Auto Glass Glossary Terms

Adhesion: The physical joining of two materials, especially of dissimilar substances like glass and metal.

Adhesive: A substance that provides or promotes adhesion.

Adhesion: The physical joining of two materials, especially of dissimilar substances like glass and metal.

AGRSS: Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards - The AGRSS® Council: Making Safety a Top Priority. The Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS® ) Council Inc, (AGRSS® ) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the safe replacement of auto glass. 

AGRSS® was founded and is supported by companies in the auto glass replacement industry that keep safe installation as their primary goal. AGRSS® is an accredited American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards development organization. 

It has developed the North America’s only auto glass replacement standard, the AGRSS® standard (ANSI/AGRSS® 002-2002 Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standard). The AGRSS® Standard addresses procedures, education and product performance.

Cutout: The process of precisely cutting out and removing a damaged windshield.

DOT: U.S. Department of Transportation, the federal agency that oversees the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other transportation-related government organizations.

Expander™: A patented tool that safely controls the release of the windshield from the pinchweld during the cutout process.

FMVSS: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which detail the safety criteria manufacturers must meet in order to conform to regulations. 

The complete, current regulations may be found here: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

HPR: High Penetration Resistance. HPR windshields are strengthened by using layers of laminated glass - designed to reduce injuries in the event of accidents.

OEM: Original equipment manufacturer. Original and new parts - including windshields and side glass - purchased directly from the manufacturer for aftermarket use (versus new construction within the factory).

NGA: National Glass Association, the largest trade association specifically for the North American glass industry. NGA represents the architectural, automotive and specialty glass segments of the industry. Its mission is to provide information and education to promote quality workmanship, ethics and safety in the glass industry.

NGA-Certified: Installation specialists who have met the certification requirements of the National Glass Association. The two levels of certification are:

• Auto Glass Technician (AGT)
  Minimum of six months work experience in the auto glass industry serving in the position of auto glass installer. 
  
  
• Master Auto Glass Technician (MAGT)
  Minimum of five years work experience in the auto glass industry serving in the position of auto glass installer and prior achievement of Senior Auto Glass Technician Level certification.