How to Take Care of a Windshield after Replacement?

Taking care of your new windshield replacement is the first step toward maintaining your investment. A car’s windshield is a lot more than an ornamental addition and is a very important component of a car. It not only provides structural support to a car but also shields the driver and the passengers from flying debris, wind, and other environmental conditions, i.e., rain and storm. If your windshield breaks or gets chipped, then you must get it repaired as soon as possible. If repair isn’t possible, then you must get it to replace. However, you must take a few precautionary measures to keep your newly replaced windshield in excellent condition.

1- Avoid Driving Immediately:

After windshield replacement in San Jose, wait for a while before you start driving again. Otherwise, the joints will have gaps, and your windshield will not fit securely. This can be very dangerous for yourself, your passengers, and other road users. This waiting time after replacing the windshield to driving again is called driveway time. Experts suggest at least one hour of driveway time so that the windshield fits perfectly. However, it can take up to 24 hours, depending on some adhesives and sealants. This depends upon the type of windshield, temperature and the sealant used.

2- Keep the Car Windows Open for Some Time:

The intensity of the internal pressure of the car is among the main reasons why a windshield gets cracks. This can occur in any condition, but barometric pressure tends to rise further in a warm climate such as summer. High pressure on the adhesive seal can cause leaks which decreases vehicle safety. Therefore, keep your car window open for a little while to relieve excess pressure after getting the windshield replace. Also, avoid parking your car for hours under direct sunlight.

3- Avoid Power Car Wash:

Auto car washes aren’t suitable, especially when your windshield is new, because of the high pressure normally used to spray water on the car. Moreover, greasy detergents are use to remove contaminants from the car. They can damage the adhesive and sealant, and the windshield can come off the frame. Therefore, you should avoid using automatic car washes and high-pressure cleaners immediately after windshield replacement. On the other hand, rainwater doesn’t ruin the windshield, so you don’t have to worry about it.

4- Keep the Retention Tape on the Windshield Replacement:

The retaining tape doesn’t look good on the windshield, but you should leave it in place for some days after getting the windshield replacement in San Jose. This tape aims to hold the windshield molding together to keep the seal intact. It also ensures the seal remain protects from other elements until the adhesive gets dries.

5- Close the Car Doors Gently:

The windshield needs at least one day for the sealant and adhesive to dry out properly. Therefore, pay attention to the windshield and your car in general before the end of this period. This is because any impact on any part of the car can damage your windshield. However, always open and close the door gently. Closing the vehicle door with force can change the vehicle pressure and prevent the window adhesive from hardening. After getting the windshield replace, close the door gently to avoid any unwanted changes in the pressure, which can loosen the windshield. Moreover, it would be great if using the wipers could avoid it for some time. If you still need to use them, you should limit your travel time to about 2 hours.

6- Keep the Windshield Clean:

When the sealant is wet, anything which comes in direct contact with it will automatically stick to it. Even if it is not stuck, the seal will break, causing leaks and cracks. Therefore, you must keep all objects away from the windshield, preferably for the first 24 hours until the adhesive is completely dry. In particular, do not attach the cover to the outside of the windshield or use the sunshade inside. Objects placed inside may not adhere to the adhesive, but they press against the windshield, interfering with the drying process and creating gaps in the seal.

7- Drive Carefully after Windshield Replacement:

With newly installs windshields, special care should take when driving to keep them in place. For example, avoid dented or bumpy roads, as it can easily result in chips or cracks in the windshield. In addition, if the adhesive is not yet dry, it can loosen. You should also drive slowly and avoid braking to avoid shocks that could crack the windshield.

A simple crack or chip on a windshield can lead to a lot of problems and serious injuries, which is why you should get your damaged windshield replaced as soon as possible. And when you do so, take care of your newly replaced windshield using the tips shared above.