Automotive FAQ's
How long does it take to replace a windshield?
For most windshield replacements your vehicle is required for a period of 3-4 hours. This allows for careful removal & replacement of the windshield and all related work, typically 1-2 hours. More importantly, we allow enough curing time for the adhesive (that bonds the new windshield to the vehicle body) to reach its safe drive-away time.
How are windshields installed?
In the early 1960’s, new passenger vehicles began using an adhesive known as urethane to bond the windshield to the body of the vehicle. In order to install a new windshield, the old urethane has to be cut away from the body of the vehicle. Then, the vehicle and new windshield are prepared with new urethane adhesive which is applied to both the vehicle and the new windshield. The new windshield is then mounted and the urethane is allowed to cure.
What is the importance of “Safe Drive-Away Time”?
The windshield provides significant strength to the body of the vehicle and is also a critical component of passenger side airbag systems. It is imperative that the windshield remain bonded to the body of the vehicle. “Safe Drive-Away Time” is the time, after installation, whereby the windshield urethane has cured sufficiently to ‘body bond’ with your vehicle. The time it takes the adhesive to cure will depend on the type of urethane, temperature, humidity and airbag systems. Driving your vehicle before the adhesive has fully cured is very unsafe.
Do you have my replacement windshield in stock?
In most cases we will have your replacement windshield in stock and can replace it at your convenience. If a particular windshield is not in stock, we can generally have it delivered in as little as one day (depending on the All-West Glass location).
What factors affect the quality & safety of a windshield installation?
Quality products manufactured to OEM specification and approved by OEM manufacturers must be used.
Do you stock replacement auto-glass other than windshields?
A variety of replacement door, vent, back and quarter glass are kept in stock for the most common passenger vehicles (mainly trucks). Due to the huge variety of vehicles and relatively low demand, most tempered safety glass replacement parts need to be ordered. Tempered parts are typically available in a day or two. We may also be able to find replacement glass through automotive recyclers.
What should I do if I need to file an insurance claim?
Depending on the insurance company, you may need to come in and see us and we can initiate the claim (FOR BC CUSTOMERS) or you may need to make a phone call to your private insurance company to initiate the claim. In BC, All-West Glass is an ICBC Glass Express participant and in most cases, there will be no need to attend an ICBC claim center. Simply come in and see us and we will look after setting up your glass claim. Once the claim is initiated we can follow it through, from completing the repairs and collecting the insurance deductible to invoicing ICBC for the balance.
Why are windshields part of the safety equipment on vehicles?
Vehicle engineers use the windshield to help support the roof of the vehicle in the case of a rollover accident. The urethane adhesive system is intended to keep the windshield intact – and bonded to the vehicle in an accident – in order to keep passengers from being ejected from your vehicle. If you have a passenger side airbag, the windshield must stay intact for the side airbag to be effective.