Picture this: You have just discovered that a small pebble on the road has decided to play spoilsport and you have a pesky little crack on your windshield. It’s annoying, right? You are now faced with a classic case of a driver’s dilemma- should I go in for a windshield replacement or a cracked windshield repair?
Either way, you’ll have to shell out money to get your windshield functioning again. So, why not be penny-wise and invest in a new windshield rather than repair the cracked one? After all, the extra bucks are negligible compared to the enhanced safety, aesthetics, and convenience an auto glass replacement offers.
Once you get your sparkling new windshield, you’ll be ready to hit the road… but uh oh, rain clouds are rolling in! Don’t panic! We’ve all been there, wondering if a little rain will mess up that fresh windshield replacement. Let’s talk about what to expect (and maybe some tips to keep your new view squeaky clean).
In this article:
- We will take you through a step-by-step account of the windshield replacement process.
- We will also understand the impact of rain on a new windshield and answer the question, “What if it rains after windshield replacement?”
- Finally, we will list some tips to protect your freshly replaced windshields from rain damage.
Understanding the Windshield Replacement Process
The significance of windshields as a safety tool cannot be discounted. So, if you find a crack or chip on the windshield or it gets fogged frequently, then it’s time for you to get your windshield replaced.
Here is the detailed process for first timers who are replacing their car windshields:
1. Removing the Old Trim
The first step in removing a windshield is to pull out the trim that is holding the windshield in place. Professionals use a razor to cut off the trim.
2. Removing the Cracked Windshield
Once the trim is removed, the cracked windshield is lifted away from the car using large and powerful suction cups.
3. Purge the Pinch Weld
The next step would be to clean the pinch weld or the gap between the windshield and the car that grips the windshield edges. The pinch weld is prone to dust, dirt, and old urethane buildup. Pinch weld cleaning is crucial to ensure the new windshield fits snugly.
4. Applying the Adhesive
Urethane is often preferred as an adhesive to hold the new windshield in place. Here comes the tricky part: the substance needs to be applied evenly but quickly lest it dries before the windshield is put into place.
5. Installing the New Windshield
This is the final step in the windshield replacement process, where the new windshield is positioned in a way that fits exactly within the pinch weld. Suction cups hold the glass in place for a few minutes as the urethrane windshield adhesive hardens. This process is known as curing.
Curing is a necessary step for your windshield replacement to be a success. The resin must harden completely without any shrinkage so that the windshield fits properly and stays in place. Position your vehicle under sunlight once the windshield has been placed to speed up this process.
Now comes the important question – what if it rains after windshield replacement? Let us understand the impact of rains on new windshields.
Rain and its Impact on Fresh Windshield Installations
You would be relieved to hear that rain doesn’t greatly impact freshly installed windshields. The modern adhesives used while replacing the windshield are designed to cure quickly, usually within a few hours. Even if the windshield is exposed to rain shortly after being replaced, the windshield adhesive would have set by then.
Windshield replacement professionals also use UV light to dry up the windshield adhesive quicker.
What to Do If It Rains After Windshield Replacement?
You don’t need to panic if your new windshield does get exposed to rain. Gently dry the windshield with a soft towel. Additionally, you can let the windshield air dry or use a low-intensity fan to quicken the drying process.
Risks and Consequences of Ignoring Rain Exposure
While exposure to rain may not cause any immediate problems, it might cause rust and corrode your vehicle’s metal interiors in the long run, particularly if the windshield was improperly installed.
If you notice moisture or water entering your vehicle after a windshield replacement, it’s best to consult a professional to get it fixed and avoid further damage.
Tips for Protecting Your New Windshield from Rain
It is better not to ignore rain exposure but to proactively use these tips and protect your new windshield from rain damage to maintain its functionality:
- Avoid driving in heavy rainS for the first 24 hours after installation.
- Keep your windows closed while driving in the rain immediately after windshield replacement to prevent water from seeping inside and damaging the interiors and sealant.
- Windshield wipers are a must only if you are driving in the rain. Using them on dirty windshields and at high speeds must be avoided.
- Add a coat of rain repellant to the fully cured windows to help the rainwater roll off quickly from the windshield. This enhances driving visibility while reducing the need for using windshield wipers.
Go For an Expert Windshield Replacement
A DIY windshield replacement may seem like a cost-effective option, but it’s one that requires considerable effort and time. Moreover, improper installation and inadequate adhesive sealing might increase the risks of water leaks, especially while driving through rain. Poor aftercare of the newly replaced windshield can compromise the functionality and aesthetics of the glass.
Reach out to experts when you need a windshield replacement in Phoenix. Bring your car to NuVision with a windshield glass that is cracked beyond repair and we can guarantee that you can drive away with a new windshield in pristine condition on the same day. We use the best equipment and the latest quick-drying adhesive for auto glass replacement.
Experience the professional service of our skilled technicians and enjoy a lifetime warranty on our products. Don’t have insurance? No problem, look no further than NuVision for affordable windshield replacement services in Arizona, South Carolina, and Florida.
FURTHER READING
➤ Is It Worth Using Insurance for Windshield Replacement?
➤ How to Replace Windshield Wiper Blades
➤ What to Do After Windshield Replacement
FURTHER READING
➤ How to Cover a Broken Car Window
