What to Expect During the Windshield Replacement Process
The Process of Windshield Replacement
Your vehicle’s windshield is a strong line of defense against more safety issues than you might imagine. We all know windshields keep the wind, bugs, and debris from flying into the cab, but did you also know that it plays a big role in the structural integrity of your vehicle? Well, it does, especially in a rollover crash.
The windshield is a vital part of your safety and the security of your passengers. That’s why it’s essential to have your windshield replaced if it has extensive damage that cannot be repaired. If you’ve found yourself in that situation, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about windshield replacement.
Find a Reliable Mobile Auto Glass Service
A reliable mobile auto glass service is what you need in this situation. There are auto glass companies that work in a garage or shop, but with them, you need to make an appointment and take time out of your busy schedule. When you hire a mobile auto glass company, you get a technician with the same level of knowledge and experience who comes to you.
Mobile auto glass services offer customers a level of convenience that in-shop auto glass companies can’t. When the tech comes to you, you can go about your business instead of sitting in a waiting room. Be sure to check reviews on Google or Yelp to get a better idea of what previous customers are saying. Click here to check out All Action Auto Glass' 180+ 5-star Google reviews.
Once you find a reliable mobile auto glass service you like, contact them, and they’ll discuss the best time to send a technician out to replace that windshield. You both will agree on a time and date.
The Technician Arrives
Your mobile auto glass technician will arrive on time, on the day and time you both agreed upon. Once there, they will get your vehicle ready for a windshield replacement.
Get Ready for Your New Windshield
To get ready for the new windshield, the technician will clean the old windshield and the surrounding areas to be sure it’s free of any debris that could interfere with installation. They will also remove the rearview mirror.
Removal of the Old Windshield
Once the technician has completed the cleanup and removal step, they will use specialized equipment to remove the old windshield from the frame. You may see a suction cup, which is a common tool when it comes to glass replacement. Once all the glass is removed, the technician will clean the frame for damage, rust, or debris. They will address any issues they find there and then.
Applying the Adhesive
Next, the technician will apply a urethane adhesive to the bonding surface. This adhesive is specially formulated for windshield installation. Be sure the mobile auto glass service you hire uses a sealant approved by the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC).
Installation of the New Windshield
After the technician applies the adhesive, they will use those suction cups and other specialized tools to place the new windshield into your vehicle’s bonding surface, where the adhesive was placed. They will press the windshield into the adhesive while also ensuring the new windshield is leveled and placed properly.
Securing the Glass
If any excess adhesive pops out, the technician will remove it. They will also replace your rearview mirror and any other trim pieces they removed.
ADAS Calibration
If your vehicle has any ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technology, the technician will need to calibrate your new windshield. This is a necessary step so your safety features don’t malfunction or stop working. Be sure to ask the mobile auto glass company you’re considering if they calibrate for ADAS. Click here to learn more about ADAS calibration.
Wait Before Driving & Listen to the Technician Post-Replacement
It’s always recommended that you wait to drive your vehicle after a windshield replacement. This makes sense when you think that all it would take is one little pothole to jar that windshield out of whack, which would require a repair and more of your time and money. The technician will advise you not to drive your vehicle for at least an hour post-replacement.
This is another great reason to choose a mobile auto glass service. What are you going to do for an hour in an auto glass shop? But if you have them come to your office in the morning, you can leave your vehicle all day to let the adhesive cure.
Do You Need a Windshield Replacement in the Charlotte or Belmont, NC Area?
If you have extensive damage to your windshield and you live, work, or are visiting Charlotte, Belmont, or Gastonia, NC, contact us at All Action Auto Glass. We have thirty years of experience providing windshield replacement services in this area, and we’re family-owned and operated. We also work with all insurance companies to get your claim filed hassle-free.
