5 Tips for Caring for Your Newly Replaced Windshield
After replacing a windshield, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that it lasts for many years. The first step is to know how to take care of it after installation.
The materials used in windshields today are very strong and will not break the same way you experienced with your old windshield. However, proper installation and care are needed to make sure that it lasts for a long time.
Below are some tips for making sure your windshield does not need to be replaced any time soon.
1) Wait to Drive the Vehicle
Have you ever gotten a brand new car and could not contain yourself to wait until you drove it? Well, we have all been there.
However, if you drive a vehicle right after the installation, this is not the best idea. This is mainly because the vehicle has been sitting on a jig, waiting for the windshield to be installed.
When you start driving the vehicle, it can cause some loosening of the windshield. This means that you will need to check the windshield level and adjust it if needed.
2) Leave a Window Open
One of the most important things that you can do is to leave a window open when it is not raining or snowing. When you leave a window open, it allows air to flow through the vehicle.
When you do this, it helps with the drying and curing process of the windshield. This is important because you want the adhesive to cure and not dry with moisture trapped in it.
3) Avoid Car Washes and Power Washes for a While
If you are going to have your vehicle professionally cleaned, you will need to keep this in mind.
You will generally want to avoid car washes and power washes for at least a month after installation. This is because high-pressure washing can cause some damage to the windshield.
We recommend that if you need to wash your vehicle, try to use a soft cloth and water to clean it up.
4) Don't Touch the Retention Tape
After the windshield has been installed, the installer will place some tape on the windshield to make sure it is held in place. You will want to make sure that you do not touch this tape.
These pieces of tape can be very important because they help hold the windshield in place. If you remove the tape before it has completed the curing and drying process, you can cause the adhesive to fail.
This can allow the windshield to move around and not sit properly in the vehicle.
5) Do Not Apply Pressure to the Glass
In a lot of older vehicles, you might be able to put pressure on the glass to help you aim the rearview mirror. However, with newer vehicles, the glass is very strong and you should not push on it.
You should not push any harder on the glass than you normally would to aim the mirror. The glass is still a bit delicate and if you apply pressure, you can cause damage to the glass.
Conclusion
These are the simple steps you need to follow to maintain your new windshield. When you are ready to get your windshield replaced, you will want to know what to expect.
A quality auto glass shop like us here at Save Auto Glass can help you out. We are an auto glass replacement mobile service that has experience with replacing windshields, so you are in good hands. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
