You don’t want your new windshield, which you have invested time and money in, to crack or become loose soon after installation. The life of your new windshield is largely dependent on how you care for it after the installation.
After your auto glass service is finished, there are some ‘aftercare tips’ to help you avoid stressing the new windshield. Following your auto glass service, you should follow some replacement of windshield tips to prevent stress on the glass.
This guide will help you to understand the rules of thumb.
What to Do After Windshield Replacement: The First 48 Hours
Allow the windshield to cure after replacement
The technician will use urethane glue to secure your new windshield on your vehicle. This adhesive forms a waterproof seal between the glass pane and the frame. You will most likely need to allow the adhesive to cure properly and form a seal before you drive your vehicle.
Different adhesives cure differently depending on outside temperatures and humidity. To ensure the best results, it is recommended that you wait at least one hour after windshield installation before driving your vehicle. This will stop road vibrations and debris from interfering with the cure of the adhesive. You should wait at least a day before driving your vehicle.
You should arrange to have someone pick you up if you need to leave one hour after the installation. Although it may seem harmless, driving the car immediately after a windshield replacement can damage the adhesive seal.
When you first enter your vehicle, it is important that you look out for any glass fragments left behind from the previous windshield. Your glass technician will most likely use a vacuum cleaner to clean up any glass shards that may have fallen off the old windshield before returning your vehicle to you. You can never be too careful. You can’t be too careful.
Keep the tape on your new windshield
The technician will apply temporary retention tape to the edges of the new glass at the end of windshield replacement. It can be tempting to remove the tape as soon as possible after installation. You should leave the tape in place to stop debris from interfering with the drying process of the adhesive. It is therefore important to leave the adhesive tape on for atleast 24 hours.
Keep the side windows cracked open a little
High internal pressure is one of the leading causes of cracked windshields. It is more common during the hot summer months when air pressure builds up. High pressure on the adhesive seal of the windshield can cause leaks and compromise the structural integrity of the glass.
You can prevent this by keeping the side windows slightly open, just enough to allow the hot air out and avoid a buildup of pressure. Avoid parking your car in a warm environment for a long time.
Keep things away from the Windshield
Some things may adhere to the adhesive while it is drying or curing. Even if some items don’t adhere, they can damage the seal between your vehicle frame and windshield. This could lead to leaks or even cracks.
During the first 24 hours after installation, it is important to avoid placing any objects on either side of the windshield. Don’t cover the vehicle with anything. Avoid putting the sunshade on the inside of your windshield. Even though some items might not adhere to the adhesive they can still push against the glass, causing it to crack.
Avoid Driving in Heavy Showers
Avoid driving if it rains heavily in the first few days following your windshield installation. Adhesive drying can be affected by heavy rain.
Parking the vehicle in a covered or shaded area
Parking the car in a shaded, covered area, preferably in a garage, is another important aspect of the proper aftercare for a windshield replacement within the first 48-hours. The adhesive can be hampered by extreme temperatures (hot and cold), direct sun, rain and strong winds. A covered parking spot can also protect your new windshield against things like falling branches.
Avoid High-Pressure Cleaning
You can clean your car thoroughly with a high-pressure wash or powerwasher, but it is best to avoid them for the first 48 hrs after a windshield replacement. This type of wash can cause the adhesive to lose its grip before it is fully dried. Your windshield is likely to crack or come off with a weak adhesive.
Plus, some detergents used at car washes are harsh on adhesive. Avoid high-pressure washing for the first few days. You can wash your car by hand using mild detergent. You can use a hose with a gentle spray to avoid putting too much pressure on your windshield.
It is also not a good idea to detail the car or apply wax within 48 hours of replacing your windshield. You don’t want the auto detailer accidentally wiping away adhesive around the glass that hasn’t fully cured.
Do Not Apply Windshield Treatments Until After the Window Treatments
Rain-X Water Repellent is a popular windshield treatment. You may also be a fan. It is best to wait 48 hours after installing your new windshield before applying it.
Some windshield treatments may interact or break down the glass adhesive, compromising the seal on the new windshield. It can be tempting to apply a water-repellent on your new glass, but wait for a few days.
Don’t be rough with your new windshield
As we have already mentioned, everything will be healing during the first 48 to 72 hours following a new windshield installation. The adhesive and the molding are both curing. During this period, it is important to be gentle with the new windshield as well as your vehicle. The windshield can be damaged by an impact to the vehicle.
Always close doors, trunks, and hoods gently, especially in the first 48-hour period. If you slam a door, hood, or trunk shut, the seal on your windshield can be damaged. Avoid using the windshield wipers for at least two days. Limit the time you drive with them to two hours if necessary.
Drive extra carefully after windshield replacement
You should be extra careful when driving with a new windscreen to keep it in place. This is especially true during the first few days. This means that you should avoid driving on rough road surfaces. Avoid dirt roads, and roads with potholes and bumps.
Try to find an alternate route for the first 48 hours if you drive frequently on bumpy roads. If you have to drive over potholes or speed bumps that are unavoidable, reduce your speed. If you hit these objects with a lot of force or drive on roads with a lot of vibration, it can affect the curing of adhesive sealant.
Avoid driving too fast or slamming the brakes hard to avoid an impact that could crack your windshield.
This post was written by a professional at At Home Auto Glass. At Home Auto Glass is your prime destination for comprehensive auto glass services serving: Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, Tallahassee, Ocala, Gainesville, and Jacksonville, catering to a diverse array of vehicles and needs. Specializing in windshield repair and replacement, we ensure clarity and safety for every drive. Our expertise doesn’t end there; we also offer back glass replacement, side window replacement, and cater to specific needs for RV glass, commercial vehicles, luxury vehicles, and classic cars, ensuring that every vehicle type is serviced with precision and care. Click here to learn more!
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