News Archives

May 2008

Ford Carlite Demonstrates Replacement Value to Shops

Fit and installation are important factors in automotive replacement glass and can impact a vehicle's performance.

Carlite® replacement glass offers the same sight, sound, safety and structural quality of the original vehicle manufacturer's glass.

DEARBORN, Michigan, March 4, 2008 - As spring arrives vehicle owners' brace for the effects of spring weather - hail and road stones kicked up from potholes and road patches. Each year more than 11 million windshields and automotive glass products are replaced. In most cases, retailers, distributors and installers of automotive replacement glass see a significant jump in the demand for products and installation services.

Most consumers shop for auto glass out of necessity and may not be in a position to consider the best value and quality. Not all replacement glass is created or performs equally; one critical factor is fit. A recent tour of the Carlite® Nashville plant brought this point to life for a group of replacement glass retailers. "As we toured the plant we were impressed to see that Carlite replacement glass came off the same line as the windshields that were earmarked for the assembly line at a vehicle manufacturer. You can't beat that kind of fit and quality" said David J. Burns, President of Ray Sands Glass of Rochester, New York.

Carlite is an original equipment manufacturer of windshields and replacement glass that, when installed correctly, meet or exceed federal safety standards and maintain the structural integrity of the vehicle. In addition, it provides the automaker's intended external noise reduction and visual clarity.

Last year, Ford/ACH, the North American based company that produces Carlite, produced some 12 million windshields and tempered glass parts for automotive OEM's and the replacement glass market. Windshields represented about two million of those parts.

Ford also produces back windows, door glass and quarter windows.

"This glass can give owners peace of mind because it’s a true direct replacement. Regardless of age, it keeps the car in original shape," said Burns.

The tour of the Nashville plant was designed as part of an educational program for retailers and distributors of Carlite replacement glass. "The ongoing effort is designed to help retailers and distributors understand the care we take in manufacturing and ultimately help provide quality and value for consumers,” said John Heller, Director, Automotive Operations for Automotive Components Holdings.

April 2008

Recent photos taken during the Rochester Home Show Expo.

March 2008

RAY SANDS GLASS Announces Partnership to Fix Door Panes

ROCHESTER NY (March 5, 2008) – RAY SANDS GLASS, Western Reflections and PPG Auto Glass are teaming up to offer customers high-quality replacement residential door Glass service.
RAY SANDS GLASS President David J Burns announced the partnership with PPG Auto Glass on March 8, 2008 in Rochester New York and Canandaigua NY.  Ray Sands Glass can now order Western Reflections door glass insert products and parts from PPG Auto Glass, who will ship the orders through their established auto glass distribution network.

“We appreciate the willingness of Western Reflections and PPG Auto Glass to step into this new field to help us deliver a superior product and service to our customers,” Burns said. “There is a great opportunity for decorative door window glass as homeowners look for ways to improve the value of their homes in a tight housing market. With this new partnership, homeowners will be able to upgrade their doors in just one day instead of weeks.”

Homeowners can preview new door windows through the Ray Sands Glass website at the Decorative Glass Gallery . There you will be able to see the complete catalog with very High resolution photos. You can see what you new door will look like by using the interactive part of the web site.    Some of the popular door glass inserts include double-pane windows with sliding blinds between the panes, decorative glass with matching side window panes, all-weather glass that meets or exceeds Dade Co., Florida., regulations, and energy-efficient glass.

“We are glad to partner with RAY SANDS GLASSbecause very few consumers know who to turn to for door glass repair and replacement,” said Marc Talbert, President of PPG Auto Glass.  For consumers who would like to put a custom-cut pane in an old frame, RAY SANDS Glass can meet their needs quickly and efficiently with high quality and professionalism. They service Rochester, Canandaigua and the Finger Lakes region.

About Ray Sands Glass:

Established in 1946, Ray Sands Glass is one of the largest full-service glass replacement providers in Rochester and the surrounding counties of Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Ontario and Genesee.  Family owned and operated, Ray Sands Glass has been .awarded the People’s Choice Award by the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle for six consecutive years.  Ray Sands Glass has also placed in the Top 100 Rochester Businesses.

Ray Sands Glass offers complete glass replacement, service and repairs to the automotive, residential and commercial markets.  The company also offers complete window tinting services for your home, business and automobile needs.  Ray Sands Glass is one of the founding members of PPG ProStars which is a nationwide organization of independent glass shops guaranteed to provide superior workmanship and customer service backed by a coast to coast warranty.  PPG ProStars is the largest of its kind in the United States.

February 2008

Ray Sands Glass is participating in several upcoming events in the Rochester NY area during the months of February and March 2008:

Rochester Auto Show
February 27 - through - March 2, 2008
Rochester Convention Center

Stop by and visit - we'll be giving away Aquapel Windshield Treatments - enter to win!

BCB Home Show Expo
February 29 - through - March 2, 2008
Dome Arena

Rochester Home Show
March 28 - through - March 30, 2008
Rochester Convention Center

December 2007

Partnering with recognized leader in local area media

Ray Sands Glass recently selected Dixon-Shwabl, for it's media planning, public relations and advertising in the coming year.  "We're excited to have the folks at Dixon-Schwabl representing Ray Sands Glass - it's a good fit" says David Burns, president of Ray Sands Glass.
 

Rays Sands Staff Certified in OEM Approved Urethan for windshileld replacement.

Ray Sands Auto Glass technicians, customer service and sales representatives are now certified in OE Tech urethane; the only OEM approved one hour cure urethane for windshield replacement. Windshield safety is a priority at Ray Sands Glass, and our staff is routinely updated on the latest trends and procedures in the auto glass industry.

July 2007
Ready for That Summer Road Trip? Play It Safe
and  Make Sure Your Car Is Ready for the Highways.

More families than ever will be heading out on the highway to vacation summer beginning with the July 4 holiday. In their haste to get the show on the road, many drivers simply overlook the need to give their vehicle a thorough safety checkup. Even those who remember the basics, such as tire pressure, fluid levels, belts, air conditioning, brakes, and lights, often overlook one of the most important components of the vehicle -- the windshield.

Minor windshield damage should be repaired to avoid further damage, complications, or a costly replacement that could ruin your family’s vacation.

“The most important thing to remember about minor windshield damage,” says Dave Burns, co-owner of Ray Sands Glass, “is not to procrastinate.” Vibrations from the road and rapid changes in temperature can cause chips to spread into cracks. And that may prohibit a windshield repair.”

Dave Burns also notes that there are four compelling reasons to get your windshield repaired:

1. It’s covered. Most comprehensive insurance policies cover the cost of windshield repair.
2. It’s fast. It takes about 15 minutes, and you can drive your car away.
3. It’s smart. If the damage spreads, you will need a new windshield, and that could cost hundreds of dollars.
4. It’s safe. Repair restores the structural integrity of your windshield.

So play it safe! Inspect your vehicle’s windshield, and if it is damaged, get the damage repaired before you leave home. Don't take chances that could interrupt or postpone your travel plans.

June 2007
Tips For Selecting Mobile Service When Having Your
Car Windshield Replaced

An auto glass installer who comes in a mobile van to replace a car’s damaged windshield can be a great convenience for busy Americans. But, is mobile service as good as having your windshield replaced at a glass shop?

That depends, says a leading automotive replacement glass industry expert, who recommends consumers follow these steps.

“Most important is to find an installer who is certified by an industry organization and adhesive manufacturer,” says Bob Beranek, president of Automotive Glass Consultants who often provides testimony as an expert witness in auto glass-related litigation.

“Don’t be embarrassed or shy about asking to see an installer’s credentials,” Beranek advises. “A professional installer will understand the consumer’s concerns and be pleased to provide the information. Ask to see a copy of the certification, which should be in the name of the installer, not the shop.”

The next important consideration is the weather. “If the weather is inclement, rainy, snowy, or damp, don’t have your windshield replaced outdoors or in an open-air environment,” Beranek says. “Installers use special materials to bond the glass to the vehicle body, and dry surfaces are needed for the materials to bond properly in a reasonable period of time.”

Also important are air temperature and humidity. While it is not impossible to replace a windshield in temperatures below 20 degrees, Beranek says it is not practical. “The reason is because of the importance of having a good bonding seal between the glass and the car body. There are two factors to consider. First, is the need for there to be no condensation or frost on either the glass or the car body,” says Beranek. “So, if the temperature is cold enough for frost to form, the installer must make absolutely sure the glass and car body surfaces are dry.”

“The second consideration,” he continues, “is the type of adhesive used to install the glass. Many two-part chemical cure systems can be used in cold conditions from zero to 20 degrees. One-part systems are generally used at temperatures above 40 degrees.”

Whenever a windshield is replaced, whether it is by mobile service or at a glass shop, Beranek says to ask the installer for safe drive-away time and follow his instructions exactly.

“The drive-away time is the time needed for the urethane adhesive to cure completely before it is safe to drive away. Chemical adhesives cure more quickly and have faster drive-away times than one-part systems that take longer to cure. So ask what type of urethane system will be used and the cure time needed before it is safe to drive the vehicle.”

In a glass shop, an installer has greater control over the drive-away time, Beranek says. With mobile service, when a windshield is replaced at an off-site location that is convenient for the customer, it is the customer who must follow the installer’s advice.

One final consideration, Beranek notes, is windshield size. “Some large windshields, such as those on minivans, require two people to install. A professional, reputable auto glass installation shop with mobile service will know which windshields need two installers and will make sure there are two people sent to handle the job right.”

April 2007
Properly Installed Windshield Is Necessary for Airbag to Work Right

Your vehicle’s windshield needs to be installed properly for the airbag on the passenger side to work correctly. So, if you need to have a windshield replaced, make sure the work is done by a professional, certified installer who understands its importance to your safety and that of others riding in your vehicle.

Bob Beranek, owner of Automotive Glass Consultants, who is often called to testify as an auto glass industry expert trial witness, advises consumers to ask the installer about the airbag when having a windshield replaced.

“When a vehicle is involved in a collision, a passenger-side airbag is designed to deploy off the windshield at speeds up to 200 mph,” Beranek explains. “So it is imperative for the windshield to be installed correctly. You don’t want the airbag to force the windshield out of the frame, which would defeat the purpose of the airbag and possibly allow passengers to be ejected from the vehicle.”

Federal law requires windshields in vehicles without passenger-side airbags to be able to sustain pressure of up to 56 pounds per square inch and remain in place, Beranek said.

“Windshield installations in vehicles with dual front airbags must be able to take up to six times that much force.” All airbags are not alike, so auto glass installers must know how to remove and replace a windshield so that proper airbag performance will not be affected. “It’s important for the installer to know how to disable and enable the airbag, especially with the sophisticated computer technology in many of today’s cars,” Beranek said.

Because of the importance of the windshield installation to correct function of the passenger-side airbag, the glass must fit properly in the frame and be installed with the proper materials, Beranek says.

“I recommend consumers ask for a windshield made by an auto glass manufacturer that is also a supplier to the car manufacturers,” he advises.

For the passenger-side airbag to deploy, the windshield must remain in place, Beranek says, so it is important for the installer to use urethane adhesive.

“The installer has to use the right urethane adhesive system to bond the glass to the car frame for the windshield to be installed properly. Two-part chemical cure systems are designed to provide the needed bond strength.”

Once the car owner knows that the right glass and urethane will be used, Beranek says to ask about the installer’s training.

“Make sure the installer is certified by an industry organization and an adhesive manufacturer,” Beranek says. “Ask to see the installer’s credentials. Professionals won’t be upset if you ask but will appreciate your concern and be glad to show you their certificates.”
 

December 2006 - Ray Sands Glass chosen for Rochester's Choice Awards 5th year!

We're proud to announce that for the fifth consecutive year, Ray Sands Glass has been chosen by our local community for this year's Rochester's Choice Awards.  We're excited to have our customers, friends and neighbors think so highly of us.  Thank you Rochester, we appreciate it!

April 2006 - Ray Sands Glass teams up with the New York State Troopers Sniper Unit

On Thursday, April 20th, 2006 Ray Sands Glass gave a presentation to the New York State Troopers Sniper Unit at their training facility in upstate New York. Dave Burns, owner of Ray Sands Glass along with Scott Wells and Shelly Hueston, Marketing Managers for Ray Sands were present.

We were given the opportunity to provide the NYS Trooper Sniper Unit with valuable information concerning the many aspects and properties of all types of glass as well as providing the team with several pieces of different types of glass for their training. The NYS Trooper Sniper Unit is called upon when there are extreme cases of danger and must be prepared in every way. The men are highly trained in their field and have one goal, "To save lives".

With this in mind, they need to know how all types of glass will react when penetrated by a bullet. Dave, Scott and Shelly were able to remain at the facility while the training was in progress and in many cases we were able to predict just what would happen to the glass when fired upon. The results gave the NYS Trooper Sniper Unit the knowledge they need to deal with all types of situations.

Ray Sands Glass sets the standards in safety and works exclusively with OEM products. Anytime we can be of service to the community we are happy to oblige. We would like to thank the NYS Trooper Sniper Unit for the opportunity given to us, it was a privilege to be able to spend the day with such an elite group.
 

October 2005
Ray Sands Glass 100% Certified

Ray Sands Glass employees recently completed an extensive recertification course through Dow Automotive, manufacturer of Essex primers and urethanes.  We are proud to announce that 100% of our employees are completely certified in Automotive Glass Installation.  In doing so we follow a "Code of Practice" to ensure our customers safety.   The "Code of Practice" regulations are as follows:

•     Ensure vehicles are restored to OEM design specifications

•     Assure compliance with the Motor Vehicle Act 1397

•     Comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 208,212,216 and 219

•     Comply with Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS)

•     Promote the use of most current products, materials and methods

•     Create awareness of safety issues

•     Follow high standards of workmanship and business ethics in the industry

•     Establish and maintain a high reputation

In addition to this Ray Sands Glass will be partaking in an ongoing Safety Program offered through New York State Insurance starting in January 2006.

2005 - Winner of the Democrat & Chronicles Rochester's Choice Award 4 years in a row...

Ray Sands Glass would like to thank all our loyal customer's for nominating us as the winner of the Rochester's Choice Awards in Auto Glass for 2005.  This is our 4th consecutive year for winning this prestigious honor.  We appreciate our customer's and strive for 100% customer satisfaction.  We look forward to another year of serving the Rochester area community. Dave and Frank Burns would also like to thank all the employee's here at Ray Sands Glass for their hard work and dedication. 

Ray Sands Glass offers Extended Auto Care Products & Services...

WINDOW TINTING
Whether you're looking for a way to increase privacy or reduce UV sunlight we have tinting for all your applications: Auto · Boat · RV · Home · Business

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PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR
Now you can have that annoying dent on your car fixed at Ray Sands Glass!   We can remove any dent or ding golf ball size or smaller.  Let our expert restore your car to that  "new look" condition.

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BUMPER COVER REPAIR
Remove cuts, dents, and scratches from your bumper!

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EVEN MORE GREAT PRODUCTS AVAILABLE:

• Downey Tonneau Covers®

• SVR Sideview Spot Mirrors®

• Clearview™ Window Graphics

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 Windshield Safety Tips

If you are a front seat passenger in a vehicle please do not put your feet up on the  dashboard.  If an accident occurs and the passenger side airbag is deployed  you can not react quick enough to escape serious injury or death.  The airbag deploys in two tenths of a second and our bodies cannot take the impact in such a position.

Anyone under 5 feet tall should ride in the back seat.  In an accident the airbag is designed to go off before you hit the dashboard enabling your body to "ride" the airbag down.  People under 5 feet reach the dashboard quicker in an accident, therefore resulting in the passenger airbag deploying after the victim is all ready reaching the dashboard.

#1 cause of vehicular accidents is still your radio!

Be Informed.  Be Educated.  Ask Questions. . . . IT'S YOUR LIFE!

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