After you have spent your money on auto glass repair, it is important to take the right measures to ensure that your windshield will be long-lasting and durable. Whether it is minor cracking or chipping or a complete replacement, proper care after the repair prevents further damage, perfects the curing of adhesives, and prolongs your windshield’s life.
Vehicle owners should follow vital tips to ensure the windshield remains in perfect condition after a repair. These include waiting before driving, keeping the vehicle clean inside out, avoiding washing the car immediately, and leaving a window slightly open. They should also be gentle when closing doors, avoid rough terrain, and leave the retention tape on.
Caring for Your Car’s Windshield After Auto Glass Repair
It is advisable to take good care of your car’s windshield after having a crack repaired to enhance its durability and safety. Knowledge of how to maintain it will go a long way in avoiding further damage, extending its durability, and improving its visibility on the road.
Wait Before Driving
One of the first and most important steps after a windshield repair or replacement is waiting before driving. When you replace your windshield, the adhesive used to secure your windshield needs some time to cure. Once cured, it will guarantee an excellent bond between the glass and the frame of your car. Recommended time to wait after auto glass repair service is:
- Minimum wait time: As per the experts, wait at least one hour before driving the car.
- Optimal wait time: Allow two to three hours before driving. This gives the adhesive more time to set and reduces the chance of future issues.
Keep the Vehicle Clean Inside Out
The windshield adhesive needs a stable environment to set properly. So, car owners should take care of their cars inside and out.
Keep the Vehicle Clean Inside
- Regular Vacuuming: Vacuum the inside using a vacuum cleaner post-auto glass repair service which can suck the dirt, dust, and other debris. The dust and debris can be stuck between the cushions and seats.
- Wipe Surfaces: Wipe the dashboard, steering wheel, and door panels clean using microfiber cloths and the right cleaning solutions to give a perfectly spotless and sanitary ambiance within the car.
Keep the Vehicle Clean Outside
- Frequent Washing: Regularly wash your car to allow removal of dirt, dropping of birds, and tree saps that ultimately damage the paint and glass.
- Protective Wax: Apply a coat of wax after washing to protect the paint and glass surfaces from environmental contaminants and UV damage.
Avoid Washing the Car Immediately After Mobile Auto Glass Repair Services
You want to wash your car to complement that new windshield look, but washing it too soon may be bad for the repair. High-pressure water or soap from a car wash can break the adhesive bond before it’s fully cured. Here are some key tips for washing:
- Avoid automatic car washes: You should not take your car for an automatic or any high-pressure car wash for at least 48 hours after the repair.
- Hand washing: If necessary, hand washing is a safer alternative, but be gentle around the windshield’s edges.
Leave a Window Slightly Open
Temperature and air pressure changes can stress a newly repaired windshield. To minimize the impact of air pressure inside your vehicle, leave at least one window slightly open for 24 hours after the repair. This prevents excess pressure from building up inside your car, which could push against the windshield and weaken the adhesive.
Be Gentle When Closing Doors
Aggressively closing your car doors creates a shock throughout the vehicle. This may cause the windshield to shift slightly before it will set with full adhesive. You must, therefore, close your car doors softly after a windshield repair. Here is how to achieve that:
- Close doors slowly: Slowly shut your car doors for at least two days post-auto glass repair.
- Warn passengers: Instruct passengers not to slam the doors because this action can displace the windshield from its frame.
Keep Away from Rough Terrain
Avoid driving on rough or bumpy roads in the first few days after windshield repair, if possible. The vibrations and shocks caused by uneven terrain can affect the windshield’s alignment and weaken the adhesive’s bond. Best practices for driving:
- Choose smooth roads: Stick to smoother roads during your commute or daily driving.
- Slow down: If you must drive on rough terrain, reduce your speed to minimize vibrations.
Leave the Retention Tape On
If your auto glass repair technician has applied retention tape around the windshield’s edges, leave it on for the recommended duration.
- Retention tape protects the adhesive. It keeps dust, dirt, and other contaminants from sticking to it while it dries.
- Wait until the adhesive cures: Do not remove the tape too early; give it 24 to 48 hours or follow the timeframe provided by your technician. Removing the tape too soon could compromise the seal and lead to future issues.
What should you do immediately after a windshield repair?
Immediately after a windshield repair, avoid driving for at least an hour to ensure the adhesive has time to set. Keep the area clear of moisture and avoid using wipers for 24 hours.
How long does the adhesive take to cure?
The adhesive used for auto glass repairs typically takes about 24 hours to cure fully. During this time, it is essential to avoid driving, washing, or exposing the windshield to extreme weather.
How do you know if the repair was successful?
A successful windshield repair is indicated by minimal distortion, clarity at the repair site, and no visible air bubbles. Additionally, the repair should not interfere with your field of vision.
Conclusion
Taking care of your windshield after auto glass repair is essential to maintaining its longevity and ensuring the safety of your vehicle. Vehicle owners should follow vital auto glass repair tips to ensure the windshield remains in perfect condition after a repair. These include waiting before driving, ensuring the car is cleaned inside and out, not washing the car immediately, and opening a window. They should also close doors carefully, keep clear of roads with thick, bumpy earth, and not touch the retention tape.
