Have You Just Had a Car Window Replaced? Steps to Take to Ensure the Glass Lasts

The steps you take immediately after having your windshield replaced play a role in whether the adhesive and seal help to hold the glass firmly in place for years to come. The actions you take can prevent the seal from curing or allow the glass to shift before it sets. Here are a few important steps to take immediately after a car window replacement to help ensure your windshield glass lasts. 

Do Not Remove the Retention Tape Holding Your Glass in Place

Whether you just had a window replaced or your windshield, you will notice that there is retention tape holding your glass in place. Most glass replacement shops recommend that you keep the tape in place for anywhere from one to three days. The tape helps to support the weight of the glass and hold the glass in place, taking pressure off of the seal and adhesives. This allows them to cure while ensuring that the auto glass is kept in its correct position. Always listen to the auto glass repair shop's advice and do not remove the tape until it is time. 

Stay Away From Car Washes for Up to a Week

After having any type of auto glass replaced, you should avoid having your car washed for about a week. Professional car washes use pressurized water to remove dirt, dust, and residue from your vehicle. This pressurized water can also move auto glass that has not yet set into place. If you absolutely must wash your car after having the glass replaced, use your own hose and avoid pressurized water streams. 

Avoid Jerking Movements or Motions in Your Car

Jerking movements or motions can cause your new auto glass to shift, if the seal or adhesive has not yet cured. As such, you should avoid driving on gravel or unpaved roads, drive slowly over speed bumps, try to avoid sudden stops, and avoid slamming your car door when your auto glass has been freshly replaced. 

Do Not Roll Your Windows Up or Down

Finally, if you have had car window replacement completed, you should avoid rolling your windows up or down. Different auto glass repair shops use different products, so always ask a shop how long they recommend you keep the windows up. Rolling a replaced window up or down too soon can put strain on the seal and the glass, which can cause the glass to shift. 

Whether you are looking to have your windshield replaced or a window on your car was broken, you always want to ensure that the retention tape remains in place, that you avoid car washes, that you help prevent jerking movements and motions in your car, and that you keep the windows rolled up. Following each and every one of these steps helps to ensure that the seal and adhesives holding your new glass in place set and cure, helping your new glass to last.