Suddenly, your car’s windshield is broken, and you’re deciding whether to repair or replace it. This decision can be confusing. Should you choose repair, which is often less time-intensive, or replacement, which requires extra precautions, especially when it comes to car washing?

Proper windshield care is essential after either repairing or replacing it. Otherwise, your efforts, time, and money could go to waste. Proper care ensures the longevity and effectiveness of the repair, helping maintain the integrity of your car’s windshield. Following car washing instructions and other important tips from car care experts at Boost Mobile Detailing is crucial for maintaining your windshield.

In this blog, you will learn about the aftercare of windshield replacement and how long to wait before washing your car after a windshield replacement.

Why Does Waiting Matter After a Windshield Replacement?

Many different products, such as adhesives, sealants, or rubber seals, are required to secure the windshield in the car’s frame.

The new windshield installation process commonly takes about one to 1.5 hours, but you should wait at least 24 hours before using the car normally.

Otherwise, the products used during the installation may not perform as expected, and the windshield could break, possibly while driving.

Recommended Waiting Time for a Car Wash

A car wash immediately after a windshield replacement is never advised. Using a water pressure jet, automated car wash, or even a hand wash can loosen the sealant’s friction or damage the adhesives. These products need adequate time to set properly. Therefore, it is best to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before washing your car.

Additional Tips for Windshield Care After Replacement

The first and most important tip is to avoid high-pressure car washes for at least 48 hours, especially on the windshield glass.

Avoid playing heavy bass music inside the car, as vibrations can impact the newly fixed windshield.

Park your car in a shaded area to protect it from extreme heat. High temperatures can challenge the effectiveness of windshield-fixing products, as sun rays may dry out the essential chemicals in the adhesives.

Avoid slamming car doors with force, as it can damage the windshield.

Leave the windshield as it is. If the expert applied retention tape, do not remove it.

Conclusion 

Make your decision wisely, considering whether repairing or replacing your car’s windshield benefits you the most. For safety, keep your vehicle in the same condition as the technician left it for at least two days. Follow a few important tips, and the entire windshield fixing process will be worthwhile. Always clean your windshield glass gently using a cleaner and a clean cloth.

For further assistance with windshield repair and replacement, kindly contact Boost Mobile Detailing. Our experts are happy to help you with all your car maintenance queries. We look forward to your call.