The Safety of Windshield Installation
It is one of the greatest safety features found on a vehicle today, but it is also one that we take for granted- our windshield. Eleven million windows are replaced each year, but as a recent 20/20 news investigation uncovered, a great number of these windows are replaced incorrectly.
Windshields do a lot more than just keep the rain and dust out- they deflect the airbag and keep the roof from caving in on top of you. They also prevent you from being thrown out of the vehicle in a collision.
The National Glass Association is an industry group that has certified more than 10,000 installers nationwide. They offer some suggestions for safe windshield replacement.
- Stick with installers certified by the NGA. Your chances of getting your windshield safely replaced will increase.
- Insist that a strong automotive grade adhesive be used to bond the glass.
- Don't let the glass be installed on corroded metal.
- Follow- to the letter- the directions given by your technician.
- Drive the vehicle only when the adhesive has fully cured (dried and hardened), usually about 10 hours.
Always wear seat belts and insist that all passengers wear them too.
