Do you know the windshield is an essential part of your car's
overall structural integrity and safety, which is why you should
have it repaired or replaced as soon as you discover any damage
before it's too late.
Prior to the 1970s, a car's steel skeleton provided most of the
vehicle's support. But an energy crisis changed everything.
Manufacturers had to make lighter, more energy-efficient cars.
The vehicle's body - windshield included - became
responsible for much of the structural support previously
afforded by the steel frame.
As the new lower-profile cars weakened the roof support system,
it was left to the windshield to make up for this deficiency.
By welding it to the frame with urethane, an insulating adhesive,
the roof support system became an integral part of the roof
structure itself.
Proper application of urethane during installation is critical.
Don't settle for less - your life may depend on it!
Your Windshield and Road Safety
Given its new function, the windshield takes on a vital
importance with regard to the safety of the driver and
passengers, whenever an impact occurs.
The repair or replacement of a windshield must
meet Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standards,
which are tested as follows:
Airbag Safety Test
Purpose: To reduce injury/death in the use of air bags and safety belts. Your windshield is integral to properly functioning airbags.
Method: Inflated air bags are kept in place by the windshield and dashboard. Improper windshield installation might allow the windshield to dislodge during impact, leaving the air bags without proper support.
This air bag worked as it was designed to do...help save a life!
Read this full story on our windshield replacement page.
Jeanne Fransway, featured on 20/20, ran off a Wisconsin road late one night.
"She was later found seventy feet away from her car on top of her windshield.
A properly installed windshield could have saved Ms. Fransway's life."
Left..An example of an Right.. An example of a properly
improperly replaced replaced windshield.
windshield.
Purpose: To reduce injury/death from crushed roof in a roll-over accident.
Method: An applied force of 5,000 lbs or 1- 1/2 times the car's weight, whichever is less, to either side of the forward edge of the roof.
Purpose: To avoid dislodging windshield; consequently keeping passengers from being thrown from the vehicle.
Method: 48 km/h frontal crash; windshield retention system must remain intact after collision.
