How To Tell If Your Windshield Was Installed Incorrectly
According to the National Glass Association (NGA), an improperly installed windshield is dangerous because it increases the risk of injuries and even fatality in the event of a road accident. In cars and all vehicles in general, windshields play a significant role in the proper deployment of airbags. They prevent you from being crushed or ejected in a car accident. Therefore, windscreens are one of the most important safety features of your car. As such, vehicle owners should ensure that their windshields are installed properly. But how to tell if windshield installed correctly?
Signs Of A Bad Windshield Replacement
Contents
Here are the top ways to tell if your replacement windshield was installed incorrectly:
Did The Auto Glass Technician Use Gloves?
An investigative piece aired by ABC News 20/20 in 2010 found that millions of drivers in the US could be driving cars with improperly fitted windshields. This is especially true for windshields replaced by mechanics or auto technicians without gloves. In this case, handling the edges of a replacement windshield with bare hands compromises the integrity of both the adhesive used and the bonding surface. Mechanics and windshield technicians are likely to have oil and other types of dirt on their hands/fingers, so they should always wear gloves when replacing windshields.
Primer Application For Your Windshield Replacement
Before installing a new windshield, a technician should apply a coat of primer and urethane-based glue to the edge of your car’s windshield. Doing so would make a replacement windshield stick better to the underlying car surface. Moreover, the primer inhibits rusting of metallic parts around the windshield area. Failing to apply a primer coat makes the replacement windshield prone to an ejection in the event of a collision.
Old Car Windscreen Adhesive
It is advisable to remove any adhesive before applying a new one to ensure the bond between your car’s windshield and the pinch weld is strong. Of course, the removal of the old adhesive should take place before the application of a new primer coat or glue.
Windshield Installation Cure Time
Allow the glue/adhesive used to secure the windshield in place ample time to cure before you drive your car. The cure time generally ranges anywhere from three to ten hours depending on the car model, type of glue/adhesive used, and vehicle/windshield manufacturer recommendations. If you drove off immediately after having your windshield replaced, then the correct replacement procedure was likely not followed. At the same time, be wary of auto technicians or mechanics who tout instant cure adhesives because they are unlikely to work as marketed.
Proportionality Of The Replaced Windshield
If a replacement windshield looks wavy or crooked in some way, it is likely to have been installed incorrectly. Such a windshield could cause visibility problems. Therefore, it is likely to compromise your safety and the safety of other road users. This is especially when driving in bad weather or at night.
Do Your Research On Local Auto Glass Shops
When you realize how common these windshield replacement mistakes are made and how many people are driving around with a windshield that simply won’t save their life in an accident, it is outstanding. By knowing what to look for, you will be able to avoid auto glass repair shops that cut corners to save a buck. What’s better is when you find an auto glass repair shop that you can trust.
Conclusion
Your car’s windshield is an important part that should be installed correctly. Improper installation is likely to occur when windshield technicians:
- Handle the replacement windshield without wearing gloves
- Did not properly clean the old adhesive off before applying the new one
- Fail to apply a primer coat
- Did not observe proper cure times
- Fail to observe proportionality
To avoid the problems associated with improper windshields, you should have your car’s windshield replaced by a manufacturer-trained auto glass technician (Sika) or one certified by the NGA.
Call Liberty AutoGlass For All Of Your Auto Glass Needs
Liberty AutoGlass offers certifiable windshield installation so that you and your passengers are always safe and your windshield can do its job in the event of an accident. Our experts use the highest quality materials to ensure that your safety is a priority. We do not cut corners when it comes to your or replacement.
When you believe that your windshield has been installed incorrectly, be sure to contact us so that we can take care of it right away. Do not drive around with a windshield that compromises your safety.
The mobile auto glass services that Liberty AutoGlass offers will allow your damaged windshield or broken auto glass to be repaired or replaced quickly and at the convenience of wherever your car is parked. Therefore, we come to you and you can go about your day as you would normally, without any interruptions. We fix windshields, back glass, door glass, vent glass, and quarter glass.
Contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-7787 or (877) 90-GLASS if you have any questions. Click here to view our complete mobile auto glass service area in Pennsylvania.
