Welcome to safewindshields.org and Congratulations on Your Commitment to Safety!
Safewindshields.org is the site dedicated to providing information about proper auto glass replacements and is owned and managed by the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards Council (AGRSS).
AGRSS is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to the safe replacement of auto glass. AGRSS was founded and is supported by auto glass companies and other organizations that keep vehicle safety as their primary goal. Its mission is to make every auto glass replacement a safe one. It does so by:
Developing and maintaining standards for the safe replacement of auto glass;
Providing an industry-wide accreditation program; and
The Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standards Council Inc. (AGRSS) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the safe replacement of auto glass. AGRSS was founded and is supported by companies in the auto glass replacement industry that keep safe installation as their primary goal.
What is AGRSS?
AGRSS is an accredited American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards development organization. It has developed the North America's only auto glass replacement standard, the AGRSS standard (ANSI/AGRSS 002-2002 Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standard). The AGRSS Standard addresses procedures, education and product performance.
Developing and maintaining standards for the replacement of auto glass
Educating and accrediting the industry
Promoting awareness of the AGRSS Standard to the insurance industry and driving public at large.
For more information about AGRSS, please visit the website at www.agrss.com
Until ANSI/AGRSS 002-2002, there was much discussion about what a "safe replacement" really is -- and no real standard of right and wrong to which to refer. Now there is. The standard promotes more consistency in auto glass replacements and provides a solid base for training programs. The Council also helps educate consumers and insurers about important safety issues.
What You Can Do
It is important that everyone involved with auto glass replacements becomes familiar with and follows the Standard. Although the Standard is voluntary, an accreditation program has been developed so that installers may show they understand and will follow the Standard.
The AGRSS Council is also providing extensive education about the Standard to insurance companies and the driving public.
To get started, visit the AGRSS website at www.agrss.com and learn more about the Standard and accreditation.
QUESTIONS TO ASK:
When the need to have auto glass replaced arises, ask these questions of the shop before giving them the job.
Do you use o.e. (original equipment) or o.e.-equivalent glass?
Do all the materials you use meet or exceed ANSI Z 26.1 and all pertinent Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards?
Does your adhesive manufacturer certify you, and who is the manufacturer of the adhesive?
What type of warranty can I expect?
How soon after my glass is replaced will I be able to use my vehicle
What role does my windshield play to ensure my safety in an accident?
The windshield provides a significant amount of strength to the structural support in the cabin of the vehicle. For instance, in a front end collision the windshield provides up to 45% of the structural integrity of the cabin of the vehicle and in a rollover, up to 60%.
Think about that for just a moment. How would you like for over half of the force of a collision to be absorbed by YOU because your windshield flew out in an accident? It happens more times than most of us are aware.
The windshield is an integral part of the safety restraint system in your car. It keeps the roof from crushing in on you in a rollover, it allows the airbags to deploy in the correct position to cushion passengers, and prevents you and your family from being ejected in a serious collision. It's important to your family's safety that the auto glass in your vehicle be installed properly.