Windshield Replacement Safety
The windshield in your vehicle does more than keep out nasty weather. It serves as a barrier protecting you from flying road debris, provides stability to the vehicle frame in the event of a roll-over accident, and provides resistance for the deployment of the passenger side air bag. These three properties have caused the federal government to rate the windshield as a safety device - just like your seat belts. In order for your windshield to perform when you need it, the glass must be installed to meet all available safety regulations.
While the government has rated the windshield as a safety device THERE ARE NO GOVERNMENT REGULATED SAFETY REQUIREMENTS for installing a windshield. This places the responsibilities for following safety protocols on the shoulders of your local windshield replacement shop.
Before you schedule service with any windshield replacement shop, be sure they follow or are at least aware of the following Windshield Replacement Safety Points.
Windshield Replacement Safety Points
A Clean Surface - After removing the old windshield, an installer should check the entire surface of the frame to ensure all old molding and adhesive has been completely removed.
Free of Rust and Corrosion - The vehicle frame should always be checked thoroughly for the presence of rust and/ or corrosion.
A Proper Fit - Windshield replacement shops that cut costs by buying cheap foreign glass can have issues with "true" dimension. A windshield that is off by an inch or more WILL be unsafe.
No Gaps, No Bubbles - Before installing the new glass, the fresh bead of adhesive should be checked thoroughly for gaps or bubbles. If found the adhesive should be removed and reapplied.