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How long should I wait to wash my car once my windshield is replaced?

How long should I wait to wash my car once my windshield is replaced?

by | Mar 16, 2018 | Uncategorized

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Factors to consider before washing your car after a windshield replacement

When it comes to windshield replacement, a common inquiry among vehicle owners is how long they have to wait to wash their car once the replacement is complete? The rule of thumb is to wait 24 hours from when the replacement was done. This advice is uniform across most auto glass companies but has come directly from ABC Auto Glass. The installation process consists of attaching the windshield to an adhesive, resulting in a permanent fixation of the windshield to the frame of the vehicle. It also consists of surrounding the glass with a rubber seal enabling it to withstand impacts. Installing a new windshield generally takes about an hour; however, there are some precautions the vehicle owner must take following the installation.  

Waiting to wash the car is one precaution. Reason being, some time is needed to allow the sealant to secure itself to the windshield. This does not mean the vehicle cannot be driven. Instead, the windshield simply needs to avoid pressure. General wind friction will not harm the sealant, but direct water pressure could. If you take your vehicle through a car wash then you are putting the sealant at risk, as water pressure or parts within the washing station will come in direct contact with your vehicle’s windshield. The last thing you want is to have to return to the auto glass repair shop to have the same work done a second time. Therefore, it is best to abide by the 24-hour rule of thumb before taking your car through a car wash.

In contrast, a manual wash is acceptable and is not subject to time restrictions. If you absolutely cannot wait to wash your car then you can wash it manually without causing harm to the windshield. In this instance, the only thing that must be avoided is direct water pressure to the windshield. Make sure you do not aim the hose towards the windshield. If you do, make sure the water pressure is low. The windshield was just installed so it should be clean, but if you still want to clean it then it’s best to wet a rag or a wash cloth and start gently washing.

If you’re worried about damage resulting from heavy rain, don’t. Rain is sparse and it doesn’t carry the force that a car wash or a water hose does. Hence, a nice downpour never seems to clean your windshield or windows. Rain can actually be helpful in the windshield replacement process. The gentle pressure put forth by rain helps with the adhesive, enabling the windshield to stick quicker.

In summary, it is best to wait at least 24 hours before heavily washing your vehicle. Maybe wait 2-3 days if you want to stay on the safe side. Manual wash is fine, just be gentle. Remembering these basic guidelines will ensure your windshield is securely in place and durable.

If you need assistance with anything glass related, please contact ABC Auto Glass. You’ll find us located all throughout the Dallas Metroplex. We execute warranty-backed glass repair and installation. We’re also here to answer any questions you may have about your auto glass. ABC Auto Glass looks forward to serving you!

How to break auto glass in an emergency

How to break auto glass in an emergency

by | Mar 1, 2018 | Uncategorized

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Learn how to break auto glass in an emergency situation. Intentionally breaking auto glass is something that most of us have never given a thought to. And for most us, it will never be necessary. However, emergencies do happen, and you never know when you might find yourself in an auto glass emergency. Tragic stories are publicized much too often about a neglected child being left locked in a hot car. Additionally, a car could catch on fire or stop working electronically. These are times when it would be necessary to forcibly break a car window or windshield. Hopefully, you never find yourself in such a scenario, but just in case, it is best to take precaution by learning the most effective ways to break auto glass.

Here are the two best techniques:

Use a headrest (if you need to get out of the car)

In an emergency, you’ll be forced to use the nearest resources. You’ll have to grab something that is in reach. Unless you have something in your glove box or on your dash, vehicles generally do not consist of parts that will assist in breaking glass. One thing you can use is a headrest. Headrests are pointed. They may not be sharp, but they are pointed.

Once you grab the headrest, you will want to jam the metal pegs into the area from which the window rolls up. Moreover, between the door panel and the glass. Try to jam the pegs as far down as possible in order to generate the most pressure. At this point, you can pull the headrest towards you. If done properly, you should hear a snap and a crack should appear up the middle of the glass. The glass should then crack and fall away from the door.

Use a spark plug (if you need to get into the car)

The most convenient tool you can use to break auto glass in order to get into a car is a spark plug. A spark plug should be located under the hood of a vehicle (with the exception of diesel trucks). The spark plug is small, but effective. You will want to break off the porcelain which surrounds the plug. You can do so by knocking it into the ground a few times. Once the porcelain is broken off, you will see the pointed part.

Now, don’t get so anxious as to try and hammer the plug into the window or windshield. Instead, throw the spark plug into the center of the window as if it were a dart. There is no specific bullseye; however, you’ll want to try and aim towards the very center of the glass. The glass will break once impacted by the spark plug. Cars use tempered glass, so the glass should break in larger, less-sharp pieces rather than shattering altogether.

The use of a headrest or spark plug are the two most effective and convenient ways to break auto glass. Nothing is convenient about the situation requiring you to break the glass, but these two options at least provide a way out of the situation.

Our representatives at ABC Auto Glass prioritize safety over all else. We hope you never have to use either of these techniques, though, we wanted to brief you on how to manage auto glass emergencies just in case.

If you are in need of auto glass repair or replacement, please contact ABC Auto Glass at (972) 665-7008 for assistance. We will ensure your auto glass is durable and safe.