Obviously, the windshield is one of the most important parts of your car. A correctly installed windshield is absolutely essential for your safety and that of your passengers. It’s also an important component of the structural integrity of your car.
When it’s time to repair or replace your windshield, you’ll want to be sure that your chosen technician does a great job so you don’t have to deal with an unsafe vehicle or future repair charges.
But if you don’t know a lot about cars, how can you be sure that your technician has installed your windshield correctly?
Clear instructions
A technician who’s concerned about the health of your windshield will give you clear and concise instructions for what to do after the windshield is installed– for instance, you should wait at least an hour after installation to drive anywhere. This gives the adhesive time to set properly.
If your technician doesn’t say anything about waiting, or appropriate after-care, it might be cause for concern that they’ve neglected other parts of the installation process, too.
Smooth & flawless surface
Your correctly-installed windshield should be completely smooth and free of any blemishes or imperfections. Take a look at the windshield from different angles, and in different lights, if possible.
If you notice any imperfections or if the glass looks wavy, your windshield may have been installed incorrectly, or your technician might have used poor-quality glass. Either way, it’s time to have it looked at by a qualified technician.
Was the technician wearing gloves?
Everyone’s hands have oils on them, and that might be especially true for a technician who works on cars all day. It’s imperative that the installer wear gloves to keep oils off of the glass.
If your technician wore gloves, that’s a good sign that your windshield was installed correctly. But if you noticed that they were bare-handed, the adhesive might be compromised by the oils on their hands– which might make for a bad seal.
Glass quality
A quality technician will speak with you about the glass they’ll be putting on your vehicle. The ideal choice for windshield replacement is a windshield made by the manufacturer of your car– it’s made to fit your exact make and model.
If your tech doesn’t say anything about the glass, feel free to ask! They should explain what they’re doing to give you the peace of mind that the installation is being done correctly.
Noises and leaks
When it comes to windshield replacement, “no news is good news”. In other words, if you don’t hear any unusual noises when you’re driving on the highway, and don’t notice any leakage when it’s raining or snowing, that’s a sign that the seal on your windshield is correct.
If you do happen to hear noises or notice leakage, it’s definitely time to call a technician!
Rest assured
A windshield replacement is definitely not something you want to leave to chance. Be sure to ask your technician questions and keep an eye out for the signs listed above.
It also helps to work with a qualified technician from an award-winning glass repair service. Luckily, Fast Glass Service is conveniently located near you (and we offer mobile service, too!)
Our technicians will install your windshield correctly the first time. If you want to play it safe, give us a call today!