Replacing automotive glass, be it windscreen or side window, is not something one has to do often – hopefully never, because it’s usually associated with a traumatic experience like an accident or a smash and grab. But when it is necessary, it needs to be done quickly and done right, so it’s just as well to know what to look out for.
Even if, as is likely, the glass replacement is part of an insurance claim, you will be given the option of choosing a supplier. Doing a bit of homework will help you choose the right supplier.
The first thing to consider is convenience. It seems like the more labour-saving devices we get, and the more connected we are, the less time we have – or the less we want to spend time doing mundane things like schlepping to a fitment centre. Besides, if the replacement was caused by some sort of unpleasant event, that’s the last thing you’ll feel like doing.
Mobile fitment units that offer the same level of service and quality as a fixed fitment centre should be the norm, but that is not yet the case. You should definitely choose the service provider that has the capacity to come to where you are at a time that suits you. One that treats mobile as the first choice, not an add on, is more likely to have the robust processes in place to ensure that the job is properly recorded, signed off and is auditable in the event of a dispute.
Another question that needs to be addressed is the quality of the product. South Africans became used to sky-high prices for automotive glass during the sanctions years, when a single local manufacturer dominated the market. Capitalism 101 tells you that if there is no competition, prices will rise (and innovation will fall, but that’s a story for another day).
Since the dawn of democracy, that picture has changed and we now have access to imported automotive glass that is actually specified by major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). It’s worth noting that this OEM-specified glass is considerably cheaper than the local product. Is your supplier looking at all the options? Are you getting glass that has the endorsement of the car’s manufacturer?
It follows that when you are deciding on a supplier, it’s worth interrogating who supplies the glass they use. Aside from OEM endorsement, does the glass supplied bear the certifications of relevant international and local standards bodies?
A further consideration is whether the fitment company uses the correct polyurethane bonding agents to bond the windscreen to the aperture. Incorrect bonding agents can negatively impact the body itself.
It’s an unfortunate reality that smash-and-grab films have become increasingly seen as a necessity. When getting them fitted, it’s important to ensure that the film covers the whole window – that is to say, it must cover the glass inside the window aperture. If it does not, the film will not be able to help maintain the window’s structural integrity.
The film should be a minimum of 100 microns in order to give the driver the vital protection needed to make good their escape.
A common occurrence is a chip in the windscreen, usually caused by a stone. These chips, if left unattended, can develop into cracks. The good news is that they can be quickly repaired, typically at no cost if you have insurance. When you notice a chip, your first action should be to take steps to prevent moisture getting into it: a strip of sticky tape will do it. If water does get in, it will create a small “bubble” inside the windscreen that will be visible even after the repair.
Getting your vehicle’s glass replaced or repaired is a job for experts – it’s worth making sure you have the right expert on the job. And let it be at your convenience, not theirs: insist on a mobile solution that comes to you.