The Future of Windshield Replacement: Trends and Predictions

It takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to replace the broken windshield or damaged auto glass. We recommend that the vehicle isn’t driven for at least 1 hour after installation to ensure the urethane (glue) has had enough time to dry.

So, you have just had your windshield replaced, and we bet it is gleaming like a pristine lake on a sunny day. To ensure it remains in top-notch condition and serves you for years to come, there are certain cleaning and maintenance tips you should be aware of. Let us dive in and explore them.   1. The 24-Hour Rule Primarily, once your windshield is replaced, wait for at least 24 hours before washing your car. This waiting period allows the adhesive used during the replacement to cure and bond properly. This ensures that everything settles down perfectly and the bond remains intact.   2. Be Gentle with Those Doors For the first day or so after the replacement, be cautious about slamming your car doors. The sudden jolt can affect the setting adhesive. Simply close the doors gently and remind any passengers to do the same.   3. Mind the Inside Avoid using the dashboard or the inner part of your new windshield as a storage space. Sunshades, heavy objects, or even scented dangly items can cause undue stress on the windshield. Plus, keeping the dashboard clear ensures better visibility.   4. Keep It Simple with Cleaning When it comes to cleaning your new windshield, less is often more. Use clean water (preferably distilled) and a mild automotive soap. Harsh chemicals or abrasive materials can damage the auto glass or weaken its integrity.   5. Soft Cloth is Your Friend When wiping or cleaning, always use a soft microfiber cloth. This ensures you do not scratch the surface or leave unsightly streaks. This type of cloth ensures maximum absorption and leaves your windshield streak-free. Rub in circular motions gently and avoid applying too much pressure.   6. Protect Against Harsh Elements If you live in a region with extreme weather conditions, consider investing in a car cover or using a garage. Harsh sun, snow, or hail can have long-term effects on your windshield’s health. Think of it as giving your car a comfortable blanket during those harsh times. A little prevention now can save you from potential damage in the future.   7. Watch Out for Temperature Extremes If it is scorching hot outside, avoid blasting the air conditioner immediately upon entering the car. Conversely, on chilly days, gradually heat the car. Rapid temperature changes can stress the glass, leading to potential cracks.   8. Repair Small Chips Promptly Even with a new windshield, you are not immune to the occasional chip from a stray pebble. If you spot a small chip, get it repaired immediately. Small chips can quickly evolve into larger cracks, which could mean another replacement if left unchecked.   9. Maintain Those Wipers Old or worn-out windshield wipers can do more harm than you might think. They can scratch the surface or cause uneven wiping during rains. Make it a habit to check them regularly and replace them if they appear worn out or damaged.   10. Avoid Automated Car Washes While they might be convenient, some automated car washes can be too harsh on a freshly replaced windshield. Stick to hand washing, especially in the initial weeks after replacement. Manual washing lets you control the pressure and areas you clean, ensuring delicate handling. If you do opt for an automated car wash, choose one that is touchless.   11. Keep a Safe Distance While driving, maintain a safe distance from large trucks or vehicles carrying debris. They can inadvertently kick up rocks or other particles that can harm your windshield. It is always a safe driving habit anyway, but with a new windshield, it is even more crucial. It is always better to be initiative-taking rather than reactive when it comes to road safety.   12. Invest in Windshield Protection Consider investing in windshield protection films or treatments. They can shield against UV rays, reduce glare, and offer a layer of protection against minor scratches or chips. This small investment can lead to long-term benefits, extending the life of your windshield.   Takeaway Your windshiеld is morе than just a piеcе of glass. It is an intеgral part of your vеhiclе’s safеty systеm, offеring you a clеar viеw of thе road and protеcting you from thе еlеmеnts. By taking thеsе clеaning and maintеnancе tips to hеart, you arе not only prеsеrving thе clarity and condition of your windshiеld but also еnsuring a safеr ridе for you and your lovеd onеs. Rеmеmbеr, likе any part of your vеhiclе, your windshiеld thrivеs on rеgular carе and attеntion. Happy driving and takе good carе of that shiny nеw windshiеld!

A sturdy car ensures your safety on the road, but an emergency car kit can save you from being stranded in the middle of nowhere. No matter how careful of a driver you are, a car breakdown can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. Read this article to learn more about the vehicle emergency kit you must have in the car.   Overview: Car safety kit A vehicle safety kit is a collection of tools you might require when dealing with a sudden vehicle malfunction. If you experience a car breakdown on a busy street, you will be able to access prompt assistance. But things change when it happens on an isolated freeway, where there aren’t many vehicles or people around. In such cases, an emergency car kit is indispensable.   Let’s find out what basic emergency supplies, vehicle tools and repair items, and safety and survival stuff you must carry on the go.   What basic emergency supplies should you carry? Your basic roadside emergency kit comes in handy when stuck in a broken car with slim chances of receiving immediate assistance. Here’s what items you should carry as part of your basic emergency supplies:   #1. First aid kit Nothing comes more handy than a first aid kit during emergencies. Despite the increased safety features of modern vehicles, a first aid kit remains essential for addressing minor injuries. Here’s a checklist of what you should have in your first aid kit:   Fresh gauze, bandages, and cotton Antiseptic lotion Hand sanitizer Sterilized wipes Tweezers Splints Insect repellent sprays Bandanas Medication Whether it’s to treat a minor cut or a painful sprain, having a first aid kit would ease things while dealing with a broken car.   #2. Portable battery jump starter A dead battery can leave your car disabled, especially in remote areas. However, with a battery jump starter in your emergency car kit, you can quickly address the issue. The advantage of having a jump starter lies in its portability—it essentially serves as a portable replacement battery, eliminating the need for another vehicle to jump-start yours.   #3. Visibility accessories Nothing helps more than spare illumination devices if your car has broken down and it’s already past sunset in the middle of nowhere. Your car battery can provide enough light to attract attention, especially if you keep the hazard lights on.   However, flashlights, torches, reflective patches, and glow sticks can help you attract the attention of fellow travelers and also provide light in case you need to make any minor repairs to your vehicle.   What are the must-have vehicle tools and repair items? While basic emergency supplies help you to deal with a broken car episode, having vehicle tools and windshield repair items is invaluable if the problem is repairable.   Check out these must-have tools and their utilities:   #4. Flat tire repair kit A flat tire is among the most common reasons for car breakdowns. Here’s what a flat tire repair kit comprises: Spare tire Lug wrench Car jack Vehicle manual If you know how to fix a punctured tire, it’s an easy way out. If you cannot handle a flat tire, try an online video tutorial or seek help from your fellow travelers.   #5. Fire extinguishers A fire extinguisher is an indispensable part of the survival kit for vehicles. It’s handy as a safety measure to put out any unwanted fire breakout in the car. Most importantly, you can save your vehicle from severe damage if an accidental fire breaks out when carrying a fire extinguisher.   Fire extinguishers are among the must-have items in all vehicles, whether driving or parked.   #6. Towing straps Towing straps pack a formidable force to rescue your car when it’s immobile. An indispensable vehicle safety kit, towing straps act as a force multiplier that tugs out your car using another vehicle. It’s a must-have car safety kit since it can come in handy for all vehicles at any time.   What are the indispensable safety and survival items when driving? Your emergency car kit is incomplete without safety and survival items to keep you alive and functioning until help arrives. Whether it’s fresh food, a handy tool kit, or navigational equipment, here’s everything you need:   #7. Food and water It’s a blessing to have access to food and water when your car is stuck with little hope for immediate help. Ensure that you have plenty of replenishment and dried food items that won’t go bad. The presence of adequate supplies keeps you stable during such tense moments until help arrives.   #8. Multi-tool kit A multi-tool kit is like a wild card during an emergency like a car breakdown. If you do not have all the tools, a multi-tool kit provides you with the leverage to improvise. Here’s what a multi-tool kit usually comprises: Knife Scissors Screwdriver Filer Plier Bottle opener Can opener Reamer Whether fixing a loose screw or needing a handy knife to sever something, a multi-tool kit is an all-in-one miracle. A multi-tool kit adds to the versatility by providing an all-purpose tool case without carrying individual tools. Besides that, it’s good to always carry a high-intensity whistle, which can help you attract attention if you’re stuck in the wilderness with a broken car.   #9. Navigational equipment When a car breakdown happens, in-built electronic items may stop working. If you’re far from the city, you may have trouble accessing cell service as well. In such cases, carrying items like a compass, handheld radio, or a chronometer watch can help people access your location.   Moreover, if you’re familiar with the stars or have a sense of direction, you can navigate and seek assistance using the celestial bodies.   #10. Climate control accessories A disabled car may not have a functional air conditioner, blower, or heater. If you are traveling to places with erratic weather conditions, it’s best to carry portable fans, heat packs, gloves, and a space blanket in your emergency car kit.   Final words on the emergency car kit Car breakdowns are a common occurrence and can happen to anyone. Nothing comes in handy more than being prepared for such a situation. Whenever going out for long rides, ensure you make arrangements that can help people trace you in case of an emergency. While having an emergency car kit is essential for breakdowns, why not consider detailed car maintenance to understand the root cause of issues? Whether you’re dealing with a chipped windshield or facing ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) problems, visit Auto Glass for top-notch car assistance today.