Steben Motors
”The Original” Steben Auto Glass
Auto Glass FAQ's
What's the difference between my windshield and the other glass in my car?
Auto glass is designed and manufactured for optimum safety in the event of a crash. Your windshield is made of laminated safety glass. Laminated safety glass is two pieces of glass with a layer of vinyl sandwiched between, so it will stay intact in a collision.
The side and rear windows are usually made of tempered glass, which has been treated to make it much stronger than other glass of the same thickness. If it breaks, it is designed to shatter into small pieces. For some newer vehicles, car manufacturers sometimes use laminated glass for side windows to improve sound insulation and/or strength.
What is OEM glass?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. This means that the glass was manufactured by a company who supplies original equipment to the vehicle manufacturers. Glass manufactured by an OEM manufacturer will have the same appearance, fit and function of the original glass in your vehicle.
Can I have my glass replaced at my home or office?
Yes, but you should be aware of precautions and limitations on this service. Shops avoid performing windshield replacement outside when the weather is bad. Any time the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or the humidity is high, certain adhesives may not adhere properly, and your windshield could leak or lose its adhesion. In poor weather, a reputable company will use a special adhesive that will harden at low temperatures, and set up a temporary shelter to protect your car during installation.
How long will it take to repair/replace my windshield?
To repair a small crack or ding (without replacing the entire windshield) takes about 30 minutes. Length of service may vary for a complete windshield replacement, based on the adhesives used, the thoroughness of your technician and "safe drive time" (the amount of time your vehicle must sit to allow adhesives to fully cure making it safe to drive your vehicle).
Why does it matter how damaged the glass is?
Many glass chips on windshields may be repairable. Repair involves injecting a clear resin into the chip to repair the damaged area rather than replacing the entire windshield. The technician will need to examine the damage to ultimately determine if the damage can be repaired. Repairs are typically not recommended if the chip or crack is in the driver’s critical viewing area (defined by many states) or if there is significant road dirt and grime within the chip or crack.
A minor chip should be fixed before it can spread and cause real damage to your windshield.
Repair is possible when:
- only the outer layer of the laminated safety glass is damaged
- the damage is smaller than the size of a quarter
- the damage is not in the driver's direct line of sight
These types of repairs take about 30 minutes to fix and usually leave a small blemish where the glass was broken.
If the windshield damage is more extensive or is in the driver’s line of sight, the windshield will need to be replaced.
Choosing A Quality Shop
Make an informed decision. When choosing an auto glass service center, be sure to consider these criteria:
What experience and certifications does the auto glass installer have who will work on your car?
Will your vehicle get the attention it requires? (Remember, an installation can take up to one hour, plus any travel time for mobile work.)
What type of adhesive system will be used? How long will it take to properly cure, or set? What are the benefits?
What type of auto glass will be used? Was it produced by an original equipment glass manufacturer (OEM)?
What pre- and post-work inspections and procedures will be followed?
What type of warranty is provided?
Is the auto glass shop/installer mobile? What precautions will the mobile installer take in poor weather conditions?