What to Expect During a Windshield Replacement

Driving around with a damaged windshield is dangerous. The structural integrity of your vehicle depends on a windshield that is damage-free, especially if you’re in a roll-over collision. Getting your windshield replaced is not fun, but it is necessary. This blog is here to help ease the process by educating you about the windshield replacement process.

Once you’ve finished reading this, you’ll feel more confident in the choices you make to get that new windshield.

1. Find a Good Auto Glass Company

The first thing you want to do is find a reputable auto glass company. There are tons out there, so be sure to do your research. Ask your friends and family, and also check out online reviews. Company websites will only show five-star reviews. For reliable reviews, check out Yelp or Google Reviews.

2. Getting Ready for the Replacement

There isn’t much you need to do other than bring your vehicle into the shop at the time of your appointment or be at the location agreed upon with the mobile service technician. From there, the auto glass technician will get your vehicle ready by removing the trim pieces.

3. Removing the Old Windshield

Once the trim pieces are removed, the technician will use specialized tools to remove the windshield from your car. If there are any loose pieces, the technician will take care of those as well.

4. Cleaning the Frame

Next, the auto glass technician will clean the frame where the windshield once sat. If there is any rust, the technician will take care of that as well. All debris must be removed so the adhesive forms a bond between the new windshield and the frame.

5. Applying Adhesive

After the frame has been cleaned and freed from debris and other obstacles, the technician will apply the adhesive. Be sure to hire an auto glass company that uses an adhesive approved by the AGSC (Auto Glass Safety Council).

6. Install the Windshield

Using specialized tools again, the auto glass technician will place your new windshield into the frame. You may recognize a mechanical arm and a suction cup or two.

7. Secure It

Once the windshield is in place, the technician will use pressure to secure it. Some adhesive may seep out, but the technician will take care of that. They want to be sure the new windshield properly bonds with the frame of your vehicle. Again, it goes back to safety and maintaining the structural integrity of your vehicle.

8. Finishing Touches

After the technician is sure the windshield is placed properly, they will remove any excess adhesive that seeped out when they secured the windshield. Then they will clean it up and reinstall any trim pieces they removed, like the rearview mirror.

9. ADAS Calibration

If your vehicle has any safety features, they fall under the blanket term ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). For these systems to work properly, they rely on cameras, radar, and other sensors built into your windshield. So, when you replace it, new technology is being added to your vehicle. For it to work, you will need to calibrate the ADAS. This isn’t a long process and is required by most insurance companies and vehicle manufacturer warranties.

Want to learn more about ADAS technology? Click here to read our blog.

10. After Care Instructions

Once the windshield is replaced, the technician will give you aftercare instructions for your new windshield. One rule is that you cannot drive it for at least an hour. The adhesive needs time to cure and create a proper bond. Not abiding by that risks compromising the bond, which makes your vehicle unsafe. Listen to the technician and follow their instructions.

Do You Need a Windshield Replacement in Salem or Roanoke, VA?

If you live, work, or are visiting Salem, Roanoke, Lexington, or any of the surrounding areas of Virginia, and you need a windshield replacement, contact us at Innovation Auto Glass. We are a locally owned and operated business that’s been servicing this area of Virginia for more than a decade. Click here for a free quote.