Congratulations on your new windshield! After windshield replacement care is vital to the life of your new windshield. Nobody likes having to get a new windshield. It can often be a bummer, but it’s always nice to look at your new, fresh auto glass after it’s been replaced. Of course, you want to keep your new investment looking sharp and working at its peak performance. Well, look no further, we’re going to dig into that topic today. Here are some steps you should take after your windshield has been replaced.

Check your route.

• Think back to when your windshield was damaged. Was it because of your daily route? Double check the routes you take daily. Do any of them have roads filled with potholes or debris? If so, you should probably change your route to avoid those roads. Unnecessary potholes, debris and other bumps cause the most damage to your windshield, and nobody wants to get multiple new installations just because one road is bad.

Inspect the install.

• When picking up your vehicle after your windshield replacement, the very first thing you want to do is to inspect the install. Closely examine your windshield, looking for gaps or bubbles in the seal around your windshield. Check to ensure that the installation technician correctly installed your windshield gasket. Make sure everything looks good before you sign off on it.

Get your warranty paperwork.

• Your auto glass technicians should provide you with a receipt and paperwork on your new windshield install and warranty when the installation is complete. Ask questions about what the warranty covers, how to make a claim if you need repairs, and what to do if you have problems with your installation. It is better to be prepared than to be sorry. 

Wait to drive the vehicle.

• Be sure to wait a little while before driving your car after windshield replacement. The suggested amount of time needed to wait is at least 1 to 2 hours after installation. A special adhesive is used during replacement to hold the glass in place and create a strong, waterproof seal around it. It is necessary you give the adhesive time to fully dry before driving the vehicle. Don’t try to drive the car too much in the first 24 to 48 hours after installation. Drive only if absolutely necessary.

Check the inside of the vehicle.

• Before getting in and driving your vehicle after windshield replacement, get in and check for any shards of glass that may be left over from the installation. Technicians are very careful, but you can never be too sure. 

Leave a window cracked open.

• Leave a window rolled down at least an inch for a day after installation. Air pressure can put extra stress on the seal around the car glass as it dries. Keeping a window cracked open is the easiest way to keep this pressure from causing leaks.

Keep the area inside and out of the car clear.

• For the first 24 to 48 hours after windshield replacement, you should be very cautious with the vehicle. Try to keep the vehicle in a garage or somewhere without any debris, rainfall or other outside elements. Don’t place any cover on the exterior of the vehicle and avoid using a sunshade on the inside of the windshield for the first week or two after your new installation. Keep your dashboard free of clutter. 

Avoid car washes and power washers.

• Avoid car washes and power washers for at least a week after a new windshield replacement. You want to ensure that the new moldings of your windshield don’t get any damage or shift at all before they have set completely. The power from the brushes or a power wash can affect those moldings and adhesives. If your car needs a wash in the first week after windshield replacement, wash it by hand instead of a car wash.

Gently clean your windshield to maintain it.

• Avoid any harsh cleansers containing ammonia or other chemicals that could damage your auto glass. A mild glass cleanser or a mix of vinegar or rubbing alcohol and water and a reusable microfiber cloth are sufficient to clean any grime off your windshield. Don’t clean it right after installation. Wait a few days, just to make sure that you don’t remove any adhesive necessary for your windshield. 

Go easy on the new windshield. 

• Go easy on your new windshield. Avoid slamming your doors, shut them gently. Avoid driving over very bumpy roads and potholes. You want to give everything some time to settle in before roughing it up. Baby your new windshield as much as possible in the first few days. Do not go off roading right after installation.

Avoid driving behind trucks or other vehicles that have debris possibly flying from them.

• Don’t get out on the road after your new install and get right behind a semi truck that is flinging rocks behind it. This is another part of babying your new windshield as much as possible. Change your route if you haven’t already done so. Like we said above, it’s preferable to keep that new route permanently and not drive on roads ridden with potholes and debris, but sometimes you must. Just don’t do it right after a new install.

Don’t remove the retention tape.

• Auto glass technicians usually use a piece of retention tape to hold the windshields moldings in place. This also guarantees the seal is protected from the elements while it’s in the process of drying. It is best to leave this tape on your windows for a day or two after installation to make sure it sets correctly. 

After windshield replacement care is necessary to prolong your windshield’s life and make sure it is performing at its best. Following these steps as well as other steps to maintain and protect your new windshield will help to preserve it best. When you are ready for new windshield replacement , be sure to give us a call at 877-49-GLASS or contact us as soon as possible through our website to get in touch.