With great Northwest summer weather in sight, you're probably thinking it's time to replace your cracked windshield. Before you do, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
The most important thing is that your windshield is a key safety component of your car or truck. It provides the majority of roof crush protection as well as being the backboard for proper deployment of your passenger side air bag.
Secondly, there is a big difference in the quality of adhesives used to secure your windshield. This is important because your vehicle needs to properly cure before it can be safely driven. Some companies, such as Louis Auto Glass (http://www.louisautoglass.com) use premium chemically cured adhesives that provide a Safe Drive Away Time of one hour. This means all of the structural integrity designed into your vehicle through the windshield is as good as new in one hour. This is great for both your safety and convenience.
Companies that use adhesives without the chemical curing process may still allow you to take your car in an hour, but it may be up to 24 hours before the adhesive is properly cured and your car is safe to drive. Always ask a company you are considering using if they use Sika ASAP urethane or an equivalent. Otherwise you may be driving an un unsafe vehicle.
Finally, chose a company that has been around for a while. Like all areas of auto repair, auto glass companies come and go. Nearly every company will offer you a lifetime warranty against leaks or workmanship problems. By choosing an established company, you will enjoy the peace of mind in knowing that your warranty means something. Louis Auto Glass has been serving Northwest Washington since 1929.
