A new windshield looks finished the moment the technician steps back, but the job is not quite done. The glass is held in place by urethane adhesive, and that adhesive goes on curing for hours after the van leaves. What you do in the first day helps it set as it should. Here is what Impex Auto Glass tells its customers, and why each point matters.
Before you drive: the drive-away time
The Auto Glass Safety Council defines the minimum drive-away time as the length of time the vehicle should remain stationary after an auto glass installation to allow proper bonding. It says the time varies with the type and brand of adhesive, the weather at the time of the work and other factors, which is why there is no single figure for every car. Impex’s own guidance is that a windshield replacement takes about an hour plus a short curing period, and that most drivers are back on the road within two hours. Your technician gives you the time for your job; wait for it.
The reason is safety, not tidiness. The AGSC says the windshield is part of the vehicle’s passenger restraint system, must be installed properly for the airbags to deploy safely and effectively, and aids in occupant retention. The adhesive is what lets it do that.
Ask for a quote
Three short steps: where the damage is, your vehicle and how to reach you. Impex comes back to you with a quote.
The first 24 hours
- No car wash. Impex advises against washing the car for 24 hours, and against driving through car washes or exposing the new windshield to water until the adhesive has fully cured. High-pressure jets at the edge of the glass are the worst of it.
- No slammed doors. Shutting a door with the windows up pushes a pulse of air against the inside of the glass. Close doors gently, or leave a window open a crack, for the first day.
- No harsh bumps. Impex recommends avoiding rough roads and hard bumps for the first day. Take railroad crossings and speed bumps slowly.
- Leave the tape. If the technician put retention tape on the edges, leave it until you are told it can come off.
- Keep the car level if you can. Impex notes that sensor alignment can be affected by ride height or angle, so a level spot and the right tire pressures help after calibration.
If your car was calibrated
On a car with a windshield camera, the new glass is followed by a calibration, static or dynamic, so lane and collision systems see the road correctly. Impex says calibration takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours. In the days afterwards, watch for anything unusual: a warning light, lane keeping that pulls toward one line, or collision alerts with nothing ahead. Impex’s advice is to contact your service provider to recheck the calibration if you notice unusual alerts or performance. More on ADAS calibration.
After back glass or a side window
The rules are a little different for other glass. Impex says a side window replacement takes 30 to 60 minutes and you can drive immediately. After back glass, which takes one to two hours, Impex advises avoiding the rear defroster for 24 hours. See back glass replacement and side window replacement.
Things that are fine
- Using the wipers if it rains after the drive-away time.
- Driving normally once the technician says the car can go, with a little care over bumps.
When to call
Call if you hear wind noise at the edge of the glass, see water inside after rain, notice the trim lifting, or get a driver-assist warning that was not there before. Those are things to have checked rather than live with.
For the whole replacement, from the VIN check to the drive home, see windshield replacement in Sanford, NC. For how the visit works at your house or work, see mobile windshield replacement in Sanford.
Sources
Drive-away time and restraint role: agsc.org/minimum-drive-away-times/ and agsc.org/proper-auto-glass-replacement/. Aftercare, timing, calibration and ride height: impexautoglass.com/windshield-replacement/, /back-glass-replacement/, /side-window-replacement/, /adas-camera-calibration/ and the homepage FAQ.
Questions people ask
How long after a new windshield can I wash my car?
Impex advises waiting 24 hours, and staying out of car washes until the adhesive has fully cured.
Why should I not slam the doors?
Closing a door with the windows up pushes air against the new glass while the adhesive is still curing. Impex advises against slamming doors for 24 hours.
Questions about your glass?
Call and talk it through, or get a quote with the form on this page.