Quote:
Originally Posted by magic77
Youd hope since its not a basic glass for mine it will be better quality I've known few people who had their BMWs done and no problems but no one with High Beam assist its the only thing that bothers me.
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This is it: most problems are caused, or not spotted, by human failure. The high bean assist sensor is in the mirror assembly, non?
Quote:
Originally Posted by magic77
All glass has to meet some form of regulation / standard
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Correct
Quote:
Originally Posted by magic77
so shoudl be fine.
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Don't bet more than a few quid on it. They may 'pass' a drop test, but how, buy
just scraping over the lowest pass level? It's a requirement, but you have to remember, they'll test one then produce a sh*t load before testing another. Whichever way it happens, passing a test is one thing, being of an acceptable standard is another, and although I do give customers the choice, some aftermarket glass should never be within five metres of certain cars. They truly are shite.
Quote:
Originally Posted by magic77
I worry mostly about the fitter damaging the car so just be case of wathcing them and checking the car. They are coming mondoy so will see , keep you posted
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This is more the point. Glass is replaceable. And I suspect this will not be the last/only windscreen change your car goes through.
It's not cool to hover around the tech, and if your perception of people is quite good, you should be able to tell - after the initial salutations - if he's a monkey or not. The condition of his van and the way he stores his tools is usually a good indicator of this too.
What he should be doing (in pretty much this order) is:
1. Checking that he has the right glass and that it hasn't been damaged in transit;
2. Inspection of your car (preferably with you) and making sure there is no damage, and that the wipers/rain sensor/HUD/etc are functioning correctly;
3. If he does use seat covers or masking tape over the pained areas around the windscreen, this is not necessarily a bad thing. It could mean he's conscientious and is about to do an amazing job on your car, or, it may mean that he's a bit nervous about damaging your car... or maybe even because he's still not very experienced;
4. A-pillar trims off is preferable, but not essential. Technically speaking, where possible, they must be taken off to prevent damage (to them) and, to aid inspection (of the bonding material between the two surfaces) when the new screen is in place;
5. Cutting back the old adhesive should be done with a chisel - NOT a retractable blade, similar to a Stanley knife.
6. The old screen should be cut out with wire, especially at the bottom. If he goes anywhere near your car with an extended Stanley knife-looking thing, set the dogs on him.
7. Wipers, and ALL the plastic cowling/filters whould be removed from the car. If he props it up, or doesn't take ALL of it off, stop him, phone Admiral and tell them that you have caught their nominated supplier's tech trying to f*ck your car. It's a practice known as 'diving' or 'scuttling' and is a massive no-no and I don't care what anyone says.
8. The new screen MUST be de-contaminated. That is, all traces of silicon must be removed from the contact surface of the glass. Not checked, must be removed (because all screens have varying levels of silicon contamination on the surface). Silicon traces present on glass mean that the bond (between the two surfaces) will fail or not last. He HAS to do it, no question.
9. Extra points for competence if he dry fits the screen first to check and mark for tolerances.
This is a basic guide and not the windscreen fitter's bible, but after +20 years in the trade, I'm still amazed at how many employed fitters will never be good enough to deserve the title of 'technician'. So many are still scratching the painted bits the customers don't see (and then painting over them with black adhesion promoter to hide them). When a new screen is fitted, you see the end product, and this is the crux of the matter: ANYONE can put a screen where it should be on a car, and make it look clean and 'fitted'. It;s what has happened underneath that screen, or before it went in that makes all the difference.
Good luck and I'm only a phonecall away if you have any concerns. Happy to help.