Windshield Replacement 101: Aftercare Tips
Dealing with a broken windshield can be a difficult process. If your car's windshield has broken, you've probably already booked a windshield replacement appointment with your local auto glass shop. However, since windshield replacement isn't something that most drivers deal with on a regular basis, you might not know how best to handle your car following the windshield replacement. Here are some tips to help ensure that your replacement is a success.
Heed The Pickup Time
The auto glass technician will provide you with a pickup time when you can come to get your car. Heed this time and make sure you don't try to pick your car up sooner. Even if it might be more convenient for you to pick it up sooner, you need to allow the windshield adhesive at least an hour to start to cure before you try to drive your car. Driving it too soon can result in the adhesive failing to cure, leaving you with a loose, leaky windshield that's a safety hazard.
Drive Cautiously
The first two days following a windshield replacement are the most important for the adhesive to cure. As a result, you should be cautious during any driving that you have to do in those two days.
Avoid any rough terrain, including poorly maintained roads. The jarring motion caused when you travel these roads can actually cause the windshield to shift if the adhesive isn't fully cured. If the windshield shifts, it can put undue stress on the glass, leading to cracks and windshield failure.
Additionally, you should maintain moderate speeds. Excessive speed can lead to wind pressure on the glass. This can compress the adhesive and cause the seal to fail. Avoid severe braking movements as well because the force of the car stopping can lead to the windshield shifting forward, pulling it away from the adhesive.
Wash By Hand
If you need to wash your car within 48 hours of the glass replacement, make a point to wash it by hand. Use your hose, not a pressure washer. Any kind of high-pressure wash can actually cause your windshield replacement to fail if it's done before the adhesive fully cures. The pressure of the water as well as the chemicals in a high-pressure car wash can cause a newly replaced windshield to leak and potentially fail completely.
Talk with your windshield replacement services today for more tips about how to care for your car following the replacement process.