The Windshield Replacement Process: A Comprehensive Guide

A damaged windshield is one of the most annoying things that can occur at the most inconvenient moment. Understanding the windshield replacement process is crucial to maintaining your car’s safety. You may find windshield replacement quite overwhelming, given its complex nature. Nevertheless, if you can break it down into simple steps, you’ll be able to select the correct professional and know what to expect during the process.

We’ve curated a comprehensive guide to help you understand the windshield replacement process. Let’s begin.

Preparing for Windshield Replacement

First, you must get the damage assessed by an expert professional to identify what’s required—a repair or a replacement. For that, you need to research trustworthy windshield replacement service providers and verify whether they provide mobile windshield replacement service at any convenient location.

If you have an auto insurance policy, check if it covers windshield replacement. Keep your insurance and vehicle’s model details handy.

Step-by-Step Windshield Replacement Process

As part of the windshield replacement process, your hired professional will carry out the following steps in chronological order.

Step 1: Initial Evaluation and Estimate

An experienced auto glass professional will assess the damage, including its size, depth, location, and nature. Based on that, he’ll decide whether to initiate a windshield repair process or to opt for replacement. After evaluating, the technician will give you an estimate mentioning the suggested options and expenses.

Step 2: Picking the Correct Windshield 

Next, the professional will select the appropriate windshield. The professional will consider your car’s manufacturer, model, year of manufacture, and ADAS calibration systems (if any). Generally, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) standard windshields provide the best quality.

Step 3: Workspace Preparation

The technician will clean the area around the damaged windshield, arrange all required equipment and supplies, and remove any connected parts (rearview mirror and wipers). He will try to work in a spotless, dry, and well-lit area.

Step 4: Taking Off the Trim

The technician will use a razor to remove the trim, which holds the windshield secure.

Step 5: Removal of Damaged Windshield

The technician will use large, handle-equipped suction cups for clean and safe windshield removal since they equally distribute force across the windshield, making it less prone to breakage. Finally, he scrapes off any remaining adhesive and removes any broken glass.

Step 6: Cleaning out the Pinch Weld

Next, he’ll clean leftover dust, debris, and old urethane and prepare the pinch weld, which holds the windshield’s edges on your car’s body.

Step 7: Primer Application

The technician will then apply primer to the frame to strengthen the bond between the adhesive and the windshield.

Step 8: Urethane Adhesive Application

After the primer has dried, the professional will evenly apply urethane adhesive to the frame to provide a strong, smooth bond that can tolerate high pressures and protect against wind, water, and shaking.

Step 9: New Windshield Installation 

The technician will then carefully place the new windshield and reposition it to fit inside the pinch weld. Afterwards, he will use bars and suction cups to adjust the glass and let the adhesive set in properly. The technician will also program the new windshield with ADAS calibration systems.

Step 10: Reassembly of Components

The expert will reassemble car parts like wipers, sensors, and cameras that were earlier taken out to ease installation.

Step 11: Final Cleanup and Inspection

The technician will clean up any mess and run a quality assurance check for defects, gaps, or leaks.

Step 12: Post-installation Discussion

A supervisor will explain the documentation or warranties associated with the service and provide maintenance tips, especially for the first 24 to 48 hours.

The next section will dive deep into these post-replacement care hacks.

Post-Replacement Care and Safety Tips

What should you keep in mind to maintain the integrity of your brand-new windshield and prevent further damage? Let’s find out.

• Avoid car washes for a certain period as mentioned by the technician.
• Avoid slamming car doors to prevent unnecessary pressure.
• Be cautious when driving on uneven and bumpy roads.
• Avoid parking your car in direct sunlight to prevent the adhesive from breaking down.

Having understood the windshield replacement process, you must wonder how much it may cost to replace your windshield. You may also have a question regarding the time taken to complete the entire process. We’ll discuss them next.

Cost and Time Considerations

Well, the windshield replacement cost varies depending on your vehicle’s make and model. However, Florida Statute 627.7288 mandates insurance companies to waive any deductible for windshield repairs or replacements for all comprehensive coverage policies. This means if you have a comprehensive coverage policy, you can get your windshield replaced for free.

While the replacement process takes around two hours, the curing process may take up to 24 hours, depending on temperature, humidity, wind, etc. With our mobile windshield replacement service, you can get the replacement done at your convenient location.

Conclusion

The windshield replacement process is a multi-step process that requires skill, accuracy, and conformity to industry standards. It involves a preliminary inspection, windshield selection, workspace preparation, cautious removal of the old windshield, and installation of the new one with the use of primers and adhesives.

Nevertheless, if you get confused with the process, don’t worry. Whether it is windshield repair & replacement or side window repair & replacement, NuVision Auto Glass has got your back. Our trained, expert technicians provide top-notch auto glass repair & replacement services throughout Florida.

Don’t let your shattered windshield put a dent in your driving. Contact us today for a free quote and experience the NuVision difference.

FAQs

What is urethane, and how is it applied during windshield replacement?

Urethane acts as a powerful, specialized glue for windshields. It is used on the pinch weld. It must be applied quickly and evenly to avoid drying out too quickly.

Why should I opt for a professional windshield replacement service provider?

Trained professionals have the expertise to ensure that your windshield is replaced as per stringent safety standards.

Is windshield replacement covered under my insurance policy?

Yes, Florida’s state laws mandate insurance companies to cover windshield replacement claims without any deductible, provided you have comprehensive auto insurance coverage.