Auto glass services can bring in quite a lot of money if you do it right. Windshields and windows are vital to the overall safety of a vehicle, and for this reason, repairing, replacing, and tinting a vehicle’s glass are big business.
Becoming an auto glass services professional requires some training and knowing which high-quality products and specialized techniques to use. Below, we delve into the auto glass services your shop should offer to ensure your success.
Safe Auto Glass Repair and Replacement
As an auto glass services shop, it’s your responsibility to offer reliable and safe auto glass installation.
An auto glass technician with inadequate training or the wrong tools could easily cause further damage to the vehicle. If the glass is not installed properly, it puts your customer at serious risk in an accident.
To ensure the safety of the vehicle, your auto glass shop should employ only certified and trained technicians.
As any auto glass services professional knows, a small chip or crack can quickly lead to a much bigger issue. Any windshield damage that is left unaddressed can end up costing the customer more money in the long run. Not to mention the additional safety concerns.
Repair or Replace?
Your certified and trained technicians should be able to determine whether the job requires a repair or a full replacement. Most auto glass shops will offer both, but you may decide to specialize in repair only.
Minor cracks and chips, which are typically caused by debris hitting the windshield, can often be repaired. A repair means the vehicle retains its factory-installed windshield, which is generally the preferable option. First, the technician will place a vacuum over the damaged area. Then, a specialist resin is injected into the damaged area to fill even the finest of cracks. The vacuum is then removed and a UV light is used to harden the resin.
More severe damage that’s larger than a credit card, or in the driver’s line of vision, will require a replacement. This is a bigger job and requires the expertise of a trained auto glass services professional.
A windshield replacement will normally take a total of a couple of hours to complete. The installation will take an hour, followed by an additional 45 minutes for the adhesive to dry. The technician should then be able to advise when it’s safe for the customer to drive the vehicle again.
High-Quality Auto Glass Materials
All auto glass installation in the U.S. must pass National Highway Traffic Safety Administration baseline standards. Your goal, as an auto glass services shop, should be to offer the highest-quality materials for a safe fit.
For glass, there are a few different options available that you can offer depending on your customer’s budget and preference.
Options for Replacing Windshields
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Windshields
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) windshields are generally considered to be the gold standard in windshield replacement. They are manufactured to be identical to the original windshields in every way, including size, shape, thickness, and color. This means that all the standards set by the auto manufacturer are met—and a perfect fit. OEM windshields also have matching logos to the original windshield.
However, the cost for OEM glass is 40% to 60% higher than aftermarket windshields. And, some insurance companies will not cover the full cost of an OEM windshield.
Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) Windshields
Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) windshields are made to the same standards as OEM glass, but are less expensive. They are often manufactured by the same companies, and even in the same factories, as OEM windshields. The only difference between OEE and OEM glass, is that OEE windshields will carry the logo of the glass manufacturer rather than that of the automaker.
Aftermarket Windshields
Aftermarket windshields are the least expensive option. While they meet the minimum safety standards outlined by the Department of Transportation, they do not have the same quality standards as OEM or OEE glass. The vehicle manufacturer does not have a relationship with the aftermarket glass manufacturer. To make aftermarket windshields, glass companies will copy the original windshield. But, due to copyright laws, the aftermarket manufacturers cannot create an exact replica. So the fit and shape will be the same, but the thickness, durability, or tint color will vary. (For these reasons, some auto glass services shops do not offer aftermarket windshields.)
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Handle Insurance Claims
Given the nature of auto glass services, a lot of the work you receive will involve insurance claims. For that reason, many auto glass shops will offer claim completion for their customers.
By taking this on for your customers, you help take some of the stress out of a difficult situation. If your customer has had an accident, the last thing they want to deal with is complicated insurance paperwork. If you can offer this as part of your auto glass services, you’re providing the ultimate convenience to your customer.
Lifetime Warranties on Your Auto Glass Services
Auto glass services involve work that directly impacts the safety of a vehicle. For this reason, some shops offer lifetime warranties on their auto glass services to give their customers peace of mind. And when your team is made up of certified and trained technicians, you can be confident in their professional workmanship.
Auto Glass Tints
Repair and replacement are not the only auto glass services you can offer. Some shops will offer window tinting as well. In fact, some shops offer window tint exclusively. An auto glass tint is a film applied to the windows of the vehicle to darken them.
Auto glass tinting provides a variety of benefits. First, it helps cut down on glare. Second, it helps to act as an insulator, keeping the heat out in the summer and the warmth in during the winter. It also prevents sun damage to the vehicle’s interior.
As with any auto glass service, window tint should be performed by trained professional for the best results. As an auto glass services professional, you need to know the regulations on window tinting in your area. You don’t want to impair driver visibility or break the law.
There are a few different types of tint available, depending on your customer’s budget and needs. The cheapest auto glass tint is a dyed film, but it can be less effective than the pricier options and will not last as long. A metalized film will last longer, but can interfere with the drivers’ cell phone, radio, or GPS. Carbon or ceramic tints are considered the best on the market because they look good and are the most efficient.
Deliver Convenience, Professionalism, and Reliability
As with any auto recon business, your main goal is to provide convenience, professionalism, and reliability to your customers. Customers want fast and efficient auto glass services carried out to the highest possible safety standards.
Some auto glass professionals offer a mobile service, which is super convenient to customers. Customers receive hassle-free auto glass services without having to leave their homes. This type of service is also convenient for customers who have a fleet of vehicles that may require regular repairs.
Another way your auto glass business can provide the most professional service is to use a business software. Auto recon professionals use Mobile Tech RX to build fast and easy estimates, collect payment, and store business records. You can run marketing campaigns, use real-time business data, manage your accounting, and manage your team—all on one platform.