One part of your car that you might overlook is the windshield. You may clean it from time to time, but for most people, a windshield is a static, unchanging piece of a car. Once even a single chip appears on it, however, that windshield can become a serious safety hazard.
If you have a crack in your windshield, you might put off visiting an auto glass expert to replace it because you think the process will leave you stranded without your car. But there’s no need to delay; whether it’s minor damage or you need to replace the windshield, you can be back on the road in no time.
How Long Does a Windshield Replacement Take?
Replacing a windshield usually only takes 20 to 60 minutes. If your windshield only needs a repair to fix a small rock chip, you can get it done even quicker. Some factors that can extend the time the replacement takes include:
- Make and model of your car
- Availability of the size windshield you need
- Damage to the windshield frame
Because you’ll want your windshield to be secure, you’ll want to wait up to another hour for the adhesive to dry before hitting the road.
What to Do After Your Windshield Replacement
Even if a professional replaced your windshield, it’s worth ensuring it was installed correctly. Here are a few simple ways to rest easy knowing your windshield is perfectly installed before hitting the road:
- Wait for the adhesive to dry: Windshield replacements involve urethane, an adhesive, to secure the windshield to the car. Don’t leave as soon as your window has been replaced. You should wait up to an hour to drive after the installation to ensure a secure windshield.
- Don’t remove the tape: During a windshield replacement, technicians often put tape around the edges. The windshield tape helps keep the adhesive secure while keeping any particulates away. Keep the tape on for at least a few hours after the replacement.
- Keep your car cool: The adhesive that secures your window doesn’t fare well in the heat. If it’s a hot day outside, roll your windows down and try to find a shady spot for your vehicle. Once the windshield has been on for a day or two, you won’t have to worry about it.
- Don’t wash your car: It may seem tempting to give your vehicle a wash to go with the new window but wait. Your new windshield adhesive needs a few days to set.
- Be careful: Be extra careful with your car immediately after the windshield replacement. If you often slam the door or break hard, your windshield may not stay on as it should.
When Do I Need to Replace My Windshield?
Most often, it’s pretty clear when your car needs a new windshield. A sizable crack is always a clear justification for a replacement windshield. Not only will it make driving much less safe, but it may also cost you a ticket.
Small cracks or chips are also a cause for concern, however. Given time, a small fracture can become a much worse issue. That’s why it’s essential to keep up with your windshield repairs.
Replace vs Repair
It’s a good idea to resolve any windshield damage quickly. However, some damage doesn’t require a new windshield. If you have a small nick or chip in your glass, there’s a good chance it is repairable.
Typically, an auto glass technician can repair chips that are an inch or less in diameter. Cracks are usually repairable if they are a few inches long or less. Though, any repair may or may not be possible due to a number of factors, including where the damage occurred.
Whatever you decide to do, the process shouldn’t take long for any experienced windshield repair or replacement professionals.
Call Arizona Auto Glass for Fast, Effective Windshield Replacement
A broken windshield is no one’s idea of a fun day. At Arizona Auto Glass, we’re here to help make your day a little easier.
If you live in or around Mesa, Arizona, we are ready to take care of your car’s windows. Whether you need to fix a chip or install a new windshield, we will help with fast and friendly service. Our technicians specialize in ADAS safety system recalibration, and we also provide system recalibration, dynamic recalibration, and static recalibration.
Give us a call at (480) 680-9695 to get a free quote and schedule an appointment to replace your windshield.
