Even though most people may not consider it as such, a car's windscreen is a vital safety equipment. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), a well-installed auto glass will provide occupants of a vehicle with up to 60% protection in the event of an auto accident. When a car rolls over, the windscreen prevents the roof from caving in and crushing the car's occupants. In the event of a front-end collision, it acts as a backstop support for the vehicle's passenger-side airbag. Should it pop out during a rollover or a collision, the occupants may die or suffer serious injuries through crushing or forceful ejection. With that in mind, it is best to let a professional Arizona windshield replacement company replace your windscreen for you.
Reputable firms encourage their customers to use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass for a number of reasons. For one, OEM glass manufactures use the right tools, technique, and material. This ensures that their products meet the stipulated manufacturer's specifications for quality and safety. For example, all OEM manufactures test their products for potential weak points that may cause water and air leaks, and take the necessary measures depending on the results they get. It is possible to come across several auto glass brands that meet the specifications set for your car. This is because automobile manufacturers contract several OEM glass manufacturers. Windshield brands that do not meet the set specifications may result in an unsafe or poor installation.
The NHTSA sets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). These standards govern vehicle safety. Some of these standards spell out the minimum requirements for auto glass retention in the event of an auto accident. As mentioned previously, the windshield should hold even in the event of an accident. If it fails to do so, it is likely to compromise the passenger compartment leading to the ejection of occupants (flying through the air at 70 or so miles per hour is not fun at all), collapse of the vehicle's roof and possible fatalities.
This clearly underscores the importance of adhering to FMVSS during windshield installation. Following all the manufacturer's recommended installation methods is the surest way of meeting FMVSS. Some of these installation safety guidelines include strictly using approved adhesives, applying the recommended primers, using OEM glass and undertaking comprehensive cutout procedures. The right adhesives and primers guarantee the driver of sound drive-away times.
A car's windscreen plays an important part in the overall safety of the car. In the event of an accident, it can actually turn out to be a lifesaver by preventing the car from collapsing completely. As such, when your car requires a windscreen replacement, you should buy your auto glass from an OEM glass company.
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