The Auto Glass Industry Is Not Regulated?
Auto glass is an integral part of a vehicle’s safety restraint system so it is surprising that it is an unregulated industry. Windshields now comprise up to seventy percent of the structural integrity of vehicles. Airbags utilize the windshield to contain passengers within the passenger compartment during accidents. Fortunately, if you require a windshield or other auto glass replacement or repair, there are options available to help you ensure the job is properly done.
Auto windshield replacement is a multi-step process where each step is equally important. Any ignored or improperly completed step could cause the windshield to fail during a collision. It is of utmost importance that the windshield replacement is properly completed. One powerful way you can ensure that you receive proper service is to work with an auto glass repair and replacement shop that, is not only itself certified but, also employs certified technicians.
The foremost glass association to train and certify technicians is the National Glass Association, NGA. NGA is the largest trade association to represent automotive and architectural glass products and installations and its logo is nationally recognized. It was founded over forty years ago and provides to glaziers and consumers information regarding windshield glass as well as all other types of auto glass. NGA is a resource for both the consumer and auto glass technicians. The NGA publishes information related to issues, techniques, trends, and advancements within the auto glass industry.
NGA offers two levels of certification for auto glass repair technicians. Level 1 Certified Auto Glass Technician (CAGT) requires a minimum of six months of experience at an NGA approved facility. Level 2 Certified Master Auto Glass Technician (CMAGT) requires a previous CAGT certification and a minimum of three years of experience.
In order to fill the void in consumer understanding regarding auto glass importance to drivers’ safety, and the position windshields hold as an integral part of the safety restraint system for every automotive vehicle, NGA created an organization called the Coalition for Auto Glass Safety and Public Awareness, (CASPA). This is a highly valuable organization for consumers as it assists them in locating quality, certified auto glass replacement shops and technicians. There are numerous auto glass shops operating and it would be difficult to know which one to use without the valuable assistance of this organization.
Another organization, the National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA), is nationally and internationally recognized for providing accurate and up to date information on advancements within the auto glass industry by providing newsletters and subscriptions to its members; information that will assure any windshield replacement will be fault free, leak free, and stay in place in the event of an accident.
Since the primary governing body that supervises the auto glass industry is the auto industry itself, it is wise to become an informed consumer. Organizations such as the NGA and the NWRA offer many opportunities for consumers to become just that; informed consumers. They also offer consumers peace of mind and the knowledge that their windshield is as properly installed, as was the original windshield when the vehicle was newly manufactured.
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SunTec Auto Glass is a family-owned business located in Arizona, serving most of Maricopa and Pinal counties. We are auto glass repair professionals and specialize in windshield replacement, auto glass repair, window tinting and glass etching. The installation team at Suntec Auto Glass maintains the highest level of certification available in the windshield repair and auto glass replacement industry. From headlights to taillights, from the east valley to west valley, whether you are looking to have a windshield replaced or even a side window replaced such as a door glass, quarter glass, or vent glass the team at Suntec Auto Glass can do it. If you live in Peridot, Pima, or Pine look no further. For professional help and premium quality automotive glass, parts and moldings. Contact us today.
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