Answering Common Questions About Waiting To Drive After Windshield Replacement

Avoid driving your car immediately after a windshield replacement. This is among the top after-care tips you will get from the replacement technician. This blog explores why you should wait, how long you should wait, and what to do when you can finally drive your car.

Why Wait?

During a windshield replacement, the technicians use adhesive to secure the new windshield. This adhesive needs some time to settle and cure properly.

While you may want to drive off immediately after getting the new windshield replaced, doing so exposes the new windshield to the risk of falling off or sustaining some damage if the adhesive hasn't fully cured. This may not happen spontaneously, but it's a risk you cannot ignore should you get involved in a collision or accident.

How Long Should You Wait?

The drive-away time after windshield replacement varies from a few hours to a full day. The technicians will recommend the best drive-away time based on a few factors.

First is the quality of adhesive used for your windshield replacement. High-quality adhesives not only have high-bond strength but are also fast-curing, ensuring you won't have to wait too long to drive your car after replacing your windshield. 

Second is the weather condition, particularly the temperature and humidity levels. The warmer temperature and higher humidity conditions significantly reduce not just the curing time, but also the application time. As such, you can look forward to driving off sooner under these conditions than in the winter, when temperature and humidity levels aren't as favorable.

What to Do When the Drive-Away Time Elapses?

Even after getting the go-ahead to drive your car, you need to be extra careful, especially during those first few days after windshield replacement. Pay attention to a few do's and don'ts that would otherwise adversely impact the adhesive.

Be gentle when closing your car doors, and avoid banging or slamming them. Drive carefully right after windshield replacement. This applies not just to the drive home from the garage or auto glass shop, but also as you go about your daily life after the replacement. 

Avoid long drives and driving along rough terrain for a few days after getting the new windshield. Similarly, avoid high-pressure car cleaning for a few days after the replacement to avoid putting undue stress on your new windshield.

Talk to a Windshield Replacement Expert

Every situation is unique, and as highlighted, various factors will determine the safe drive-away time after windshield replacement. Also, speak to the experts on the best after-care practices for your new windshield.

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