Essential Maintenance Tips After Windshield Replacement
The windshield helps in protecting the structure of your car. The windshield in the car also helps protect the driver. It supports the car’s roof and the integrity of the vehicle. It is common for the car’s windshield to develop cracks or chips due to sudden impact. If the windshield breaks, you can get it repaired or replaced. It depends on the level of damage and the scope of repair.
If the damage is severe, it can’t be repaired, and you need to go with windshield replacement. Generally, a mechanic will be able to tell you if the windshield needs repair or replacement. However, once the replacement is done, you need to take care of it to prevent further damage for a substantial time.
Here’s a look at some aftercare rules you need to know for the protection of the newly replaced windshield.
Now that you have got the windshield of the car replaced, you might be excited to drive the car back home immediately. But for some time and review the aftercare tips. The mechanic might also guide you about a few dos and don’ts. This will make sure that you don’t end up damaging the windshield again.
- Avoid driving the car immediately
It is a big NO to drive away the car as soon as the windshield is replaced. Replacement or repairs use adhesive for fixing the windshield. It needs some time to cure and strengthen. The curing duration of the adhesive depends on many factors, such as quality, humidity, and temperature. It might take 24 hours in a few cases. However, you should wait at least an hour or two before you drive the car after the windshield replacement. This will allow the adhesive to dry up completely and not leave any gaps between the frame and the glass.
- Leave the tape on
Some repair companies make use of tape when fixing the new windshield in the car. You might feel tempted to remove the tape to restore the appearance of the car. But you should avoid ripping off the tape from the windshield for at least a day after replacement. This ensures that the debris, dirt, and other foreign particles don’t get stuck to the adhesive. These particles can weaken the windshield’s connection to the frame and wash away all the efforts to replace the windshield.
- Don’t wash the car
Car washes often consist of high-pressure jets as well as motor pumps for cleaning the debris and dirt off the car. If the adhesive has not dried completely, the jet washes will destroy its strength, and you will be left with a weakly installed windshield. Also, if the car wash facility makes use of some cleaning liquid or detergent. It might prove to be abrasive to the adhesive or sealants. You should refrain from washing the car for at least a day after the windshield replacement.
Even if you feel tempted to get the car washed, you can do it at home with the help of mild soap and soft sprays of water. You don’t need to keep the car away from the water. Just be careful about the impact/ pressure that strong jets create.
- Careful while driving
You should not engage in rash driving immediately after the windshield replacement. It is important to avoid driving vehicles on uneven roads to prevent the windshield of the car from shaking. Avoid slamming the door hard or banging on the roof of the vehicle. It can create sudden/ immense pressure, which can make the windshield pop out. Before you exit the car, keep the window bit gaped to allow the pressure to escape when you close the car door when you exit.
- Leaving the window open
If you stay in a region that has a particularly hot temperature, it can lead to pressure build-up inside the car and lead to heat. If the car is parked under the sun for long hours, the newly installed windshield might pop out or disassociate due to high pressure. Thus, leave the window gaped before you park the car if you have just got the windshield replaced.
How to detect incorrect windshield installation?
- Visible gaps between the frame and the windshield glass.
- Rattling noise when driving the car.
- The irregular pattern on the windshield.
If you identify the signs of incorrect installation of the windshield, you should get-go to the service provider and get it checked again.
Keeping these tips in mind will help in ensuring that windshield replacement lasts long. Getting the windshield replaced can be a significant expense, and hence it is important that you follow these tips and ensure that your newly replaced windshield remains safe and intact. Even if you notice the slightest chip or crack on the windshield, visit the technicians and get it repaired or replaced, as the case may be.
