What Should You Not Do After Getting Your Windshield Replaced?
After getting your windshield replaced, taking a few simple precautions ensures the new glass stays securely in place and performs at its best.
One of the most helpful steps is giving the adhesive enough time to properly cure before driving. Avoiding extreme temperatures, slamming car doors, or using the rearview mirror too soon helps protect the quality of the installation. At Speedy Fast Auto Glass in Fullerton, CA, we guide our customers in following post-installation recommendations to support the longevity of their new windshield. This article explains the best actions to take for a safe and durable windshield replacement.
Call NowDon't Drive Immediately After the Installation
For the best results after your windshield replacement, allowing your vehicle some time before driving is highly beneficial. The adhesive used to bond the windshield needs time to cure properly, ensuring a strong, secure bond. Most auto glass repair professionals recommend waiting at least one hour, and some adhesives may need up to 24 hours to fully set. By giving the adhesive this time to bond, you'll ensure your windshield stays securely in place, enhancing both the safety and long-term integrity of your vehicle.
Don't Expose the New Windshield to Extreme Conditions
For optimal results with your new windshield, it's great to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures in the first 24 to 48 hours after installation. Keeping the windshield in a stable environment allows the adhesive to cure properly, creating a strong bond and ensuring the windshield's stability. Parking in a shaded area or a location with consistent temperatures will support this. Additionally, gently avoiding high-pressure car washes during this period helps the adhesive set perfectly, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Don't Slam Your Car Doors
After your windshield replacement, it's beneficial to gently close the doors of your vehicle. This helps avoid vibrations that could affect the bond between the windshield and the car frame, ensuring the adhesive remains strong and secure. For the first 24 to 48 hours, closing your car doors gently supports the stability of the windshield, helping maintain the perfect alignment and installation.
Don't Use the Rearview Mirror Too Soon
After your windshield replacement, the rearview mirror is firmly fixed using a high-quality adhesive that needs proper curing time to achieve its full strength. Allowing 24 to 48 hours before using the mirror gives the adhesive the necessary time to form a stable bond with the glass, ensuring the mirror's secure attachment. This curing process helps prevent stress on the bonding area and reduces the risk of the adhesive weakening, which can occur if disturbed too soon. A well cured bond enhances the overall durability and stability of the installation.
Don't Ignore Small Cracks or Chips
Following your windshield replacement, staying alert for any cracks or chips in the new glass helps keep your windshield in excellent condition. Small chips or cracks can often be easily repaired if addressed early, preventing them from growing into larger, more costly problems. Taking care of minor damage promptly also maintains the structural integrity of the windshield and the adhesive bond, keeping your vehicle safer and extending the lifespan of the glass.
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Protecting Your New Windshield After Replacement
Taking the right steps after your windshield replacement is key to ensuring it stays secure and functions optimally. Allowing the adhesive time to cure, avoiding extreme temperatures, and gently closing car doors all help maintain the integrity of your new windshield. Waiting to use the rearview mirror and regularly checking for any cracks or chips further supports the durability of the glass. By following these simple precautions, you can extend the lifespan of your windshield and keep your vehicle's safety features intact. Proper care after installation ensures your windshield remains in top condition for the long term.
Expert Windshield Replacement Care
At Speedy Fast Auto Glass, we provide comprehensive guidance on post-installation care to ensure your new windshield performs at its best. Our professional technicians use premium adhesives that typically cure within 24 hours, and we'll advise you on the optimal waiting period before driving. Following our simple care instructions will help maintain the structural integrity of your windshield and ensure your vehicle's safety systems function properly. Contact us today for expert windshield replacement and personalized aftercare advice.