Mobile Windshield Replacement Process Explained

When your vehicle suffers windshield damage that’s too extensive to repair, a replacement is necessary. This could be due to a rock chip, a severe crack, or even plain old wear and tear. Quickly replacing a damaged windshield that cannot be repaired is crucial. It ensures driver safety and maintains vehicle integrity. 

Traditional auto glass replacement requires visiting a shop while mobile windshield replacement services give vehicle owners a more convenient alternative. Below we explain the process of mobile windshield replacement services from start to finish. 

What is Mobile Windshield Replacement?

Instead of taking your vehicle to a shop, mobile windshield replacement services come to you. This means the technician can come to your home, workplace, or any location your vehicle happens to be. It’s convenient because mobile auto glass service saves time and doesn't require any major adjustments to your schedule. 

Step One: Contact a Professional Mobile Auto Glass Repair Service

The first thing you need to do when discovering your windshield is damaged is to contact a mobile auto glass repair service as soon as possible. When you call, be prepared to provide details about your vehicle and the damage your windshield has sustained. They’ll also ask the make, model, and year of your vehicle. 

Step Two: Assessment and Quotation

Once you answer all the questions the auto glass technician will evaluate the damage. Many mobile services have a process that’s streamlined for assessing damage with a phone call. They will typically ask you for a description of the windshield damage and may ask for you to send a photo. This way they can provide you with an initial quote. This will be the point when the technician will confirm if you need a full windshield replacement or if a repair will be sufficient. 

Step Three: Scheduling an Appointment

After the technician gives you a quote, you’ll be able to schedule an appointment at a time and location that’s convenient for you. Some mobile auto glass services will come out on the same day, in most cases. Your appointment will also depend on the workload the mobile auto glass service has for the day and the availability of the needed parts. 

Step Four: Preparation for Replacement

When your appointment day arrives the technician will come to your agreed location with all the necessary tools and materials. Before they start working on your vehicle, the technician will likely conduct a secondary assessment to ensure all the details align with the initial evaluation. 

Step Five: Begin the Windshield Replacement Process

At this point, the auto glass technician will begin the windshield replacement process. 

1. Removing the Damaged Windshield

Using specific tools, the technician will carefully remove the damaged windshield. This involves cutting through the adhesive that holds the windshield in place, which ensures that no additional damage occurs to the frame. 

2. Clean the Frame

Once the old windshield has been removed from the frame, the technician will clean the area to remove any debris, old shards of glass, or adhesive. This step is crucial to ensuring the new glass has a proper seal. 

3. Apply the Adhesive

Next, the technician will apply automotive-grade adhesive to the frame. This type of adhesive is specially formulated to withstand a change in temperatures and vibrations so the new windshield remains securely in place. 

4. Install the New Windshield

At this point, the technician will carefully position your new windshield and fit it into place. While doing this the technician will ensure that all the edges are aligned and sealed perfectly. 

5. Final Inspection

Once the new windshield is set in place, the technician will perform some final checks to ensure that the new windshield is sealed properly and secured. 

6. ADAS Calibration

If your vehicle has ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), then the technician will conduct a calibration of the technology that’s embedded into your new windshield. Without ADAS calibration, your safety systems will not work properly, so this step is a must. 

Step Six: Let the Windshield Cure

Before you can drive your vehicle, you must let the adhesive cure for a specific period of time, which will be indicated by the auto glass technician. The time period needed for your new windshield to cure depends on several things including the type of adhesive used and any environmental factors. 

Step Seven: Clean Up and Final Information

Once all of this is done, the technician will clean up any debris and make sure your vehicle is left in clean condition. They will also inform you of any warranty information and maintenance recommendations. 

Does Your Damaged Windshield Need Replacing in Charlotte, NC & Surrounding Areas?

If you need a windshield replacement and you live, work, or are driving through the Charlotte, Waxhaw, Matthews, NC, or Fort Mill, SC areas contact us at All Action Auto Glass. We have more than thirty years of experience replacing damaged windshields of all types of vehicles. We work with all insurance providers and we’re family owned and operated.