If you love your car, the temptation may be great to quickly wash it after purchasing a new windshield. However, it is wiser to wait until the urethane adhesive and molding that secure the glass have had time to fully harden before doing so.
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High-pressure jets and motor pumps can damage newly applied sealants or cause gaps to form that lead to further problems down the line.
Avoid High-Pressure Washes
After having your windshield replaced, taking it through a high-pressure wash could compromise its sealant and adhesives. Water jets may cause them to bubble and shift around, potentially leading to leakage or puncturing that compromises seal performance or punctures seal integrity altogether.
Prior to cleaning your windshield, start by wiping away any loose dirt or debris from its surface. Wet the surface with some glass cleaner using a microfiber towel sprayed directly from a bottle for control over application amounts, then begin scrubbing away at it!
Always use a soft sponge or soft-bristled brush when cleaning windshields – steel wool and wire brushes may scratch the glass surface, so use caution with these. Once your windshield is clean, be sure to completely dry it – the best time is early morning or late night when no direct sunlight shines; this will prevent cleaning solution drying too quickly and leaving streaks behind.
Wait at Least 24 Hours After Installation
If you visit a car wash too quickly after having had your windshield installed, its water jets, motor pumps, and other parts can damage its seal. Even with adhesive of maximum strength from your mechanic, its bond may be vulnerable against such extreme pressure.
Be mindful when driving for two days after replacing your windshield as the molding and adhesive are still healing. Furthermore, any treatments like Rain-X Water Repellent should wait several days as these products could interact with and weaken glass adhesive that has not fully set yet.
If it is impossible to wait two days or more before starting work, try finding a covered parking spot or garage where your car can be safe from extreme weather and sunlight. Furthermore, make sure your windows are rolled down an inch or two so as to reduce air pressure inside and help adhesives set faster.
Don’t Remove the Retention Tape
Auto glass technicians commonly install retention tape over areas prone to debris build-up in order to speed the curing process of adhesives, so removing it before washing your car could reduce effectiveness of new windshield seal. Doing so may tempt you but doing so can significantly compromise seal effectiveness resulting in reduced effectiveness of seal.
Slamming your doors may hinder the curing process for the urethane used to repair your windshield replacement, so for best results close them gently for at least 24 hours post-replacement.
After service, it is also essential to leave your windshield free from all covers – such as sunshades – for at least 24 hours post-install. Any material which comes into contact with wet urethane could compromise its adhesiveness and cause gaps to form in its seal. Furthermore, keep the window rolled down at least an inch for at least the first day to avoid air pressure caused leaks that might compromise its seal. Doing these things will help avoid rock chip damage to ensure your new windshield lasts as long as possible after installation!
Don’t Drive Your Car
After your windshield repair, try not to place any unnecessary strain or stress on it for two days afterward. This means not slamming car doors or driving on roads with potholes and bumps; such pressure could cause the urethane sealant to shift and loosen, increasing its chances of collapsing or breaking altogether.
After installing your replacement windshield, it is wise to keep your windows rolled down an inch or two to prevent sudden fluctuations in air pressure from creating leakage on the windshield when closing your door. Also, it is advisable to avoid high-pressure car washes during this period and instead hand clean your vehicle using alcohol- and ammonia-free cleaners – this will protect the urethane coating from being compromised by harsh chemicals or abrasives that might otherwise damage it.
