Safelite helps drivers get back on the road safely.
Cemile Kavountzis,| for Safelite
You might look at your vehicle’s windshield and other windows and think, it’s all just glass. In fact, most people don’t spend much time thinking about their auto glass — until there’s a problem.
When you get a chip or crack in your windshield, you might jump to the conclusion it’s going to be a huge hassle to get it fixed. But repairing or replacing a windshield has never been easier, according to the experts at Safelite®, the nation’s largest vehicle glass specialist.
Here are some common misconceptions about auto glass debunked.
Myth #1: You always need to replace the entire windshield
A bit of gravel flying up and chipping your windshield isn’t a great way to start your morning commute. But on the bright side, you might not need to have the windshield replaced, depending on the size and number of chips or cracks.
Safelite can often repair your windshield. Getting small chips and cracks repaired as soon as they happen can also prevent the need for a full windshield replacement later.
During a windshield repair, a Safelite technician first cleans the damage, then injects an exclusive resin into the damaged area under a vacuum seal. The technician then cures the resin using ultraviolet light and, lastly, polishes it.
For your peace of mind, Safelite guarantees the repair won’t crack further and will pass any state vehicle inspection, or Safelite will credit the cost of the repair toward a full windshield replacement.
Myth #2: Driving with a cracked windshield is safe
Not so. A windshield protects you from wind, rain and other inclement weather, as well as dirt and debris flying up from the road or off other vehicles. But most importantly, it also provides much of the structural support that keeps you safe in a front-end collision or roll-over accident. Depending on where the damage is, it can create a distracting glare or block your view while you’re driving. In certain states, you can get a ticket if your windshield is damaged and does not pass a state safety inspection.
If you do need a windshield replacement, you’re in good hands. Safelite technicians are experts who complete extensive hands-on training and classroom learning in the company’s SafeTech® certification program.
When replacing auto glass, they use durable, high-quality materials and offer the industry’s only national lifetime warranty on windshield replacements. Safelite also provides other auto glass services, such as rear window replacement and side window replacement.
Myth #3: It’s a hassle to book an appointment
Firstly, making an appointment with Safelite is quick and easy. Secondly, you won’t need to spend hours waiting around a repair shop.
To schedule service, you don’t even need to call anyone. You can simply book online in a matter of minutes. Depending on the type of service and your location, you may not even need to leave your own driveway because Safelite can come to you!
Since launching with one shop in Wichita, Kansas, in 1947, Safelite has grown to be the nation’s largest vehicle glass specialist with MobileGlassShops™ and repair facilities in all 50 states. When you book an appointment, you can come to a Safelite shop, or a Safelite technician can come right to your work, home or another convenient location.
Myth #4: It won’t be covered by insurance
Each year, the Safelite Group family of brands helps around 11 million customers. Not only are they experts in auto glass, but they also work with nearly 200 insurance companies if you decide to file a claim.
To get a free quote online, you’ll answer a few simple questions about your vehicle and the damage. Safelite services all kinds of vehicles, and some locations even work on classic models. Once you have your quote, you can choose whether to pay on your own or use your insurance.
Many people don’t realize windshield repairs are often covered by insurance at no cost to you. Insurance companies provide this benefit to their policyholders who choose to repair the windshield instead of replacing it. Safelite makes filing a claim easy and if you choose to use insurance, Safelite can file a claim for you.
Myth #5: You’ll need to go somewhere else for recalibration
On many newer-model vehicles, the windshield has a forward-facing camera and sensors attached to it, which enable the vehicle's advanced driver safety features – things like lane-keep assist, collision avoidance, cruise control and more.
For one-stop convenience and highly skilled expertise, Safelite’s experienced technicians can often handle replacement and recalibration in a single appointment.
They will perform a dynamic or static recalibration to make sure your cameras and sensors are working accurately to keep you safe on the road.
Dynamic recalibration requires a technician to drive the vehicle at a set speed on well-marked roads to recalibrate the camera system. For static recalibration, a technician uses a specific target image mounted on a fixture in front of the vehicle at a Safelite location. Some vehicles require both dynamic and static recalibration. When you schedule your appointment, Safelite will determine which process of recalibration your vehicle manufacturer requires.
Myth #6: Damaged auto glass can’t be recycled
Beyond providing excellent service for their customers, Safelite has worked hard to reduce their environmental impact. Since launching a glass recycling program in 2012, they have recycled more than 14.7 million windshields, keeping more than 495 million pounds of glass out of landfills.
Recycled windshield components can be used for fiberglass insulation, carpet backing, floor adhesives and optical lens grinding powder. The carpeting at Safelite’s home office in Columbus, Ohio is made entirely from recycled windshields!
To learn more about the many services Safelite offers, visit Safelite.com.
Members of the editorial and news staff of USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.
