Something to Notice for Replacing Your Car's Windshield

A windshield repair is an important safety measure for your vehicle. Whether because of a rock chip or a crack, knowing in advance what to expect when you’re on the hook for a new windshield — and what follow-up will be required — can give you a little peace of mind from the moment you hit the road.

1. Why Prompt Replacement Is Crucial

Your vehicle’s windshield is an important component to the safety structure of your car. The roof provides 45 percent of the cabin’s structural support in a roll. It also is critical for the proper deployment of passenger-side airbags, which are often designed to use the windshield as a force deflection device. An impaired windshield isn't gonna have the ability to execute these jobs effectively, making you, and anybody else that rides in your car or truck or motor vehicle, far more prone to injury. It takes only a small chip to turn into a full-on crack, especially from temperature fluctuations or road vibrations, that will obstruct your view and need to be replaced in its entirety.

2. The Replacing Process: What You Will Experience

Safe Glass Removal: The original windshield is removed meticulously by cutting carefully with special tools as not to harm the paint and the time frame.

Surface Preparation: Completely rust preventive preps and masks the pinch weld (the part of the frame where your windshield rests). It is crucial to have a firm waterproof seal for the joint.

Correct Adhesive: Your windshield is adhered to the car body with a flexible high-strength, urethane adhesive designed for use in the auto glass industry. This glue has to be able to bond back to original safety specifications and takes time to cure.

Calibration (Critical To ADAS): Today’s vehicles are frequently equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which include cameras and sensors that are installed behind the windshield. Following replacement, these systems need to be factory recalibrated to perform correctly. Not doing so could disable safety features such as automatic emergency braking or lane-keeping assist.

3. Critical Information for Successful Replacement

OEM vs Aftermarket Glass: What’s the difference? Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass is the exact same glass your car was made with from the factory, only, since it’s no longer by the factory, it’s just as approved and safe to have on your vehicle as the glass that was installed on your vehicle when it came off the line. Aftermarket glass, in contrast, comes from an entity other than the original manufacturer (or OEM) and might be a cheaper option, but the quality can be all over the map. Talk about the possibilities with your stylist.

Professional Installer: Make sure you use a certified auto glass technician. Seek technicians that have certifications from groups such as the Auto Glass Safety Council™ (AGSC). They adhere to protocols and have the right materials.

Know Your Insurance: Many comprehensive auto insurance plans include windshield replacement, and will do so without added cost if the deductible has been met. A few states have “zero-deductible” glass-coverage laws. Contact your carrier to discover more about the particulars of your policy before you continue.

Adhesive Cure Time: The urethane adhesive must be given time to fully cure. Your installer will give you precise instructions for curing time, it generally requires at least an hour prior to driving and at least 24 hours before going to a car wash or driving on bumpy roads. 

4. Conclusion

Your windshield is an safety investment. Selecting a professional to repair your auto glass ensures the glass installation is done right for the first time. When your windshield is replaced or repaired by a Nextec certified technician, you can rest easy knowing the work is backed by the Nextec guarantee. Don't wait until fate makes you replace it. In the unfortunate event that you lose control, a new windshield will allow you the best view and protect you better.