Why Choosing the Best Auto Glass Matters for Safety

Safety is the most important thing when it comes to driving your vehicle out on the road. While most people think of airbags and seatbelts, many drivers often overlook the importance of high-quality auto glass. The windshield and windows play a crucial role in your comfort and safety. With the advancements we’ve seen in automotive technology, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), the windshield does more than stabilize the vehicle’s structural integrity. 

Much of the radar and sensors used in ADAS features are located in or on the edge of your windshield. So the windshield plays a bigger role in your ride than keeping the wind out of your face. When we discover there has been damage to the windshield it can be overwhelming. Especially damage so severe a repair isn’t possible and a windshield replacement is necessary. 

When you find yourself in this situation choosing the best auto glass will make a significant difference in how your ADAS systems function. 

What Role Do Windshields Play in Vehicle Safety?

The design of your windshield provides structural support to your entire vehicle plus it protects you from external hazards. The windshield contributes to the overall integrity of the vehicle. If you’re in a collision, a sturdy windshield will stop the roof from collapsing. Plus, modern windshields play a role in the deployment of airbags. 

What is ADAS Technology?

ADAS is a general term for a range of technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety as well as expediting driving. Features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking depend on sensors and cameras often placed strategically around the windshield. Other features that depend on windshield cameras include automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance.

Poor-Quality Auto Glass Comes With Risks

When you select an inferior glass to save a few dollars, there can be serious consequences that could cost you more in the long run. Low-quality replacement windshields can be more prone to cracks or a distortion in visibility. They can also have an issue fitting low-quality glass to the frame and inhibit the proper functioning of ADAS features due to misaligned cameras or sensors. All of these increase your risks when driving.

Why Proper Installation is Important

You can pick the best quality glass but it’s only as good as the installation. New windshields need to be properly installed the first time, especially when you’re dealing with ADAS technology. You want to hire a trained technician to fit your new windshield correctly as well as calibrate the ADAS technology involved. ADAS calibration is a crucial step for your safety features to function properly. 

How to Choose the Right Auto Glass Provider

Check for Certifications: A reputable auto glass provider will have certifications that guarantee their replacement technicians have the proper training on the latest installation and ADAS calibration techniques. 

Choose OEM Glass: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) auto glass is created to meet the specifications of the original glass that came with your vehicle. When you choose OEM glass you ensure the new windshield will fit the frame and it will work with your ADAS features. 

Ask About Warranties: A reputable auto glass company will give warranties on the glass and the installation. Warranties give consumers peace of mind knowing they’re covered if any problems arise. 

Check Reviews/Recommendations: Look at the Google reviews, check out what Yelp has to say, and ask your friends and family. An auto glass provider with good reviews is likely to give better service and use high-quality tools and materials. 

Do You Need a Windshield Replacement in the Chicagoland Area?

If you need a windshield replacement in Hinsdale, Schaumburg, Orland Park, or anywhere in the Chicagoland area, contact us at Flash Auto Glass. We have OEM glass ready for you and certified and experienced technicians ready to get your vehicle back on the road. We can also repair small rock chips and are 100% mobile-operated, which means we come to you, no matter where you are.