Advances in vehicle manufacturing have placed windshields at the forefront of vehicle technology. As a result, the skills needed by auto glass technicians to repair them are also evolving. Yet few people realize just how much the profession has changed.
So, what is behind a modern windshield? Likely much more than you might think.
Today’s windshields often support Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), technologies designed to enhance road safety, reduce the risk of collisions, and make driving more efficient and intuitive. Cameras and sensors are frequently mounted on or integrated into the windshield, enabling features such as lane departure warnings, traffic sign recognition, parking assistance, and more.
The integration of this technology into modern vehicles has increased the level of expertise required to repair them. Today’s auto glass technicians are skilled tradespeople working at the intersection of vehicle safety and technology. Despite the growing technical complexity of the job, public awareness has not kept pace with the changes in the profession.
Macenzie Curbow, Performance Compliance and Implementation Manager for Speedy Glass USA, has worked in the auto glass industry for more than 15 years. Last month, he participated in Auto Glass Week™ 2026 as a returning judge for the event’s popular competition series, where top technicians from around the world showcase their skills in the industry’s premier competition.
Ahead of the event, we spoke with him to learn more about how the auto glass aftermarket sector is evolving and what anyone considering a career in the profession should know.
How has auto glass repair changed since you joined the industry?
What I learned when I came into the industry is drastically different from what it looks like today. There are so many new components on the vehicle that are electronics based. You have to know how to read codes, how to understand that language a little bit more.
How has the introduction of ADAS impacted the repair process for windshields?
ADAS technology leverages advanced sensors, cameras, and intelligent software to help keep drivers safe and reduce the risk of collision. Many of these new technologies are now integrated into windshields. As part of pre-repair assessment, we have to pre-scan the vehicle and diagnose any issues before we can move forward. After the repair is complete, realignment and recalibration may be needed. For example, if the windshield we are working on has an integrated camera, we must ensure that this all works correctly post-repair and complies with relevant safety standards.
"Innovations in vehicle technology have transformed the role of an auto glass technician. What may appear to be a straightforward repair often requires a deep understanding of advanced safety systems and evolving industry standards. As vehicles become more sophisticated, the expertise required to repair them must evolve just as quickly."
Has the perception of the industry changed since the introduction of these new technologies?
Not really. I think that most of the time people come into the industry thinking that it’s really simple. That’s not the case given all the procedures we follow to ensure the vehicle is safe and functional. We’re not just replacing a pane of glass. We need to understand precise calibration, electronics, and diagnostics software. Windshields are one of the most important safety features in any car. They preserve the structural integrity of the vehicle’s roof; it’s essential they are installed correctly to ensure air bags deploy correctly. People who are succeeding in our industry now are those that are constantly evolving with the work that is given to them.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining the profession?
Come into the profession ready to keep learning. You will never know everything., even the are experts in our field are still gaining new skills every day to keep us with new technologies as the industry keeps changing, not to mention the fact that there are hundreds of different vehicles and manufacturers out there. In the US, I’d estimate that the average tenured technician may have worked on 5% of the different makes and models of vehicles in their career to-date.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I’m a fixer. I love the opportunity to solve problems on a regular basis. One of things I like most about auto glass installation is that you are always surprised. No two cars – even if they are the same make and model – are identical. Each repair is going to be different. It’s never boring. There’s always something new to learn.
Interested in a career at the intersection of technology, safety and skilled trades?