Professional technicians utilizing industrial strength adhesives to secure windshields require about one hour for curing time before proceeding with installation, during which you must avoid certain activities and environmental conditions.
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Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), direct sunlight, rain and heavy winds all have the ability to impede the curing process.
Wait 24 Hours After Installation
Wait 24 hours after installing a windshield before washing your car. At this stage, the urethane adhesive is still drying and curing; anything sticking to the windshield during this period could interfere with this process and lead to leaks or cracks later on.
Your auto glass repair specialist will suggest waiting a specific length of time after replacing your windshield before driving away in it again, which could range anywhere from an hour up to 8 hours after installation of new windshield.
This timeframe depends on several variables, including temperature and type of windshield being installed. Colder temperatures and higher humidity slow the curing process while hot temperatures speed it up significantly.
Don’t Wash Your Car
Before going through a car wash, the adhesive used to install your windshield needs time to set and dry properly; otherwise, its high water pressure could disrupt its seal and cause the front glass to detach from your vehicle.
If it becomes necessary to wash your car again, allow at least several days and hand wash it instead, as this will give the urethane plenty of time to fully cure before proceeding with cleaning it again.
Take great care in opening and closing the car doors; any accidental slamming may damage adhesives, moldings or curing processes around a new windshield that could interfere with curing processes and could harm its curing.
Don’t Slam Your Doors
After replacing your windshield, it is advisable to avoid slamming car doors for at least 24 hours afterward. Not because slamming will shatter glass but rather because this could affect how your new window seal sits with your car's seal – an adhesive is still setting around it, and sudden movements of doors or trunk can shift even slightly due to vibrations from slamming doors or trunk lids; although not likely major in scale, keeping this in mind for at least a couple days after windshield installation will help maintain proper seal.
At this stage, it is also advisable not to use your vehicle's rain sensor; dust can interfere with its function and pose an imminent risk if driving in adverse weather. Furthermore, rough or pothole-ridden roads should be avoided in order to help your windshield stay secure – something which should always be done, but especially important within two days after getting a new windshield installed.
Don’t Drive
Although it might be tempting, driving your car immediately after receiving a new windshield is definitely not wise. The urethane adhesive used during replacement process must have sufficient time to settle and dry before driving the vehicle too soon will put too much strain on its support structure, potentially leading to cracks appearing on your windshield.
Air pressure may build up inside of the vehicle and exert excessive forces against its adhesive seal, especially during hot summer weather, potentially leading to leaks that compromise passenger and driver safety.
Maintaining these tips will help protect your investment in windshield replacement and make sure it lasts as long as possible. Always abide by the safe drive-away times recommended by technicians; these times can vary depending on factors like temperature, humidity level and environmental conditions at the time of replacement. If any questions arise regarding replacement windshields in general or any specific replacements specifically, don't hesitate to reach out directly.
