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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about auto glass services, safety, and your rights as a consumer.
Can my windshield be repaired or do I need to replace it?
The National Glass Association recommends that any windshield damage be fixed as soon as possible. Most ‘dings’ or ‘chips’ can be repaired if the damage is not in the driver’s line of vision and is smaller than the size of a silver dollar, including any cracks. This could save you and your insurance company hundreds of dollars. If the break is larger or in the driver’s line of vision, most insurance companies recommend replacement. Penn Auto Glass provides both services for your convenience.
Yes. Your windshield was designed as the number one safety restraint system in your vehicle. Auto manufacturers say your windshield provides up to 60 percent of the roof crush protection in a rollover accident. It also provides the backstop support for your passenger-side airbag in a front-end collision. If your windshield pops out in a collision or rollover, you could be ejected or crushed. It’s important to know who’s replacing your windshield. Your life could depend on it.
Chances are, they can’t. In recent years insurance companies have set strict pricing standards on auto glass and will not pay more than these “usual and customary” charges. As a result, the only way the cost of those freebies can be absorbed is by cutting corners. You’ll have to question what kind of job you’ll get. Will they use Original Equipment parts, Certified technicians and AGRSS safety procedures to insure your safety? Probably NOT! Always check with the Better Business Bureau before doing business with a company that sounds too good to be true. Most companies with reputations for doing quality work don’t need to make wild offers to attract business.
That depends on the make and model of your vehicle. Because of the complexity of some vehicles, it could take as long as 3 hours but most vehicles require about an hour to properly install the windshield. Auto manufacturers recommend a full cutout method when replacing a windshield. This method takes a little longer than what has been popular with most technicians in the past. As with most things worth having, quality takes time. If an installer claims he can install your windshield in less than 30 minutes, it could be that it won’t be done right and consequently, it won’t be safe.
This will depend on the type of urethane adhesive used to install the glass in your vehicle. Because most automotive grade urethane’s rely on temperature and humidity to cure, the time required varies widely depending on the manufacturer. This time frame can range from 3 hours up to 24 hours before your vehicle will meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and is considered safe to drive. If you need to drive your vehicle sooner, a fast-cure urethane can be used that will allow a 1 hour drive-away time. It is extremely important that the technician replacing your windshield inform you of the safe drive away time for the urethane used.
It is recommended that you wait 24 hours before washing your vehicle. The high pressure from automatic car washes can damage the seal and outer moldings before the urethane has a chance to cure sufficiently. It’s also important to leave at least one window open at least an inch to reduce the pressurization in the vehicle when the doors are shut. This prevents the pressure inside the cabin from blowing a hole in the urethane seal, causing an air or water leak. If it should rain, don’t fear — the moisture actually helps the curing process of the urethane sealant.
This will depend on the type of urethane adhesive used to install the glass in your vehicle. Because most automotive grade urethane’s rely on temperature and humidity to cure, the time required varies widely depending on the manufacturer. This time frame can range from 3 hours up to 24 hours before your vehicle will meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and is considered safe to drive. If you need to drive your vehicle sooner, a fast-cure urethane can be used that will allow a 1 hour drive-away time. It is extremely important that the technician replacing your windshield inform you of the safe drive away time for the urethane used.
There could be a lot of reasons. Some companies are famous for quoting incredibly low prices on the telephone, but when the customer goes in for service they find out that other parts are required and that tax and labor was not included. Some companies quote low prices because they use inferior aftermarket glass, cheap inexperienced labor and even cheaper urethane sealants. Unfortunately, most people don’t know the difference or don’t understand the safety implications and they make their decision solely on price. Don’t be fooled by gimmicks and giveaways.
Unfortunately, no. Tempered glass is manufactured in such a way that once it is heat tempered the molecular structure is changed allowing it to break into tiny pieces. This makes it much safer in the event of breakage but does not allow it to be cut.
Without removing the windshield, it’s impossible to tell if it was prepped correctly, if critical primers were used, or if the proper amount and type of urethane was used. Once installed, all the critical steps are hidden under the moldings and ceramic band. The only sure way to know is to trust the reputation of the company that installed it. That’s why choosing a reputable, certified installer like Penn Auto Glass is so important.
Yes. It is manufactured under a number of trade names but is typically referred to as low iron glass. Normal float glass has a slight green tint which is especially noticeable from the edge due to its iron content. Low iron glass is virtually clear and doesn’t dull or distort the true color spectrum. This can be especially important in certain designer applications.
No, your insurance rates should not increase due to auto glass replacement. Insurance companies do not factor glass claims by themselves into the equation when determining your risk assignment or your insurance rates. Unlike accidents, windshield replacements are no-fault comprehensive claims and by law cannot cause rates to increase. To be sure, however, check your policy or call your agent.
FMVSS stands for Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. They are standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association relating to vehicle safety. Because the windshield is the most important safety restraint system in a vehicle, it’s critical that it not come out in an accident. FMVSS must be adhered to with every windshield installation. The only way to meet these standards is by strictly following the vehicle manufacturers’ preferred installation methods, including performing full cutout procedures, utilizing OEM glass, applying the necessary primers and using only the approved adhesives.
TPA stands for Third Party Administrator. TPA’s are used by insurance companies to process claims. The 1-800 number your insurance company gave you to call in a claim will usually go to a TPA and not your insurance company. This is important to know because some TPA’s are actually glass companies and have an interest in sending you to one of their own shops. Remember, by law you have a right to choose who repairs your auto glass.
Laminated glass is a form of Safety Glass that is manufactured by sandwiching a layer of Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) between two pieces of glass. It then goes through a heating and pressure process in an autoclave to firmly adhere the glass to the innerlayer. This is the same type of glass used in the windshield of your automobile. If broken, the glass is held together by the innerlayer and provides a high level of both safety and security.
Tempered glass is a form of Safety Glass manufactured by heating flat glass to approach its softening temperature and suddenly chilling with jets of cold air. This process provides tempered glass with greater strength than normal glass. When broken, tempered glass forms small granules to reduce damage to human bodies. Tempered glass also withstands quick temperature changes.
Most states grant you the consumer the Right to Choose which company repairs your car. You may find that your insurance company tries to direct you to a shop that they have cut a special deal with to save money on the claim. You do not have to go where your insurance company tries to steer you. If you do, make sure you ask about OEM parts, urethane sealants, safe drive-away times, and written warranties.
You should expect to get a written warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship including water and air leaks. It should be for at least a year. Many shops offer a limited lifetime warranty for as long as you own your car. If you have a problem after installation, a phone call to the shop should be all that’s needed to have someone take care of it. Don’t be shy about asking for a warranty. Your safety and peace of mind are worth it.
The first thing to look for is a company that has a good reputation and a proven service record. Next make sure they are using OEM glass and have Certified technicians. When the installer comes out, ask questions about safe drive-away times and what kind of urethane he’ll be using. Make sure they perform a factory recommended “full cutout” instead of the quicker “short-cut” method. The installer should carefully clean and always prime the windshield before installation and use suction cups or disposable gloves to prevent contamination. After an accident is the wrong time to find out your windshield was improperly installed.

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