Tips to Keep Your Newly Replaced Windshield Safe

The windshield is one of the most important parts of your car. It prevents dust, insects, dirt, and other elements from getting inside the car. Moreover, the windshield plays an important role in keeping you safe in case an unwanted accident happens.

But once it has suffered irreparable damage or crack, you will be required to schedule a windshield replacement service — leaving you with a totally brand-new glass. To make sure that your new windshield will stay in pristine condition for a long time, there are certain things that you must remember and do right after the replacement.

How to Protect Your Newly Replaced Windshield

Don’t Remove the Retention Tape

After the installation of your new windshield, the technician will leave the retention tape on. It prevents the glass from moving while it’s still curing.

You might be tempted to remove it, but you should not do that for about 24 – 48 hours. If not sure, you can ask the installer when you can remove the tape.

If you remove the retention tape before it was completely cured, dirt and other particles may get stuck to the adhesive. As a result, the connection between the glass and frame weakens — making your windshield susceptible to damages.

Don’t Drive Your Car Immediately After

Windshields are glued to the car frame using urethane. This type of adhesive takes some time to set and harden. That is why it is important to not drive your car for at least 1 hour to give the urethane time to cure.

The good thing is most windshield replacement companies offer mobile services — which basically means that they carry out the auto glass service at the customer’s house or place of work. With this, it would be easier for car owners to steer away from driving their car for a certain amount of time.

If you drive your car immediately right after, the urethane won’t have enough time to harden, hindering your new windshield to be firmly installed into the car frame.

Avoid Car Washes and Power Washers

You should refrain from going to a car wash for at least 3 days after getting a new windshield. This is because car washes use high-pressure jets, motor pumps, and other equipment — which may reduce the strength of the adhesive, especially if they are not completely hardened yet.

However, this does not mean that you should get your car away from water. You just need to keep it away from pressure or impact that can weaken your new windshield’s glass-to-frame connection. That said, you can still wash your car at home by using a microfiber cloth and mild soaps.

Takeaway

These windshield aftercare tips will help you ensure that the urethane in your new windshield will dry appropriately and will not leave any gaps between the glass and the car frame. By knowing what to do after a windshield replacement, you can also avoid committing mistakes that can void your warranty. With that, make sure to always remember the tips above so your new windshield stays in good condition.