Auto Glass Repair Industry Terminology
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
Vehicle safety systems such as lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking that rely on cameras, radar, and lidar often mounted to the windshield. Proper operation requires correct glass, brackets, and post-replacement calibration.
Include ADAS calibration on the estimate after a windshield replacement; Use OEM procedures to choose static vs dynamic calibration; Provide a calibration report in the job file for insurers.
Adhesion Promoter
A surface preparation chemical in the adhesive system that enhances bonding between glass/ceramic frit and urethane, often called activator or cleaner. It is not the same as primer.
Wipe the frit with adhesion promoter before applying primer; Check lot number and expiration on adhesion promoter; Do not substitute primer for adhesion promoter.
AGRSS (Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard)
The industry standard (administered by AGSC) that defines safe auto glass replacement practices, including technician training, materials, procedures, and documentation.
Our shop installs to AGRSS; Use the AGRSS checklist during audits; Train new techs on AGRSS-compliant pinchweld prep and cure times.
Assignment of Benefits (AOB)
A customer’s written authorization assigning insurance claim benefits to the shop, allowing direct billing to the insurer/TPA.
Have the customer sign the AOB before we contact the network; TPA will not release payment without an AOB; Clarify AOB rights in states with specific AOB laws.
Backlite
The rear window of a vehicle, typically tempered and often integrated with a defroster grid and antenna elements.
Order a heated backlite with integrated antenna; Test the backlite defroster after installation; Quote additional labor for encapsulated backlites.
Bullseye (Chip)
A circular break with a dark, defined impact ring in laminated glass; commonly repairable if within size limits and not in critical viewing zones.
Fill a quarter-sized bullseye with low-viscosity resin; Avoid drilling if the bullseye is open; Insurer may waive deductible for bullseye repairs.
Calibration (ADAS)
The process of aligning ADAS cameras and sensors to OEM specifications after glass replacement, suspension work, or collisions. Can be static (targets) or dynamic (driving) or both.
Perform static calibration in a leveled bay; Drive a dynamic route per OEM speed and distance; Save pre- and post-calibration scan results.
Ceramic Frit
The black, baked-on enamel band around the perimeter of auto glass that blocks UV, hides adhesives, and improves bonding to urethane.
Apply primer only on the frit per adhesive manufacturer; Avoid scraping the frit off during edge work; Confirm frit pattern matches the original for camera shading.
Cold Knife
A manual cut-out tool with a pull handle and blade used to separate the old urethane from the glass during removal.
Switch to a cold knife around tight curves to protect paint; Keep spare blades for the cold knife; Angle the blade to avoid digging into the pinchweld.
Deductible
The portion of a covered loss the insured must pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage applies. Often waived for repair.
Customer has a $100 comprehensive deductible for windshield replacement; Repairs may have no deductible; Collect the deductible at delivery.
DOT Number
The marking on automotive glass identifying the manufacturer registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and certifying compliance with federal safety standards.
Verify the DOT number on the replacement glass; Use DOT info to identify the glass maker; Photograph the DOT marking for job records.
Edge Deletion
Removing ceramic coating or coatings at the glass edge to expose substrate for sensor adhesion or to ensure proper bonding where specified.
Edge-delete the area behind the camera mount per OEM; Use appropriate abrasive pads to avoid gouging; Clean residue before primer application.
Encapsulated Glass
Glass that has a molded plastic or rubber frame permanently bonded around its perimeter at the factory.
Encapsulated quarter glass requires specific removal tools; Expect higher labor time for encapsulated parts; Avoid excessive heat that can warp the encapsulation.
Fast-Cure Urethane
A windshield adhesive formulated to reach safe drive-away time quickly (often 30–120 minutes) under specified temperature and humidity.
Quote a premium for fast-cure urethane; Confirm SDAT at current temperature; Do not release the vehicle before the stated SDAT.
First Notice of Loss (FNOL)
The initial report of an insurance claim by a policyholder to the insurer or TPA, triggering claim setup and authorization workflow.
Capture FNOL details in your CRM; TPA opens a claim number after FNOL; Verify coverage and deductible at FNOL.
Glass Network
A managed network used by insurers/TPAs to route work, set pricing, and handle EDI and documentation requirements.
Joining a glass network can increase referrals; Follow network-required photo and documentation rules; Network pricing applies to NAGS list with agreed discounts.
Glass Run Channel
The rubber/felt-lined track in a door that guides and seals a sidelite as it moves up and down.
Clean and lubricate the run channel to fix slow window operation; Replace worn run channels to reduce wind noise; Seat the run channel properly after sidelite replacement.
Heads-Up Display (HUD) Windshield
A windshield with special reflective/optical layers that project information onto the glass; requires the correct part to avoid distortion or ghosting.
Select the HUD-specific windshield option; Check for ghosting with a zebra board after install; Confirm the HUD projects at proper height.
Hydrophobic Coating
A water-repellent treatment applied to glass that improves visibility and wiper performance by causing water to bead and roll off.
Offer hydrophobic coating as an upsell; Keep coating away from sensor mounting areas; Inform customers how long the coating typically lasts.
Impact Point
The origin of a glass break where the object struck, often marked by a pit; key to assessing repairability and drilling strategy.
Locate the impact point before injecting resin; Photograph the impact point for claim documentation; Avoid over-drilling the impact area.
Initial Damage Inspection
A pre-repair assessment documenting existing damage, ADAS/sensor features, rust, moldings, and interior condition to plan the job and manage liability.
Take pre-install photos of the pinchweld and dash; Verify presence of rain sensor and lane camera; Note any trim or clips to order.
Job Costing
Tracking all costs (parts, labor, kits, calibration, mobile time) against the revenue of each job to measure gross margin and profitability.
Add urethane kit and calibration fees to job costing; Compare mobile vs in-shop margins; Identify jobs losing margin to network discounts.
Kevlar Cutting Cord
A high-strength synthetic fiber line used in wire-out glass removal to reduce risk of paint damage compared with steel wire.
Use Kevlar cord with dual handles for cut-out; Replace frayed cord promptly; Protect interior trim along the cut path.
Laminated Glass
Two layers of glass bonded with a PVB interlayer; it cracks but stays intact, used primarily for windshields and some roof panels.
Many chips in laminated glass are repairable; Acoustic laminated options reduce NVH; Do not attempt to temper laminated glass.
Lite (Sidelite/Ventlite/Backlite)
Industry shorthand for specific vehicle glass pieces: sidelite (door glass), ventlite (small quarter/vent window), backlite (rear window).
Order the right ventlite for the trim level; The left front sidelite requires new run channel clips; Backlite includes a defroster grid.
Mobile Service
Performing glass repair/replacement at the customer’s location; requires attention to weather, environment, and calibration needs.
Reschedule mobile jobs in high wind or rain; Use portable targets for mobile static calibrations; Verify the parking surface is level for calibration.
Moldings (Reveal Molding)
Exterior trim pieces around glass that cover gaps and protect the bond; may be reusable or replaced depending on OEM guidance.
Replace a distorted reveal molding; Use new clips to prevent lift at highway speeds; Bill R&I labor for moldings separately.
NAGS (National Auto Glass Specifications)
The industry catalog/database providing standardized part numbers, list prices, and labor times for auto glass.
Look up the windshield by NAGS part; Update NAGS data in your POS quarterly; Networks base pricing on NAGS list minus discounts.
NAGS Part Number
The standardized identifier for a specific piece of auto glass and its features; often determines bracketry, sensors, and shade band.
Choose the part number that includes a rain sensor mount; Confirm the suffix for HUD compatibility; Use VIN decoding to pinpoint the correct NAGS number.
OEE Glass (Original Equipment Equivalent)
Glass manufactured to OEM specifications by an approved supplier but not branded with the vehicle OEM logo.
Offer OEE as a cost-effective alternative; Verify optical quality and frit patterns match; Many ADAS calibrations succeed with OEE when specs match.
OEM Glass (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
Glass supplied by the vehicle manufacturer or its contracted producer, branded with the OEM logo and meeting OEM specifications.
Some OEMs specify OEM glass for ADAS performance; Customer requested OEM-only glass; Higher price and longer lead-times may apply.
Pinchweld
The vehicle body flange where the glass bonds with urethane; must be cleaned, primed, and protected from corrosion.
Remove old urethane to the appropriate height without damaging the pinchweld; Treat and prime any pinchweld rust; Follow OEM wet-on-wet times.
PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral)
The plastic interlayer in laminated glass that holds shards together, adds strength, and can provide acoustic and solar control.
Yellowing PVB indicates aged laminated glass; Acoustic PVB reduces cabin noise; Avoid contaminating PVB during edge work.
Quarter Glass
A small fixed rear side window, often bonded or encapsulated, found near the rear pillar.
Quote higher labor for bonded quarter glass; Transfer nameplates or trim on quarter glass; Check for privacy tint options.
Rain Sensor
A sensor (optical or capacitive) that detects moisture on the windshield and controls wipers; requires compatible brackets and gel pads.
Order a windshield with the correct rain sensor bracket; Replace the gel pad when transferring the sensor; Test auto-wipe after installation.
Remove and Install (R&I) vs Remove and Replace (R&R)
R&I means taking a part off and reinstalling the same part; R&R means replacing it with a new part. Used for billing and labor planning.
R&I the cowl panel and mirror for access; R&R the backlite due to shatter; Add R&I labor lines for trims and ADAS covers.
Repair Resin (Windshield Resin)
A UV-curable polymer injected into chips and cracks in laminated glass to restore strength and appearance.
Use low-viscosity resin for star legs; Cap with pit resin and cure under UV; Scrape excess resin flush after curing.
Safe Drive-Away Time (SDAT)
The minimum time after installation for the adhesive to cure sufficiently so the vehicle can be safely driven, dependent on adhesive type and conditions.
Inform the customer of a 60-minute SDAT; Extend SDAT in low temperatures; Record SDAT on the invoice.
Static Calibration
An ADAS calibration method performed in a controlled environment using stationary targets and precise measurements.
Level the floor and set targets per OEM specs; Disable sunlight glare that affects cameras; Save target layout photos to the work order.
Suction Cup Lifter
A vacuum-based handle used to lift, carry, and set glass safely and accurately.
Inspect cup seals for wear; Use two lifters for large windshields; Keep surfaces clean for maximum suction.
Technician Certification (AGSC Certified)
A professional credential demonstrating a technician’s knowledge of safe auto glass procedures and standards like AGRSS.
Advertise AGSC-certified staff; Track CE credits for recertification; Use certification to meet fleet contract requirements.
Tempered Glass
Heat-strengthened monolithic glass that shatters into small pieces on impact; used for sidelites and many backlites, not repairable once broken.
Replace, do not repair, a broken tempered sidelite; Verify tempered stamp and DOT marking; Handle with proper edge protection.
Third-Party Administrator (TPA)
An organization that manages insurance glass claims, authorizations, pricing, and documentation between shops and insurers.
Submit invoices via the TPA’s EDI portal; TPA requires pre- and post-calibration scans; Confirm labor allowances with the TPA.
Urethane Adhesive
The moisture-curing polymer used to bond auto glass to the vehicle body, designed for crash retention and structural integrity.
Select a high-modulus, non-conductive urethane when required; Follow primer system open times; Apply a consistent triangular bead to achieve proper bond line.
UV-Cured Resin
Resin formulated to cure under ultraviolet light for windshield chip and crack repairs, including pit filler and structural resin.
Use a UV lamp when sunlight is insufficient; Verify full cure to prevent post-repair hazing; Keep bottles sealed to avoid premature curing.
Vent Glass
A small movable or fixed window, often near the front or rear door corners, typically tempered.
Order the correct vent glass latch hardware; Seal the ventlite to prevent wind noise; Differentiate vent glass from quarter glass when quoting.
VIN Decoding
Using the Vehicle Identification Number to identify the correct glass part and features (rain sensor, HUD, heated wiper park, acoustic, antennas).
Decode the VIN before ordering to avoid wrong parts; VIN indicates camera bracket style; Use OEM databases to confirm options.
Water Leak
An intrusion of water after glass installation caused by gaps, blocked drains, mis-seated moldings, or insufficient bond.
Perform a controlled water leak test post-install; Clear sunroof drains before blaming the glass; Reseal a minor edge leak with OEM-approved methods.
Windshield Repair
The process of restoring strength and clarity in minor chips and short cracks in laminated windshields using resin injection and UV curing.
Follow size/location criteria to decide repair vs replacement; Offer repair to reduce cycle time and cost; Provide a written repair warranty.
Zebra Board Inspection
Using a striped reflection board to reveal optical distortion, waves, or ripples in the glass or in the HUD area after installation.
Check the driver’s primary viewing area with a zebra board; Reject glass showing excessive distortion; Document inspection results for quality control.
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