Tips For Selecting Mobile Service When Having Your Car Windshield Replaced

An auto glass installer who comes in a mobile van to replace a car’s damaged windshield can be a great convenience for busy Americans. But, is mobile service as good as having your windshield replaced at a glass shop?

That depends, says a leading automotive replacement glass industry expert, who recommends consumers follow these steps.

“Most important is to find an installer who is certified by an industry organization and adhesive manufacturer,” says Bob Beranek, president of Automotive Glass Consultants who often provides testimony as an expert witness in auto glass-related litigation.

“Don’t be embarrassed or shy about asking to see an installer’s credentials,” Beranek advises. “A professional installer will understand the consumer’s concerns and be pleased to provide the information. Ask to see a copy of the certification, which should be in the name of the installer, not the shop.”

The next important consideration is the weather. “If the weather is inclement, rainy, snowy, or damp, don’t have your windshield replaced outdoors or in an open-air environment,” Beranek says. “Installers use special materials to bond the glass to the vehicle body, and dry surfaces are needed for the materials to bond properly in a reasonable period of time.”

Also important are air temperature and humidity. While it is not impossible to replace a windshield in temperatures below 20 degrees, Beranek says it is not practical. “The reason is because of the importance of having a good bonding seal between the glass and the car body. There are two factors to consider. First, is the need for there to be no condensation or frost on either the glass or the car body,” says Beranek. “So, if the temperature is cold enough for frost to form, the installer must make absolutely sure the glass and car body surfaces are dry.”

“The second consideration,” he continues, “is the type of adhesive used to install the glass. Many two-part chemical cure systems can be used in cold conditions from zero to 20 degrees. One-part systems are generally used at temperatures above 40 degrees.”

Whenever a windshield is replaced, whether it is by mobile service or at a glass shop, Beranek says to ask the installer for safe drive-away time and follow his instructions exactly.

“The drive-away time is the time needed for the urethane adhesive to cure completely before it is safe to drive away. Chemical adhesives cure more quickly and have faster drive-away times than one-part systems that take longer to cure. So ask what type of urethane system will be used and the cure time needed before it is safe to drive the vehicle.”

In a glass shop, an installer has greater control over the drive-away time, Beranek says. With mobile service, when a windshield is replaced at an off-site location that is convenient for the customer, it is the customer who must follow the installer’s advice.

One final consideration, Beranek notes, is windshield size. “Some large windshields, such as those on minivans, require two people to install. A professional, reputable auto glass installation shop with mobile service will know which windshields need two installers and will make sure there are two people sent to handle the job right.”

In the Twin Cities Metro Area, Rightway Auto Glass, located at 8573 Jefferson Hwy., Osseo, MN is a certified auto glass shop that can provide quality work. For convenient auto glass repairs and replacements, call (763) 420-7014.

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