The "Non-Disappearing" Rock Chip

We've all seen the TV commercials showing a happy customer having a rock chip or crack in their windshield repaired. On TV, the chip or crack is not only repaired, but it magically disappears. It makes for good TV, but disappearing rock chips are an illusion.

When you have a rock chip repaired, the process seals the chip, cleans up the break and gives a good measure of protection against further breakage. What it doesn't do is make all evidence of the chip disappear. Rather it does make it more visually appealing and clean, but you will still notice a small blemish on your windshield.

Another question that is often misrepresented on TV is the size of chip that can be effectively repaired. The general wisdom is that any chip greater than a dime is NOT a candidate for repair. With the windshield being such an important part of the structural integrity of modern cars, any chip larger than a dime significantly degrades that strength and that windshield should be replaced.

Rock chip repairs are a very effective and reasonably priced option for repairing your windshield. However, they do have limitations and keeping your expectations in line with the realities of the process rather than the TV illusion will let you make a better decision on whether to repair or replace.

Your Shop Should Be AGRSS Accredited

There is a difference in how various companies approach windshield and auto glass installations. Louis Auto Glass is one of a select few companies in Western Washington that is a member of the Auto Glass Safety Council and is accredited by the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards Council (AGRSS). Visit www.louisautoglass.com/windshields.html 

AGRSS is the national certifying organization that develops and monitors "Best Quality and Safety Practices" for the auto glass industry nationwide. These practices are developed from the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and the American National Standards Institute which define federal law covering safe windshield installations.

Our AGRSS certification is confirmation to you that we do everything according to the law and to the highest safety standards possible when replacing your auto glass. Why is this important? Because what you don't know can kill you.

For more information on AGRSS and proper windshield installation, visit www.safewindshields.com

Why Pick a Local Glass Company?

You've probably seen their TV commercials. You know. The glass company that says they'll come to you and fix that crack in the window. You know. The glass company that's part of a multi-national conglomerate.

Before you call them to have your windshield replaced, here are a few reasons to consider why you should choose a local company.

1. Although it's possible to have a good job done outside in your driveway on a sunny, summer day, these are not the best conditions. A quality job depends on the best controlled conditions for the curing of the windshield adhesive, the availability of tools and the comfort of the technician doing the job. Our weather in Western Washington makes these problematic much of the year.

2. As a local company, we have invested in things like loaner cars and staff to either shuttle you or pick up and deliver your vehicle. Although, these increase our costs, they are part of the commitment we make to insuring your job is done correctly and safely.

3. We are proud of our high-quality workmanship, but we occasionally make a mistake. When that happens we do everything humanly possible to correct it and make our customers happy. Being local, our reputation and our business depend on it. When you need to discuss something with us, we don't refer you to some corporate complaint department. We take care of it right here with you face-to-face in our shop.

4. We support our community and the profits from our business stays in our community. We give away thousands of dollars to local groups and charities every year. We reinvest our profits into our community and we continue to hire local employees as our business allows.

We are not the only local company you can choose. We, of course, think we are the best. But if you decide to choose someone else, we urge you to choose one of our fine local competitors for all your auto glass needs.

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What You Don't Know Can Hurt You....

Five Fast Facts on Why it Pays to Pick the Best.

1. Your windshield provides the majority of roof crush protection in a roll-over accident.

2. Your windshield is the brace for your passenger-side airbag. It the windshield blows out during an accident, your airbag is worthless.

3. All modern windshield replacement applications require a combination of cleaning, priming and high-tech uethane. Omitting any of these is a recipe for disaster.

4. All Louis Auto Glass technicians are nationally certified to the highest stafety standards. They complete regular re-certification training and are experts in safet windshield installations.

5. There are Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards governing windshield replacement. Only businesses that are members of the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards Council guarantee to meet these stringent Federal standards.

Supporting the Glass Company That Supports the Community

We're proud to be lifelong residents of Whatcom and Skagit counties. Because our roots go so deep, we also understand that it's the people and businesses that build a community. We have been committed to giving back to our communities since we opened our first doors in 1929. Since then, not year has gone by that we don't strive to make a difference. A full list of local organizations and charities we support is on our web site, but a few that you might recognize include:

• Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom & Skagit Counties
• Mount Baker Theater
• Big Brothers and Sisters
• Bellingham/Whatcom YMCA
• Western Washington University

Louis Auto Glass depends on you to continue supporting our communities and we thank you for your support of local business.

Invest in a Safe Windshield Replacement

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.