Finding a reputable auto repair shop has become increasingly difficult in recent years, though that problem has always existed, in all fairness. This includes glass repair shops, which Ford has long been critical of for not installing replacement glass properly, a problem that could prove potentially dangerous for a number of reasons. Now, The Blue Oval has launched the new Ford Certified Glass Network in an effort to combat these botched installations.
“The Ford Certified Glass Network supports glass replacement companies who seek to be differentiated in the market by achieving our certification requirements. It is an exciting opportunity for us to work closely with the auto glass repair and replacement industry,” said Jennifer Boyer, Director of Strategy and Business, Ford Customer Service Division.
The Ford Certified Glass Network (FCGN) was created to ensure that replacement glass has the same fit, function, safety, and structural integrity as OEM glass, which is built and tested to function as part of a system. OEM glass is designed to not only provide structural support in the event of an accident, but also clear, undistorted vision for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including Lane-Keeping, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Braking, Evasive Steering Assist, and Auto High-Beam Headlamps.
To ensure that this happens, FCGN requires that installers have acquired the necessary glass calibration certifications to complete that work properly. Installers are also required to maintain communication with customers during the glass installation process, complete a follow-up customer satisfaction survey, and provide a limited lifetime warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship for as long as the customer owns the vehicle. Meanwhile, installers receive a host of benefits including access to technical repair procedures, calibration coaching, and FoMoCo’s technical hotline support.
“We are excited that the Ford Certified Glass Network will provide a premium solution for the most safety-conscious Ford and Lincoln owner,” said Curt Wormington, Carlex Aftermarket Replacement Glass (ARG) Vice President. “By utilizing Ford genuine OEM glass, industry accepted Auto Glass Replacement Repair Standards (AGRRS), and the utilization of Ford ADAS calibration procedures and tools, this network will provide a great option for proper installation of genuine Ford OEM glass.”
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Comments
It’s always about the money. Here’s the real kicker. Now these accredited glass shops will charge more because the installers are “specially trained technicians”. So in the end who really pays for this? The Ford owner. So think about it Ford, you’re really sticking it to us Ford owners. Cost of ownership just went up, thanks Ford. Why not input a prevision the blocks these shops from charging more.
I don’t see this as bad as the car owner is not forced to use one of these certified glass shops. A car owner can decide if he wants to go to one of these businesses or not. if it were such that all Ford/Lincoln owners had no choice but to go to these approved shops, I’d tend to agree with you on this. But there is another practice thats even worse thats followed, by, mostly import brand car companies. Some friends of mine who have toyota tell me they are required to bring their car back to the dealer 3 or 4 times during the warranty period to have various things done/adjusted to their cars. If they don’t do this, the warranty is voided. the catch is toyota charges a hefty charge for some of these visits. The man had the toyota suv thats comparible to a Explorer, i forget the model name. but if he did not bring in the car to the dealer for some 50k or 60k miles inspection, the warranty was voided and the charge for the inspection/service was $1600. since the warranty was about to expire anyway, i suggested he skip this inspection/service or just have it done at an independant service garage which he said toyota will not accept to maintain his warranty. If what he and the other import car buyers who have told me similar stories, is true, the impory car manufacturers should be required to reveal that to the buyer when buying the car. its a hidden cost that you don’t have when buying a domestic car brand, such as a Ford or Chevrolet.
I’m not sure, but, I think that puts Toyota squarely in violation of the Robinson Patman Act.
After having more than 10 windshields replaced, this is welcome news that one of the auto manufacturers has stepped up to give some kind of advanced training to installers and is willing to hold businesses accountable for quality repairs. Other than ASE there are few ways for consumers to know if the folks working on their vehicles are qualified to make critical adjustments to their vehicles. I have seen a few vehicles on the side of the road where it has been obvious someone has the lack of skill to have performed a repair, including front wheels with the axles still attached completely dismounted from the vehicle, and flames erupting from the engine compartment of a late model vehicle.
I, for one, am glad to see this small step in helping to assure the customer of a quality repair.