You get what you pay for. And when it comes to safety, you really should consider WHAT you're paying for.

We were recently called to a customers home to inspect a water leak issue they'd been having for some time. When we got there, a tarp was covering the entire SUV and several towels were covering the seats and dash. RED FLAG #1. After removing the covering and towels, we did a preliminary inspection of the glass. No visual rust, missing parts, and the glass looked properly seated. So we gave it a push from the inside just to see... RED FLAG #2. The entire top of the glass pushed out with no problem!

We proceeded to take the windshield out to properly investigate, and this is what we found:

You'll notice in the photos that the old adhesive remains on the vehicle when you remove the old glass. Along the top, the glue has completely separated from the body. Had the driver of this vehicle been involved in an accident, they could have been ejected through the windshield.

The images above are the glass we took from the vehicle. You can see the glue with the body paint and primer still attached to it. The center image shows what it should look like. There were also several gaps in the glue at various spots. You can see one of them in the image on the right.

We talked in a previous blog about the proper preparation of a windshield, but we will talk here about the proper preparation of the body. When you remove a windshield, you need to take proper steps to ready the vehicle for reinstallation. These include removing the old urethane adhesive to the appropriate height, cleaning all dust and debris from the installation area, removing any and all rust, and properly priming and activating (a chemical agent that bonds the glue to the glass/body) the pinch weld area.

In this case, we trimmed down the remaining glue to its appropriate height and cleaned the installation area with approved cleaners. We then coated it with body primer and activator according to the specifications of our products. This is MOST IMPORTANT! Not all products are the same, and you should be assured the technician performing the work understands the proper applications of their products. Some companies do not even take these NECESSARY steps. In the images below you can see the products drying.

Notice the area is all black. This is the primer. It provides a surface between the clear coat of paint and the glue. Along with the proper activators for the glue, this provides the appropriate surface for reinstallation and a safe, secure bond. Had we not prepared the area, the glue would not stick to the glass. It would cure, but would not have a chemical bond. Not good.

So why did this happen in the first place? Well, there are several possibilities.

Some vehicles that come from the factory have this issue right off the line. It occurs when they install the glass too soon after painting the vehicle. The paint isn't dry enough and pulls away from the body when you remove the glass. However, it will not just separate on its own. The glass will remain bonded until it is removed, at which point the glue pulls away the paint just like it did here.

But thats not what happened here. How do we know?

We know the glass has been replaced before. We know this by visual inspection, the brand of glass, and the customer flat out told us. When they pulled the glass before, the technician would have noticed the weakened bond, and should have taken proper steps to fix the issue. They did not. They took the shorter route and did the minimum work to get the glass back in. Did the job look fine? Absolutely... from the outside. But looking good doesn't keep you safe.

"But how do I know if the company I chose is doing the right thing?"

Choose J. Royce Auto Glass, and you won't have to worry :) Look for things like certifications from adhesive companies like DOW and SIKA. This will show that the technicians have proper training in the use of their materials. All look for information about certifications and industry specific training. You can find our certifications and awards here.

Most importantly, remember the adage: you get what you pay for. And with auto glass, you're paying for safety. Remember, the windshield is a vital part of the structural integrity of your vehicle. Just because it's in there, doesn't mean it's in there properly. Companies that are far cheaper than the rest are generally using lower quality parts, lower quality adhesives and materials, and generally do not have the highest quality of technicians. They save money in those areas so they can keep the cost lower for you. But when you're on the highway in the rain with your family, isn't the extra money worth your extra peace of mind?

Stay Safe.
Shop smart.
Get what you pay for.

Blake Evans
Owner
J Royce Auto Glass
513-437-6923

This is a question we hear a lot in the auto glass business. The answer won't surprise you, but the reason may.

Spending money to repair unexpected damages like a broken windshield, door glass, or mirror is never fun. We all work hard for our money and want to keep it in our pockets as long as we can. But auto glass, much like most other automotive repairs and maintenance, is one area you don't want to cut corners in.

Your windshield does a lot more than keep bugs out of your eye while you're driving. It's a crucial part of the safety and structural integrity of your vehicle. The glass helps solidify the front end of your vehicle and, in cases of severe collisions, keep you inside that vehicle. It also allows the passenger side airbag to deploy properly. Unlike the drivers airbag, which typically deploys straight out, the passenger side relies on the windshield for support and direction.

When you get a crack in your windshield, the structural integrity is weakened. What does this mean? If you were in a collision, and were thrust toward the windshield, there is a greater likelihood of you being thrown through that windshield. The same applies for objects coming at your vehicle from the outside. This also means there is a greater chance of damage were the passenger airbag to deploy.

Don't panic! Your windshield isn't just going to fall out or shatter. Unlike the rest of the glass in your vehicle (we will explain in a later post), your windshield is a laminated part. This means that there are actually two pieces of glass, bonded with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched in between. This increases the strength of the glass and holds everything together.

What typically happens is the cracks continue to grow and spider until they reach the edge of the glass. The longer and more plentiful the cracks, the weaker and weaker the glass becomes. Once these cracks reach the edge of the glass, they won't go any further. This is where most people pose their question: Can I wait? It's not getting any bigger, so why bother?

While they are correct in the fact it is not getting any bigger, the damage has been done. It is never advisable to put off replacing a damaged windshield. If you do, however, have a period of time before you're able to schedule an appointment, there are some things you can do to slow the cracking and keep yourself safer.

1. Drive safely and alertly. This is obvious, and should be first and foremost every time you enter a vehicle, but it especially applies when you are driving with a broken windshield.

2. Avoid bumps. The bumpier the ride, the more force and pressure it puts on the vehicle. This causes stress on the glass and can quicken the spread of cracks.

3. Avoid carwashes and drastic temperature changes. The pressure from the carwash sprays and brushes can cause the glass to crack. Drastic temperature changes will do the same. Try gradually heating or cooling your vehicle to get to the desired temperature.

Again, it is always advisable to replace your broken or damaged windshield immediately. Don't wait. Keep yourself, your friends, and your family safe. If you have any questions or concerns, never hesitate to call and speak with a professional. We are always happy to help!

Thank you for making J Royce Auto Glass the FIRST and BEST choice for your auto glass replacement needs.

Blake Evans
Owner
J Royce Auto Glass
513-437-6923
jroyceautoglass@gmail.com