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Questions about auto glass?

Here are the answers to some questions auto glass customers frequently ask us.


Question: What's the difference between my windshield and the other glass in my car? Isn't glass just glass?

Answer: No - there's a very important difference between your windshield and the rest of the glass in your car.

Your windshield is made of LAMINATED SAFETY GLASS. What makes it unique is its special construction, designed to offer optimum safety in the event of a crash. LAMINATED SAFETY GLASS is made up of two pieces of glass, with a thin layer of vinyl sandwiched between them. The three pieces are laminated together by applying heat and pressure in a special oven called an autoclave.

When a small object strikes a piece of safety glass, often only the outer layer struck breaks. This is what makes windshield rock chip repair possible.

In a more severe impact, the glass "shatters" but usually does not fly apart - the broken pieces of glass generally adhere to the vinyl inner lining. LAMINATED SAFETY GLASS also acts as a barrier to objects moving inside the vehicle.

In some vehicles the door glasses and back glass may also be LAMINATED SAFETY GLASS. This is primarily for road noise reduction in the cabin but also for protection against an unwanted intrusion attempt.

Generally though, the side and rear windows are made of TEMPERED GLASS. As the name implies, the glass has been "tempered", i.e., put through a special process where it is heated, then rapidly cooled. This "tempering" process makes the glass many times stronger than un-tempered glass of the same thickness.

Upon impact, TEMPERED GLASS is designed to disintegrate into small pieces of glass about the size of rock salt. There should be no large, jagged pieces of glass to injure the driver or passengers. However, the force necessary to break a piece of tempered glass is considerably more than an un-tempered piece.


Question: I have a crack or a ding in my windshield - is it really important that I fix it right away?

Answer: Yes! It's important for two reasons:

  1. If the ding is small, it may be repairable. That means your LYNX Services Participant can "mend" the break without replacing your entire windshield. Repairing your windshield typically takes less than 30 minutes, and is fully guaranteed by LYNX Services Participants. If for any reason it fails, the cost of the repair will be applied toward a replacement windshield.

    Best of all, in most cases, your insurance company will waive the deductible on repair service, so there is no out of pocket cost! But the longer you let the damage remain without having it fixed, the more moisture, dirt and debris will collect in the break - and the more the break will spread. If it gets too big or too contaminated, it's very likely that a replacement will be necessary.

  2. The second reason to have a damaged windshield fixed is for your own safety. The windshield is more than just a "shield" from wind and road dirt, it's an important structural element of your car. It helps keep you and your passengers in the car in a front impact accident, and keeps your car's airbag in the optimum position so it can function as designed. If your windshield is weakened due to damage, it could be dangerous to you and your passengers in the event of an accident. Also, damaged glass may cause optical impediments when driving, particularly at night, which is a significant safety hazard.


Question: Does my windshield really protect me?

Answer: Yes. Your windshield plays an integral part in roof crush protection in a roll-over accident. It also provides the brace for your passenger-side airbag. If your windshield loses adhesion on a collision or rollover, your safety is in jeopardy. This is why it is important that your auto glass work be done by a trained professional.


Question: What is OEM glass?

Answer: OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. This means that the glass meets the original specifications for safety and quality as the glass that it came with from the factory.

Windshields may look simple, but they are actually made from two pieces of glass that are bent in a very precise way. If a windshield does not meet the exact specifications of the manufacturer, it will not fit precisely in your car.

The best way to assure exact fit is to use a windshield produced from tooling engineered to the car manufacturer's specifications. OEM quality glass is your assurance that this has occurred.


Question: How can I know if a glass company will do a good job?

Answer: The first thing you should ask is whether the shop is a LYNX Services Participant. Every LYNX Services Participant is committed to providing the highest quality of workmanship, parts, and customer service.

LYNX Services takes care of the pre-screening for you. In order to participate in our glass program, a glass shop must meet a set of criteria developed to ensure both safety and quality. Another part of becoming a LYNX Services Participant involves having installers complete a certification process in the proper use of adhesives. These adhesives are what holds windshields in place and is the single most critical element in a safe, secure installation.

Furthermore, LYNX Services participants are contractually obligated to follow AGRSS; the Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standard. This standard, as the name implies, addresses every aspect of a safe replacement of any piece of glass in your passenger vehicle.


Can I have my glass replaced at my home or office?

Answer - Yes, but you should take precautions. You should avoid having your windshield replaced outside when the weather is bad. Any time the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, one-part adhesives may not adhere properly, and your windshield could leak or lose its adhesion. In low temperature and high humidity situations, a reputable company will use a two-part sealant containing a chemical drying agent that will harden quickly under all temperature and humidity conditions. No reputable company would replace a windshield outside during poor weather conditions without setting up a temporary shelter over your car to protect it during the installation.


What kind of warranty should I ask for?

Answer - Make sure it covers water and air leaks. Also if there is a problem with the windshield not seating or sealing properly, the shop should take care of it. Generally, all reputable shops such as LYNX Services Participants stand behind their work. If you have a problem after their installation, LYNX Services Participant retailers will resolve the issue. Their written warranty is your guarantee.

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