What Do Auto Glass Technicians Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Auto Glass Technicians replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles. They also prime all scratches on pinchwelds with primer and allow to dry.

Other tasks include:

• Remove all dirt, foreign matter, and loose glass from damaged areas, apply primer along windshield or window edges, and allow primer to dry.
• Allow all glass parts installed with urethane ample time to cure, taking temperature and humidity into account.
• Apply a bead of urethane around the perimeter of each pinchweld and dress the remaining urethane on the pinchwelds so that it is of uniform level and thickness.
• Select appropriate tools, safety equipment, and parts, according to job requirements.
• Install replacement glass in vehicles.
• Obtain windshields or windows for specific automobile makes and models from stock and examine them for defects prior to installation.

We asked Auto Glass Technicians how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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67% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 52% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Auto Glass Technicians remove broken or damaged glass windshields or window glass from motor vehicles, using hand tools to remove screws from frames holding glass. They install new foam dams on pinchwelds, if required.

A typical day for an Automotive Glass Installer and Repairer will also include:

• Check for and remove moisture or contamination in damaged areas and keep areas dry until repairs are complete.
• Apply a bead of urethane around the perimeter of each pinchweld and dress the remaining urethane on the pinchwelds so that it is of uniform level and thickness.
• Select appropriate tools, safety equipment, and parts, according to job requirements.
• Allow all glass parts installed with urethane ample time to cure, taking temperature and humidity into account.
• Remove moldings, clips, windshield wipers, screws, bolts, and inside A-pillar moldings and lower headliners in preparation for installation or repair work.

We asked some Auto Glass Technicians a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	89% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	21% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	95% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	23% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	0% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	56% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Auto Glass Technicians also hold cut or uneven edges of glass against automated abrasive belts to shape or smooth edges. They may also install rubber channeling strips around edges of glass or frames to weatherproof windows or to prevent rattling.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Auto Glass Technicians Replace or adjust motorized or manual window-raising mechanisms. They might also Cut flat safety glass according to specified patterns or perform precision pattern making and glass cutting to custom fit replacement windows.

In addition, they Install, repair, or replace safety glass and related materials, such as back glass heating elements, on vehicles or equipment.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Install new foam dams on pinchwelds, if required.

To some Auto Glass Technicians, it is also their responsibility to Cool or warm glass in the event of temperature extremes.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as an Automotive Glass Installer and Repairer, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-body-and-glass-repairers.htm

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