Our Glass Orders
In recent months, an increasing number of people have contacted me concerning problems relating to glass parts ordered from the distributor. There have been misplaced and missing rain sensor brackets...
View ArticleRe-Initialization Is a Big Word
Re-initialization is a big word with big safety implications. Re-initialization is the resetting of the anti-pinch features of the automatic closing of an opening. This opening can include doors,...
View ArticleA Good Installation
Rarely are we able to witness firsthand the fruit of our labor. Auto glass installations are usually not measured as safe until something terrible happens. Here is a story behind a picture. Adam Kox...
View ArticleHigh Modulus Urethane Use
High modulus urethane (HMU) can be confusing if you do not know all the specifics concerning its use. I remember when HMU first came out. I wanted to get the facts, so I called urethane manufacturers...
View ArticleRe-Calibration Is Needed for Some Lane Departure Systems
I recently have heard reports that some third-party administrators (TPAs) are refusing to pay for the re-calibration of lane departure systems (LDS) built into the vehicles after a windshield is...
View ArticleA Technician’s Point of View: Licensing Auto Glass Technicians
Is licensing of technicians a benefit or a detriment to the industry? I have heard strong opinions from a number of sources, including technicians, shop owners, the insurance industry, the government...
View ArticleTechnician Licensing: The Consumer Perspective
We are all consumers, but what we want as a consumer and what we know as an auto glass professional or shop owner may be two different things. Some may think that licensing technicians will raise...
View ArticleProductivity in Scheduling
Last week I introduced a series about productivity. I started with the principle of taking control of the conversation when the customer calls and you book the job. This week I want to address the...
View ArticleProductivity: Going Prepared
The Boy Scout motto is “be prepared.” Being a good ex-second class scout—I never could memorize Morse code—I always aim to be well prepared for every eventuality. Although there are many auto glass...
View ArticleSome Glass Issues Have Been Brought to My Attention
I have had a few glass issues reach my desk recently so I thought I would pass these on. Some of the issues are ongoing and I’m looking to my readers to contribute your experiences and knowledge. First...
View ArticleWhat is Asymmetrically Strengthened Glass?
The other day my friend and colleague Carl Tompkins from Sika gave me a call questioning a term found in the 2013 NAGS Catalog. On the 2013 Honda Odyssey, NAGS refers to asymmetrically strengthened...
View ArticleProductivity: Schedule Logically
When I owned a glass replacement company, initially I would go anywhere I was asked to go by my customer. I would go to the north side of town in the morning and the south side after lunch and then...
View ArticleFront Wiper Arms Replacement for the 2012 Focus, 2013 Escape and 2013 Fusion
My friend and colleague Rod Watson from Carlex Glass America approached me at Auto Glass Week™ 2013 and asked me to use my blog to spread the word about the re-initialization of the wipers on the 2012...
View ArticleTips on Competing from a Judge
I am frequently asked about the Auto Glass Olympic competition, “Do you have any tips that can put me over the top?” Winners are those that compete the same way as they install every day. The enemy of...
View ArticleToyota Issues Recall Concerning Airbags
True to my habit of informing my readers of pertinent recalls, Toyota announced the recall for the 2012-13 Avalon, Venza and Camry models. The recall concerns the airbag system in its relation to the...
View ArticleThe Seven Steps of Installation Pre-inspection
Pre-inspection is one of the most important steps in a successful installation. It can mean the difference between good and bad customer relations as well as a safe or unsafe installation. The...
View ArticleThe Proper Way to Protect Vehicles
The protection step has two sub-steps, vehicle protection and self-protection. This week we will discuss the vehicle protection and then next week we will address the self-protection. Once the...
View ArticleWhen to Use Salvaged Glass
There always seems to be some confusion about the AGRSS™ Standard regarding the use of salvaged glass, even though the Auto Glass Safety Council has issued an interpretation concerning that issue. So,...
View ArticleRecalls
The following notices from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation can reflect directly or indirectly on the installation of the windshield or other automotive...
View ArticlePreparation—Glass Part 1
Preparing for the installation is the step where many technicians make their biggest mistakes. The removal and installation steps, where skill and experience are demonstrated, are the parts every tech...
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