Our installers have been working on vehicles now since 1989. Doesn't seam that long.......they love what they do!
We only use PPG Auto Glass- why we could buy cheaper glass - which means seconds, and some are cheaper because they are thinner, or their clarity is not the best (you get that wavy look when you look through it. But we don't.
Our mission with automotive glass replacement is:
we want to install your glass correctly the first time see more information below
Quite Frankly ; We don't want to see you again
unless it is for one of other great services.
What is included in your auto glass replacement?
1. Quality Auto Glass
2. We vacuum out your interior
3. If it is a windshield replacement we clean and condition your dash
4. A spray of our quality air freshener that elimates odors
5. We can apply AQUAPEL Windshield System
6. We have wiper blades instock for your vehicle
wiper blades should be replaced every 6 months
7. We have in stock Windshield washer fluid
As with glass we will not go mobile: Why?
Auto Glass is part of your vehicles integrity and strength in an accident.
The weather plays a big role in the dry times of your installation. In some instances it could take two weeks for urethane to dry to a safe standard set by the Federal Standards.
Two - if it is cold outside- do you think the installer is thinking of your safety? NO, he thinking of getting the job done and getting warm.
Because, We take auto glass installation very seriously. It is not something that you should just judge by price. You have to remember you and your family's' life depends on proper installation of your cars' vehicle glass.
That is why we only by from manufactures that produce OEM quality glass- not seconds which may be thinner and visibility may be wavy and distorted.
One of the reasons we do not go mobile is because we have control of the situation and climate. We know when the proper safe drive away time is. WE won't let you drive away if we do not feel that it is safe. If it is cold, wet , windy , rainy, these things effect the proper sealing of windows.
We have all the proper items if needed be if we need them. We do not have to " make do " in the field. We do not have to hurry because we have four other jobs 15 miles apart.
Remember- the only thing holding your window in is the urethane we put it in with . That takes time to ' tack up " to its safe drive away time.
We have a 99% success rate on anyone bringing their car back for water leaks!!!!
Q. Will my insurance rates go up if I get my auto glass or windshield replaced through my insurance?
A. No. Auto Glass and Windshield replacement falls under the comprehensive portion of your insurance rather than the “collision” portion. Broken auto glass does not reflect your driving ability and has no bearing on your level of risk to the insurance company. Therefore the repair or replacement of your windshield will not influence your insurance premiums.
Consumer Tip: Most people don't realize that their insurance has a special lower deductible for auto glass damage. It's worth double checking to ensure you know your AUTO GLASS deductible rather than your collision deductible.
Many people tell us they have a $500 windshield deductible, but when we confirm coverage, we find out that their AUTO GLASS deductible is only $100.
Auto Glass Safety: The importance of replacing a cracked Windshield.
Why is a cracked (or improperly installed) windshield dangerous?
1. Your windshield prevents you from being ejected during an accident.
The safest place to be during a car accident is in the car. Your windshield is an important barrier that keeps you in the car. If you don't replace your windshield a cracked windshield (or a poorly installed windshield) can fail during a collision or roll over, allowing you or your passenger to be ejected. A passenger ejected from a car or truck is much more likely to experience a serious injury or death. Cracked windshields expose the laminate that joins the layers of glass in the windshield, resulting in delaminating. It is this delaminating that results in a dangerous reduction in the structural integrity of a vehicle.
2. Your windshield is a "backstop" for your passenger side air bags.
In nearly all new vehicles equipped with airbags, the passenger side airbag deploys upward and bounces off the windshield glass to protect the passenger in a crash. When the airbag deploys, it does so at 150 - 200 miles per hour. Needless to say, a cracked windshield lacks the structural integrity necessary to absorb the force of a deployed airbag; with the result that passengers may be ejected and injured or killed if the airbag deployment is deformed by the windshield’s failure. In addition, an improper windshield replacement that fails will subject a vehicle’s occupants to the same risk of airbag failure as a cracked windshield.
3. Your windshield supports the roof.
An automobile's windshield is designed to prevent the roof from crushing you in a roll over accident. It's important to promptly replace your windshield because a cracked windshield will not meet any of the ANSI windshield performance and safety standards. Industry experts have estimated that windshields provide up to 70% of the structural integrity in a rollover accident. A cracked windshield may fail to support the roof if the car flips over, causing severe injury or death to occupants.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Windshield and Auto Glass Replacement
Q. Will my insurance company pay for my new windshield repair?
A. Yes, if you have full coverage (comprehensive). Your only out of pocket expense is your comprehensive deductible, which in most cases is $0-$100. If you think your deductible is higher than $100, be sure to confirm that you are not confusing your “collision” deductible with your “comprehensive” deductible, as collision deductibles are usually higher, but not applicable to windshield repair or replacement.
Q. Will Merrillville Glass & Restyling bill my insurance for me?
A. Yes. We will handle all necessary paperwork and billing directly with your insurance company. We take care of the hassle involved with windshield replacement so you don’t have to.
Q. Will my insurance rates go up if I get my windshield replaced through my insurance?
A. No. Windshield replacement falls under the “comprehensive” portion of your insurance rather than the “collision” portion. A cracked windshield does not reflect your driving ability and has no bearing on your level of risk to the insurance company. Therefore the windshield repair or replacement of your car will not influence your insurance premiums.
Q. Will you install Auto Glass that is the same quality as I have in my vehicle right now?
A. Yes. We use high quality Auto glass from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) such as PPG, Pilkington, Mopar, Carlite, and Guardian.
Q. How long does it take to replace my windshield?
A. We can complete most vehicles in approximately 1 hour. However, we highly recommend that you refrain from driving your vehicle for 2-3 hours (varies with humidity, temperature and type of urethane) after the installation is complete to ensure proper curing of the urethane seal. Your technician can provide the best estimate of a safe drive-away time on the day of your installation, based on current conditions and materials used.
Q. If I need a door glass, back glass replaced or other Auto Glass, can you do that?
A. Yes. We sell and service all auto glass parts: Door, Vent, Back, Quarter, etc.
For more information or if you have any additional questions, simply call us at (219) 769-1905
We accept Windshield Replacement claims from ALL insurance companies that use LYNX SERVICES® for glass claims.
full details
Having a broken Windshield or a shattered piece of auto glass in your automobile is not a lot of fun. We understand that cracked auto glass can upset your busy schedule. Broken glass really can become a burden especially if you don't choose the right windshield replacement or repair facility or if you are not properly informed about your auto glass purchase. This website was designed to inform our customers about their auto glass purchase and make the complete windshield replacement process painless, fast, and easy.
We will work hard to win your business and here is how
provide fast, convenient, on time auto glass replacement service. We provide and install original equipment manufacturer quality or better auto glass. We stand behind our auto glass replacement and repair work with our lifetime warranty for workmanship and leakage. We step you through the insurance claims process with your insurance company when filing your auto glass claim. There are no hassles or confusion when we are with you making sure you get the correct information while speaking to their auto glass claims networks. When you contact us about your broken auto glass or cracked windshield a friendly customer service representative will step you through a process to have your car restored to factory specifications or better. from the distress of having a cracked windshield or a broken piece of auto glass to understanding the auto glass business, having a new piece of auto glass brought to you and installed, and being confident that you received the best quality and service available in the auto glass replacement industry.
When Safety , Quality matter, there is no other place to choose,
Merrillville Auto Glass & Restyling
Call us at: (219) 769-1905
Merrillville Auto Glass & Restyling
8606 Mississippi St – Merrillville IN – 46410
Hours are : Monday – Friday
9:00am to 5:00pm
(219) 769-1905
© Copyright 2007
Merrillville Auto Glass & Restyling
"Your Complete Auto & Truck Restyling Store"
8606 Mississippi Street Merrillville IN 46410 (219) 769-1905
Our Hours are: 9:00 am to 5pm- Monday - Friday
We will work hard to win your business and here is how
provide fast, convenient, on time auto glass replacement service. We provide and install original equipment manufacturer quality or better auto glass. We stand behind our auto glass replacement and repair work with our lifetime warranty for workmanship and leakage. We step you through the insurance claims process with your insurance company when filing your auto glass claim. There are no hassles or confusion when we are with you making sure you get the correct information while speaking to their auto glass claims networks. When you contact us about your broken auto glass or cracked windshield a friendly customer service representative will step you through a process to have your car restored to factory specifications or better. from the distress of having a cracked windshield or a broken piece of auto glass to understanding the auto glass business, having a new piece of auto glass brought to you and installed, and being confident that you received the best quality and service available in the auto glass replacement industry.
Windshield & auto glass replacements in Merrillville Indiana , nw indiana.
About Safe Auto Glass Installation
Auto glass is a safety feature.
Many people only look for the lowest price when they shop for auto glass. But there are varying qualities of glass, and levels of installation quality. An improperly installed windshield is virtually useless at protecting you during an accident. That's why it's very important to choose a reputable installer.
Your auto glass provides 40% to 70% of the strength of your vehicle.
In a rollover, the windshield helps the cabin maintain its rigidity, protecting the passengers—which is especially important in minivans with huge windshields. In a front impact, the windshield assists airbag deployment and keeps passengers from being thrown out of the vehicle. The windshield also helps protect you from flying road debris.
Windshield installation quality is affected by 6 factors.
1. Glass Quality
Windshield glass is laminated—a piece of vinyl sandwiched between two pieces of specially strengthened glass. A good windshield matches your old windshield exactly in tint, size, and extra features such as a rain sensor. Cheap installations often use thinner, badly-fitting glass, which is manufactured to a different size and thickness to avoid infringing on the copyright of the companies that make the original glass.
2. Molding
Look at your windshield and you'll notice that there's a rubber seal that wraps around all or part of it. Most of the time, the molding is replaced with a windshield replacement.
3. Urethane
Urethane is used to bond the windshield to your vehicle. After an installation, the urethane must have enough time to cure and create a strong bond before you can drive your car. A weakly attached windshield may pop out or buckle in an accident.
4. Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity at the time of installation determine how quickly the urethane cures. Your installer should always give you a safe drive-away time.
5. Existing Windshield Frame
If the windshield frame on your vehicle is bent or rusty, your new windshield may not be able to bond with it properly. A high-quality auto glass installation on a damaged frame can still be unsafe.
6. Installer Ability
All the high-quality materials in the world won't make up for an auto glass installer who doesn't have experience and training. It's worth paying a little more to get a good installer. A windshield price that seems too cheap probably is—and could even be subcontracted to someone else who has little or no
Dealer, OEM, Aftermarket—What Type of Auto Glass Should I Buy?
Merrillville Auto Glass & Restyling customers are trying to understand the difference between types of auto glass ask this question a lot. It can be a bit confusing, as there are three different types of auto glass you can choose from: dealer glass, Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) distributor glass, and aftermarket glass.
1. Dealer Auto Glass
This is the windshield or other auto glass that you purchase from an automobile dealership authorized by the vehicle manufacturer to service your car. This glass is sourced from the same OEM distributor that manufactured your auto glass originally, and will often have the vehicle's make stamped on it. If you own a Mercedes and absolutely have to have the Mercedes logo on your replacement windshield, by all means go to your dealer.
2. OEM Distributor Auto Glass
OEM glass is made to the same specifications as dealer glass, but not necessarily by the same distributor. For example, OEM Ford windows are the same color, durability, thickness, size, and shape as the original windshield specs from Ford. Windows labeled "OEM" are virtually identical to dealer glass except they aren't always made by the same company that originally contracted with your vehicle manufacturer.
Why? Automobile companies change auto glass contracts from year to year, so the company that made your 1992 Chevy window may not be the same company that manufactured your 1997 Chevy window.
Let's say you need a new Honda windshield for your Accord. Your Honda window may have originally been produced by AP Tech, so that's the brand you'd get if you went to the dealer. But if you went to an auto glass shop, you'd get your Honda window from another reputable OEM distributor (Pilkington or PPG, for example) who makes the exact same windshield, to the same specifications. Because your windshield wasn't made by AP Tech, it doesn't qualify as dealer auto glass, but it's just as good. It's so good that if you return a leased vehicle with an OEM distributor windshield, it will still be accepted by the dealer.
All OEM distributors contract with one or more of the various car manufacturers, and that's what qualifies them as Original Equipment Manufacturers. OEM is a good choice for your Accord unless you absolutely have to have the Honda logo on your windshield.
3. Aftermarket Auto Glass
Aftermarket glass is made by companies that do not contract with any car manufacturers, and do not have the legal right to manufacture auto glass to the exact same specifications as OEM distributors due to licensing and copyright laws. Safelite is one of the main aftermarket or "original equipment equivalent (OEE)" auto glass manufacturers. Aftermarket glass is significantly cheaper than OEM or dealer glass. It's usually a different thickness than OEM glass, and most dealers will not accept aftermarket glass when you return a leased vehicle because the glass differs so much from the original design, and does not carry the same guarantees as OEM auto glass
How a Windshield Installation is Performed
If you're shopping for a new windshield (the front windshield is the most commonly replaced auto glass) you may be curious about what to expect during the windshield replacement process. So here's what happens at a basic installation. If your windshield is equipped with special features, such as heating elements or a rain sensor, then there may be additional steps:
1. Prepping Your Vehicle For Installation
Before the technician removes your windshield, he will set up his work area to make sure your vehicle is not damaged in the process. He'll outline your windshield with protective tape and place towels on top of the dash and over your hood. He'll also remove your windshield wipers and rear view mirror, and detach and move the cowl (that's the piece at the base of your windshield).
2. Removing Your Old Windshield
To begin removing your old windshield, the technician first unfastens the molding—the strip of chrome and/or rubber that provides an extra seal between the windshield and the vehicle (older automobiles will likely have molding around the entire windshield, some newer vehicles have less or none). Sometimes the molding can be reused, but often it must be replaced.
Your installer will use a special knife to cut through the urethane adhesive keeping your current windshield in place and push the windshield out of the frame. Since the removal requires brute force, usually the windshield cracks considerably, and if you're watching the replacement, you may be alarmed. Not to worry, it's all part of the process. The technician will store the old windshield glass in his vehicle to be recycled, so you don’t have to worry about disposing of it.
3. Preparing The New Windshield For Installation
After the old glass is out of the frame, the installer will use what’s called the “full cut” method to strip the old urethane down as close as possible to the metal frame, allowing the new urethane to bond properly to the frame and windshield. With the old urethane gone, the technician will prime both the frame and new windshield surfaces. This ensures that no contamination occurs—preventing leaks and ensuring a strong bond—so the new windshield meets the same safety standards as the original factory-installed windshield.
4. Installing Your New Windshield
Your technician now “dry sets” the windshield, lowering it into place to mark exactly where it will fit, since the windshield shouldn’t be moved around once the urethane has been applied. Using a special attachment to a caulking gun-type tool, the installer will then apply the adhesive to the appropriate surfaces. He will carefully place the new windshield into the opening, using the marks he made earlier in the process as guides. When your installer is working with your new windshield, he wears disposable gloves to avoid contaminating the edge of the windshield with his bare hands.
5. The Finishing Touches
After the windshield has been installed, your installer will then install your molding, cowl, rear view mirror, and windshield wipers. He'll clean up any broken glass or debris in and around your vehicle.
6. A Safe Drive-Away Time
The installation is finished, but your vehicle isn't ready to drive yet. First, the urethane must fully harden, or "cure." The amount of time this takes depends on the kind of urethane used, the temperature, and the humidity. Your installer will calculate a safe "drive-away" time for you.
After your installer is completely finished with the windshield installation, he should have some paperwork for you to sign. If you're not around for the installation, he should leave the paperwork in your car, as well as a tag letting you know when you can drive your car.
You may also notice that one or two of your vehicle's windows have been left open a crack. That's so that if you open or close your door before the urethane has fully cured, the changing air pressure inside the car won't dislodge the windshield.
7. Enjoy Your New WIndshield!
When properly installed, your new auto glass will meet the safety specifications of the original factory-installed windshield.
