a repair or damaged windshield will depend on your policy and the state where you live.
A good auto glass replacement company will help you know and understand your coverage. If you qualify for a claim, the company will make your auto glass related claims work hassle-free. They will work directly with your insurance company and simplify the process.
8. Warranty
Check if the auto glass company you’ve selected provides a lifetime guarantee on their workmanship. It proves that the company is confident about its work and if any issues arise in the future, the auto glass company will take care of it.
For products, you can choose between OEM or OEE which comes with 6 months to 1 year of warranty. OEM auto glass is made by the same manufacturer as your car company, and OEE auto glass is made by the same standards as your car company but by a different manufacturer. You can check with your auto glass replacement provider for more details on this.
In Conclusion
Check out a few different companies before making your choice because you never know the benefits you might miss if you only consult one auto glass shop. We hope that the tips in this article will help you make the right choice.
If you are looking for an auto glass company with the above-mentioned criteria, then Maple Auto Glass should be your pick. We use 100% genuine OEM auto glass products to provide optimum safety to your car. Along with that, we also provide OEE auto glass for those on a budget, mobile services throughout Barrie, Brandon, and Cobourg, Ontario, and a lifetime warranty on our workmanship.
Check our pages on auto glass repair and auto glass replacement to learn more. You can call us (705-927-8717) or send a message at any time to get a free quote.
