Cracked or shattered windshield is not an eyesore, not running your car’s aesthetic, but there is a major issue underlying – a safety hazard. It can happen to anyone. Unfortunate tree branch, or rogue pebble fractioned by a passing truck, things happen in an instant. Hoping that you instantly drove to the nearest auto workshop and got it replaced, the burning question is “can I drive after windshield replacement?” or “is there cure time for windshield adhesive?”
There are some genuine questions, and knowing them is key to safety. Here is a complete discussion on how and when to drive after the windshield replacement.
Can You Drive Right Away?
No, driving right away is not advisable. You need to understand the working of the sealant to gauge when the right time to drive after windshield replacement.
The glue used to bond the new glass to your car’s frame is a polyurethane-based sealant. The sealant bonds the new glass to the frame and takes time.
The cure time for windshield adhesive is the reason why you can drive 180km/hour without any worries. If the bond gets its proper cure time, it hardens, sealing the new windshield to the vehicle’s frame.
As a result, you have a windshield that doesn’t pop off from minor impacts, doesn’t have whooshing wind sounds, and doesn’t leak.
So, to answer the question, no, you cannot just drive right away. You have to give cure time for windshield adhesive to reach its full potential.
How Long is the Cure Time for Windshield Adhesive?
The cure time can be from one hour to a day. It’s a big stretch, and it all boils down to a couple of factors.
Usually, one hour of drying time is classified as “safe to drive away,” but you would need to factor in other aspects such as:
Type of Adhesive: Some high-performing adhesives offer quick curing. Drivers can drive away in an hour. On the other hand, some adhesives take a couple of hours, depending on other factors to 24 hours.
Weather Condition: Cold and humid weather can be a buzz kill in the curing process. Warm weather and dry conditions make it easy for the glue to cure in no time.
Vehicle Type: Larger models, modified, or complex vehicles may take more time than usual for the adhesive to dry.
Talk to the technician, they would be able to give you a better answer after assessment and factoring in all the conditions mentioned above.
Star Bright Auto Glass are expert in the craft. If you are parked at their auto workshop, be assured, you are in good hands.
What Would Happen If You Drive Too Soon?
Would you eat a cake when it’s half-baked?
Exactly, just like that, you wouldn’t drive away, knowingly the glue hasn’t set in yet. The unhardened glue means that from a slight impact, the windshield may not settle in the frame correctly.
Also, there are chances you may break it again soon due to uneven settings. Here are some other problems that you may face if you do not give cure time for windshield adhesive:
Misalignment: This isn’t just a wonky windshield; it means your car will leak in every rain and the glass is more likely to shift soon.
Safety Issues: If the windshield doesn’t get enough time to bond, chances are, the structural support wouldn’t be 100%. In that case, the windshield wouldn’t provide the support in a crash or collision compared to a properly sealed windshield.
Expenses: When the windshield doesn’t glue properly, you are most likely to get it redone. That adds to the cost of repairs.
Why go through all the trouble? Discuss with your auto work windshield experts and book a slot when you can give the windshield maximum time to cure.
What Can You Do to Ensure 100% Curing?
Your part is equally important as a windshield repair expert’s part in getting a 100% fixed windshield. Here are some tips that you can follow to get the perfect windshield repair job in Philadelphia:
Parking: After the repairs, park the car in a controlled environment. Ideally, in a garage or shaded area to protect from the sun and rain.
Car Wash: The water jets of the car wash are high pressure. They may impact the curing process when the adhesive hasn’t completely dried. It is recommended to delay the idea of car wash for 24 to 48 hours.
Shutting Car Door: Oftentimes, slamming the car doors forcefully may impact the placement of the windshield.
Talk to an expert like Star Bright Auto Glass repair. They are experts in windshield repairs and would advise you on when to drive after windshield replacement.
Conclusion
The cure time for windshield adhesive shouldn’t be ignored. It is crucial for your safety, impacts the expenses you would end up making in getting another repair, and can be a major safety hazard. Schedule an appointment with Star Bright Auto Glass and discuss what would be the right time to drive after windshield replacement to avoid additional expense and headache.
