Gilbert Windshield Replacement and Auto Glass Repair

Be sure to ask your insurance company if you have this coverage when filing an initial claim for an auto glass replacement.

Q: How long until I can drive after a windshield replacement?

A: Your windshield is sealed and secured in place using a urethane adhesive that binds the auto glass to the vehicle’s frame.

• You will need to wait 1 hour for the adhesive to cure enough for careful driving.
• After 8 hours the adhesive has cured enough to keep the new auto glass in place in the event of an accident.
• After 24 hours the adhesive has cured most of the way.

During the initial 24 hour after a windshield replacement, it’s important to go slow over speed bumps and avoid pot holes and rough terrain that could shift the auto glass. You should also leave your windows cracked open slightly to eliminate cabin pressure that can push your newly installed auto glass outwards when closing your car doors.

Q: How long after windshield replacement can I wash my car?

A: Hand washing your car is okay after 24 hours has passed. Just avoid using high-pressure water on or around the newly installed auto glass. Automated car washes should be avoided for 72 hours because the high water pressure that they use can loosen the seal of the auto glass if it has not fully cured. Rain will not compromise the seal of your windshield replacement.

Q: Can you tell me how long to leave tape on after windshield replacement?

A: The tape is used to keep the new auto glass from sliding down until the adhesive has cured enough to hold it firmly in place. It should be left on for 24 hours at a minimum.

Q: How does windshield repair work?

A: Your windshield is made of 2 layers of tempered glass that are fused to a clear inner membrane made of rubber. This is commonly referred to as laminated glass. The inner rubber membrane is designed to absorb the force of objects striking the glass. It protects the second layer and helps keep pieces of glass from falling into the vehicle when objects strike your windshield.

If you windshield has suffer a chip or crack that has only damaged the exterior layer of glass, your windshield may be eligible for a windshield repair. In cases where both layers have been damaged, a windshield replacement is the only option.

Other conditions that can prevent the possibility of a windshield repair:

• Longer cracks measuring greater than 3 inches are typically not good candidates for windshield repair.
• Cracks near the edges or cracks that have spread to the edges of the glass are not good candidates for an auto glass repair either. Too much stress is on the glass in these areas.
• Cracks and chips that are directly in the drivers line of vision are not advisable either. While an auto glass repair is virtually invisible, it can leave a minor visual obstruction that can distract or hinder the drivers vision.

The mechanics of a windshield repair is pretty straight forward:

• Clean out the damaged area. All dirt and remaining glass fragments must be completely removed.
• Create a vacuum seal with the auto glass repair tool. All air needs to be sucked out because the resin is anaerobic. This means that the resin will only cure properly in the absence of air.
• Apply the resin. As the resin gets applied it will flow into the crack.
• Cure the area around the repair. This is done by applying a UV light. The length of exposure to the UV light will depend on the size of the auto glass repair and the amount of resin used.
• Remove any excess resin. The auto glass repair needs to be flush with the glass surface so your wiper blades work correctly. This is done using a razor blade to shave the surface smooth.