How to Care for a Newly Replaced Windshield

There’s nothing quite like the moment when you’re driving down the highway, and a rock suddenly ricochets up from the road into your windshield, leaving a chip in its place. If left unrepaired, even a small chip can expand into a crack, stretching out across your windshield and obstructing the view, making windshield replacement necessary.

At Zenith Auto Glass, we specialize in providing safe and professional auto glass replacement throughout the Northland, including Duluth and Superior. When you drive your car home, knowing how to care for your new windshield properly is important.

We’ve compiled this helpful guide to caring for your newly replaced windshield so you can enjoy the best possible results for a safer, better-looking ride.

The Importance of Windshield Aftercare

The first 48 hours after a new window installation are a crucial period for your new windshield. Following these simple steps to caring for your new replacement windshield is necessary to ensure the safest results and keep the glass looking its best longer.

Poor aftercare can compromise both the performance and look of the glass. Windshield performance also plays a key role in your car’s overall safety and integrity, protecting the passengers inside your vehicle if a collision should occur.

Before Driving Home

When you schedule your windshield replacement, allow time to let your windshield cure. New windshields are installed using a powerful adhesive that creates a watertight seal around the window.

Whether your windshield replacement takes place at home or at the service center, it’s important to wait at least one hour before driving your vehicle.

If possible, you may even wish to let the seal cure for a couple of hours, although it’s not necessary. This ensures the adhesive can dry enough to create the strong seal that’s necessary for your windshield to perform properly.

Don’t worry about remembering this important step, though. Our helpful car window replacement pros will remind you of this detail after we have completed your windshield replacement.

Replacement Windshield Care During the First 48 Hours

Because your windshield needs time to completely cure, it’s important to take it easy on your vehicle for the first couple of days after your initial auto glass replacement.

Follow these steps to protect your windshield as much as possible.

1.    Avoid Touching the Adhesive

The installation process requires adhesive tape to be applied around the perimeter of your windshield. This protects your windshield’s seal from interference due to debris or dust during the curing period. Leave this tape in place for two days after your new windshield is installed.

2.    Be Gentle With Your Doors

Opening and closing the doors of your vehicle can rapidly alter the pressure inside your vehicle, potentially compromising the integrity of the adhesive while it’s curing. Slamming your car doors can also puncture the seal. For the first couple of days after getting your replacement window installed, take the time to gently close your car doors.

3.    Crack the Windows

If the weather cooperates, it’s a good idea to keep the windows rolled down slightly. This helps to facilitate the curing process and prevents a pressure differential from compromising the integrity of the glass. Rolling down windows one inch for a day or two should be sufficient.

4.    Stay Away from Car Washes

Under no circumstances should you wash your vehicle at a high-pressure car wash within the first 48 hours after car windshield replacement. The water pressure applied to your vehicle during washing can shift the molding or damage the seal. It’s best to wait at least two full days to allow the molding and adhesive to fully cure.

5.    Keep the Dashboard Clear

Anything that touches or pushes against your windshield could interfere with the curing process. Keep your dashboard clear of all objects and wait to use your sun shade for the first 48 hours after installation. You should also wait 48 hours to replace your dash mat. Finally, do not put a cover on your vehicle for at least two days.

Long-Term Windshield Maintenance

To keep your windshield performing its best for the long haul, here are some expert tips to follow:

Stay on Top of Cleanings

Keeping your windshield clean not only helps create good visibility, but the dirt and debris can also create more damage due to small chips or cracks that can develop from a lack of care. So, take time to clean your windows regularly, both inside and outside of your vehicle.

Watch Where You Park

The elements will directly affect your windshield, and when you're dealing with high temperatures, this can cause a buildup of heat on the glass and cause stress cracks. So, it is recommended to park out of direct sunlight if possible to help extend the lifespan of your windshield.

Swap Out Your Wiper Blades

Your windshield wiper blades are critical and one of the simplest components on your vehicle. Over time they wear down, which can create friction between the wiper and the windshield. As the blade breaks down, the wiper won’t flex correctly and can end up causing permanent scratches on the glass, so be sure to regularly replace your wiper blades.

Use Caution While Behind the Wheel

Rocks are a common factor in windshield damage, and whether they come from other cars' tires or a build-up on the highway, they are both areas of concern. How you drive can decrease the risk, so give yourself at least three seconds in length between you and other drivers.

If you do need to venture onto a gravel road, take your time and slow down to prevent kicking up rocks from the terrain.

Don't Put Off Repairs

Cracks and chips happen to everyone, and putting off a repair can cost you more in the long run. Even one small crack can cause problems with the structural integrity of your vehicle, and issues like extreme heat or cold weather can weaken the glass further, so if you find damage, reach out for professional repair right away.

Protecting Your Windshield During the Winter Months

Winter mornings can be a welcome sight for some; however, your windshield can pay the price without proper care. Reducing damage is crucial, and two recommendations are; avoiding heating up the windshield too quickly on an icy morning and using the right methods for ice removal. Winter weather creates different challenges to be aware of, so if you need more information, we have additional tips here.

Bonus Tip: Make Your Own Windshield Wiper Fluid

Did you know smears, dirt, and insect debris can be just as dangerous as a crack that obstructs your view? Keep your windshield clean at all times by learning how to make your own windshield wiper fluid!

If you’re the kind of person who likes to do things yourself, you can safely make your own windshield wiper fluid right at home involving products you may already have. It’s simple to do and doesn’t take much time!

Contact Our Northland Auto Glass Company

If you’re in need of auto glass replacement services in the Duluth or Superior region, contact our windshield replacement pros at Zenith Auto Glass to schedule your replacement. We offer a full range of auto glass services including windshield chip repair, car door window repair, and windshield replacement.

Our expert technicians bring decades of auto glass expertise and a commitment to excellent customer service to every window replacement job. To connect with a member of our team, give us a call at 218-275-5555 or contact us online. We look forward to helping you get back on the road fast!