Even though many people believe that the process of replacing auto glass is a simple task, you should know that there are actually several steps involved in ensuring a windshield is properly replaced and no more problems will appear. Since drivers use auto glass or window replacement services when they need to have their windshields repaired or replaced, they do not realize the amount of work and responsibility associated with this particular procedure.
Any auto glass company will start by checking for other damage that may be present before they begin to install the new windshield. Then they set up the car for repair, covering the vehicle in certain places so that potential further damage is prevented while handling the replacement or repair. The next step consists in removing the original windshield from your car, including the moldings, wipers, trim and cowl. Moreover, since damaged auto glass does not always remove as easily as some may imagine, the glass company staff generally use special knives and tools to remove the glass in a safely manner, without inflicting additional damage to the vehicle.
Subsequently, the new auto glass has to be sized accordingly to match the slot on your vehicle. For a perfect fit, the service personnel will cut down the original urethane from the previous windshield fitting. Urethane is often used as a seal, designed to keep your auto glass in place in all kinds of circumstances. Debris from cutting is also removed by the staff, and then the new windshield is tested on your car without any type of seal applied to ensure it is the right size before it is installed. A urethane-based sealant is selected after that and the installation process can begin. The type of quantity of urethane depends on various aspects, such as the current temperature, humidity, how long you can wait for it to settle before using the vehicle again, and even where your air bag is placed. The windshield is prepared for installation by wiping and cleaning the edges with a special solution, and then urethane and primer are applied to the edges and the appropriate areas.
Lastly, the new windshield can be properly set in place and adjusted so that it is perfectly centered with your car. Next, the service staff will install new moldings in order to further ensure the glass is set in place correctly. The cowl and wipers are usually replaced, and finally the auto glass company personnel performs an inspection to see whether or not the windshield replacement task has been properly completed and if no air leaks are present.
