Safelite: Repairing Sand-Blasted Windshields | ShunTool (2024)

Safelite is a leading provider of auto glass repair and replacement services, offering convenient and professional solutions for customers across the United States. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and safety, Safelite's expert technicians are equipped to handle various types of windshield damage, including chips, cracks, and even sandblasting. The company's repair-first approach ensures that they explore all possible options to restore windshields to their original condition before considering a replacement. This commitment to cost-effectiveness and high-quality service has earned Safelite a rating of 4.66 out of 5 stars from its customers.

Safelite's repair-first mindset

The repair-first approach is based on specific criteria for assessing whether a windshield can be repaired. Safelite's technicians will repair windshields if the damage meets the following conditions:

• The damage is under 6 inches in length.
• The point of impact is smaller than a dime.
• There are no more than 3 chips.
• The damage does not block a camera or sensor.

If the damage meets these conditions, Safelite's repair process includes assessment, preparation, injection of specialized resin, curing with UV light, and a final inspection. This process ensures that the repair is durable, crystal-clear, and meets their high standards.

Additionally, Safelite emphasizes the benefits of repairing windshields sooner rather than later. Repairs are more affordable and can prevent minor damage from becoming major, which could lead to a full replacement and increased costs. Their technicians work with all types of vehicles, including EVs, and the company stands behind its work with a nationwide lifetime warranty against further cracking.

While Safelite's repair-first mindset is a priority, there are instances when a replacement becomes necessary. If the damage to the windshield is too large or extensive, such as having more than 3 chips or cracks, blocking the driver's field of vision, or affecting the function of advanced safety systems, a replacement may be required. In such cases, Safelite provides high-quality windshield replacement services, ensuring the safety and reliability of their customers' vehicles.

Safelite's repair services

Safelite Repair Services

Safelite is an industry leader in auto glass replacement and repair services. With a repair-first mindset, the company provides expert windshield repair and replacement services for various vehicle types, including EVs. Safelite's trained and certified technicians are equipped with the best materials and advanced technology to handle different types of glass damage, ensuring customer safety and satisfaction.

Windshield Repair

Safelite offers convenient and professional windshield repair services for small cracks or chips. Their technicians inject a special resin into the damaged area, restoring the glass's structural integrity and cosmetic appearance. The repair process includes assessment, preparation, injection, curing, and final inspection. Repairs are typically completed within 30 minutes, and Safelite works with customers' auto insurance to ease the financial burden.

Windshield Replacement

When auto glass damage is too extensive for repair, Safelite provides high-quality windshield replacement services. Their technicians follow a comprehensive process, including removing the old windshield, installing a new one with advanced primers and adhesives, and cleaning up any broken glass. The company uses top-quality materials and offers the industry's only national lifetime warranty for peace of mind.

Recalibration

Following a windshield replacement, Safelite's specialty-trained technicians perform recalibration to ensure the proper functioning of advanced safety systems. This process involves realigning the forward-facing camera using precision technology, ensuring features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist work as intended. Both static and dynamic recalibration methods are employed, depending on the vehicle's specific requirements.

Mobile Services

Safelite offers mobile services through its MobileGlassShops, bringing auto glass repair and replacement services directly to customers' locations. This convenient option is available in all 50 states, providing customers with a safe, no-contact service experience.

Customer Satisfaction

Safelite is committed to delivering the best auto glass repairs and services, earning a 4.66 out of 5 rating from its customers. The company works with a wide range of vehicle brands, from Chevy and Ford to BMW and Lexus, ensuring that customers can get back on the road safely and confidently.

Safelite's replacement services

Safelite provides a range of replacement services for windshields and auto glass. With over 7,100 physical locations and MobileGlassShops, Safelite can conveniently come to you or provide a drop-off service. They work with all types of vehicles, including EVs, and serve 96% of the United States.

Their replacement services include side window replacement and rear windshield replacement. They use top-quality materials, such as advanced primers and adhesives, as well as TrueSeal® Technology, to ensure a durable and efficient installation. The skilled and trained technicians are certified through an extensive SafeTech® program, which includes classroom and hands-on training.

The company offers a quick and convenient process, providing quotes and allowing customers to schedule appointments online. They work with your auto insurance and provide a nationwide lifetime warranty on their services, ensuring peace of mind.

In addition to their replacement services, Safelite also offers repair services for minor damage, such as small cracks or chips. They inject a special resin into the damaged area and polish it to restore the glass as closely as possible to its original form. This repair process helps prevent further damage and restores the structural integrity of the vehicle.

Safelite's customer reviews

Safelite Customer Reviews

Safelite AutoGlass is the largest provider of vehicle glass repair, replacement, and recalibration services in the US. The company has locations in all 50 states and offers mobile services, with over 7,800 MobileGlassShops™ that can travel to the customer's location.

Safelite has strong industry ratings, including an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, customer reviews are mixed. While some customers praise the company's communication, level of service, and convenience, others have complained about long wait times, late or cancelled appointments, and technicians arriving with the wrong brand of windshield for the car.

One positive review on Google states:

> "Booked online and was fixed in less than [two] days. They updated my status via text message regularly and even sent a photo of the technician prior to his arrival. Guy was in and out super-fast and did a flawless job. They have also reached out to confirm that I was indeed satisfied."

Jaime G. via Google

On the other hand, a negative review on autoguide.com states:

> "The WORST EXPERIENCE I have ever had with a company! DO NOT USE THEM! [...] Installation day finally came, I took a day off work as well. Installer arrives with THE WRONG WINDSHIELD! Apparently, the replacement glass didn't match up with various sensors on the car - and he 'never saw a car set up like mine before'. He tried to blame the insurance company - said that they probably didn't use the VIN for the car. I reviewed the work order and the VIN matched the paperwork. Way to blame someone else for your mistake."

JV DeFelice

Another customer on ConsumerAffairs.com gave a 1-star review, stating:

> "Horrible experience with this company. They cancelled my initial appointment I had for a week with just a little over an hour’s notice. The second appointment was over a week later. The installer was really nice but when I drove the vehicle later I noticed the rearview mirror was shaking to the point it was making me dizzy. Trying to get another appointment is futile."

StephanieKnoxville, TN

Safelite's service locations

Safelite is a leading provider of auto glass repair and replacement services, offering convenient and professional service across the United States. With shop locations in all 50 states, Safelite provides easy access to its customers.

Service Locations

Safelite has an extensive network of service locations spread across the country, ensuring that customers can find a nearby shop for their auto glass needs. Here is a glimpse into their wide reach:

• Alabama: With locations in Birmingham, Dothan, Hoover, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa, Safelite offers convenient access to its services across the state.
• Alaska: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla, and other cities are home to Safelite service centres, catering to Alaskans' auto glass needs.
• Arizona: From Avondale to Yuma, Safelite has a strong presence in Arizona, with multiple locations to serve its customers.
• Arkansas: Bentonville, Conway, Fayetteville, and Little Rock are among the cities where Safelite offers its expert auto glass services.
• California: This state boasts numerous Safelite locations, including major cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento.
• Colorado: Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora are just a few of the many locations where Safelite provides industry-leading auto glass solutions.
• Connecticut: Residents of Connecticut can find Safelite shops in Bridgeport, Danbury, Manchester, and other cities for their windshield repairs and replacements.
• Delaware: Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown are among the Delaware locations where Safelite offers its trusted auto glass services.
• Florida: From Miami to Tampa and Orlando, Safelite has a vast presence in the Sunshine State, ensuring convenient access to professional auto glass repairs and replacements.

The list goes on, with Safelite servicing the remaining states, including Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Louisiana. With such comprehensive coverage, Safelite ensures that professional auto glass services are never too far away.

Frequently asked questions