The Importance of Proper Windshield Replacement and Installation for Longevity

If you’re a motorist in Tucson, Arizona, you already know why you need a high-quality windshield. Your windshield doesn’t just help you see the road in front of your vehicle — it can keep you safe from foreign objects and protect your car’s integrity in a collision. With that in mind, you’ll want to do whatever you can to keep your windshield in good condition.

Even if you work hard to protect your windshield, it might not be enough if this pane of glass wasn’t installed correctly in the first place. When it’s time to schedule windshield replacement, Tucson drivers should follow the advice shared in this article to keep their new windshield intact for years to come.

How Expert Windshield Installation Protects Your Auto Glass

If your windshield has sustained serious damage, you’ll probably need auto glass replacement to resolve this situation. But even though countless Tucson businesses can replace windshields these days, you shouldn’t count on just any auto glass shop to take care of this task for you.

When you get professional windshield replacement or installation from truly qualified auto glass technicians, this vital component will be put into place by people who know everything there is to know about this process. As a result, your new windshield will be incredibly secure, meaning it will have a much lower risk of encountering problems down the line.

If you want this level of service from your auto glass shop, be sure to do some research on its technicians’ certifications ahead of time. As part of this process, keep an eye out for technicians who are Dow certified or Auto Glass Safety Council certified — or who have both of these qualifications.

Don’t Wait To Replace Windshields

Of course, even a professionally installed windshield isn’t impervious to damage. At the end of the day, this is a pane of glass — so anything from a car accident to flying road debris could be enough to create a crack or chip in your windshield.

In some cases, you may be tempted to ignore minor windshield damage. But when you don’t replace (or repair) your windshield when this happens, it might:

Continue to get worse. The vibrations that naturally occur while driving can easily turn tiny chips into substantial cracks.
Make it more challenging to drive. When your auto glass damage is on the driver’s side of your windshield, it can make it much harder to see the road.
Put you at risk in accidents. A windshield that’s been compromised by damage won’t be as effective as undamaged auto glass when it comes to keeping you safe from frontal ejection in a crash. This situation can also prevent your airbag from deploying properly.
Result in legal trouble. Even though Arizona has no law prohibiting chips or small cracks in a windshield, you still need to comply with federal regulations on auto glass. These laws prohibit windshields from having multiple cracks that intersect, central damage or discoloration, multiple damaged areas within three inches of each other, or damaged areas larger than three-quarters of an inch.

Other Ways To Increase Your Windshield’s Life Span

Proper auto glass replacement and installation will give your new windshield a strong start, but this isn’t the only factor that can affect its longevity. Along with visiting a trustworthy auto glass shop for these services, you can keep your windshield in good shape for the long run by:

Getting New Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers don’t last forever. Given enough time, these parts will wear out, making them less effective at dealing with rain. However, the consequence of using old wipers doesn’t stop there. These wipers can also apply unnecessary pressure to your windshield — pressure that could cause windshield damage.

Using the Right Cleaning Products

The harsh chemicals found in some auto glass cleaning products can affect your windshield’s color and its protective coating. To avoid these risks, ensure that your car’s manufacturer has approved the cleaning products you use.

Taking Local Temperatures Into Account

When the temperature changes drastically, auto glass can expand and contract — a process that will inevitably weaken your windshield. To protect your windshield from Tucson’s desert heat, take precautions such as parking in the shade on sunny days.

Protecting Your New Windshield After Auto Glass Replacement

Along with following the tips above, it’s crucial to remember that the first few hours after windshield replacement will determine the integrity of your auto glass for the rest of its service life. During the 48 hours after you get a new windshield installed, you should follow these best practices:

Give your new glass time to cure. Don’t drive your car immediately after windshield installation — wait at least an hour.
Leave the retention tape in place. The tape applied during auto glass replacement is responsible for protecting your adhesive from foreign objects while it dries.
Open your windows. To avoid windshield cracks from pressure building up inside your car, leave your windows open slightly.
Leave your vehicle uncovered. In the hours and days following your windshield installation, it’s best not to use a sunshade or cover on your car.
Protect your car from the weather. Windshield adhesive can have trouble curing properly when it’s exposed to heavy wind, rain, extreme temperatures, or direct sunlight.
Save windshield care for later. Normally, windshield treatments and car washes can help your auto glass — but after a windshield replacement, it’s best to give your windshield time to settle in.
Avoid unnecessary forms of stress. When you have a new windshield, try to avoid bumpy roads, high speeds, abrupt braking, and slamming car doors.

Get the Windshield Replacement Tucson Residents Count On

When they need windshield replacement, Tucson residents should look for an auto glass shop that’s fully qualified to provide this service. At Max Auto Glass, our technicians are both Auto Glass Safety Council certified and Dow certified, which means they have the knowledge and experience required to replace your windshield.

Furthermore, we use high-quality components (including dealer windshields from leading manufacturers), help customers save with promotions and financing options, and offer free mobile service. Get the windshield you deserve by requesting an appointment today!