How Long Does It Take to Replace a Windshield?

If you have a crack or chip in your windshield, you know you need to get it fixed sooner rather than later. After all, letting it go will only cause it to spread and worsen. The problem is finding the time to get it done – how long does it If you have a crack or chip in your windshield, you know you need to get it fixed sooner rather than later. After all, letting it go will only cause it to spread and worsen. The problem is finding the time to get it done – how long does it take to replace a windshield? The good news is it doesn’t take nearly as long as you may think!

Our auto glass repair company in Raleigh is sharing how long the windshield replacement process takes, as well as comparing it to windshield repair.

The Process of Windshield Replacement

An experienced auto glass replacement company can install a new windshield in less than 60 minutes, though newer vehicles with sensors and cameras may take slightly longer. While the installation process includes several steps, they can be completed quickly.

Step 1: Prep the Windshield for Removal

First, anything around or attached to the glass needs to be removed, including the rearview mirror and windshield wipers. Then, the technician will cut the urethane seal around the windshield in order to remove the old windshield.

Step 2: Clean the Area Around the Entire Windshield

Once the glass is out, any excess adhesive that was used to hold the windshield in place is removed, the bonding area is cleaned, and a urethane primer is applied. This provides a clean, like-new surface that ensures the new glass will properly bond to the vehicle. Then, fresh urethane adhesive is applied to the perimeter of the glass and the new windshield is installed.

Step 3: Ensure the Windshield Is Properly Installed

The urethane needs to cure for at least one to two hours in order to create a permanent bond so it’s safe to drive. Then, anything that was removed is placed back on the vehicle and the rubber gasket is replaced.

Calibrating a Windshield After It’s Been Replaced

Many newer vehicles are equipped with an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that includes a front-facing camera. This system warns the driver of lane departures, forward collision risk, and other dangers to help reduce the risk of a car accident. If your windshield has to be replaced, it will also need to be recalibrated.

Windshield camera recalibration properly aligns and resets your cameras so they are correctly positioned with your new glass. Doing this makes sure your car will continue to react and alert you of danger at the right times. Otherwise, the sensors may not pick up threats, which could lead to an accident, such as applying emergency braking at the incorrect time or sending out a warning when it’s unnecessary.

Can Your Windshield Be Repaired Instead of Replaced?

If your windshield simply has a small chip or a crack that is less than three inches long, we can fix it quickly with our mobile service and have you back on the road with a permanent repair.

We clean and smooth the rough edges of the chip and remove any air within the space. Then, we apply a clear resin that lasts for the lifespan of your windshield. After the resin cures, it permanently bonds, preventing the damage from spreading and making the chip or crack nearly invisible.

Factors That Affect The Time Taken To Repair a Windshield

The Nature of the Windshield Repair

How long a windshield repair takes depends heavily on the nature of the repair.

A technician may take around 10 minutes to fix a basic break that is modest and does not have many rough edges. However, a more complex break with jagged edges at multiple places can take much longer.

This is why it is recommended to get a windshield repair done even if the break is the smallest of chips. The quicker resolved the better!

The Outside Temperature

Windshield repair entails filling the chip or crack with resin and allowing it to flow to all areas of the crack and dry.

This is a simplified version of the procedure, but it’s crucial to remember that the resin takes time to cure, and drying time is highly influenced by the temperature of the day. Warmer days help the resin to flow more quickly into the cracks, while cooler days lead it to flow more slowly and take longer.

The Presence of Side Airbags

If your car has passenger-side airbags, the time taken to repair the windshield may be prolonged. In such a case, a stronger adhesive is required and it will take longer to cure.

Why Is Fixing Your Windshield Important?

Driving with a cracked or chipped windshield can pose many safety concerns for the driver and its passengers, such as:

Vehicle Ejection

In the unfortunate case of a car crash, the windshield is your final line of defense after your seat belt. If the windshield is broken or damaged, the structural integrity of the vehicle is compromised, so you risk being ejected from the vehicle.  

Airbag Deployment Issues

When an airbag inflates, it pushes on the passenger’s windshield. If the windshield is cracked, it may not deploy correctly toward the passenger in the event of an accident. Instead, it might deploy itself outside the vehicle through the window, rather than within the car, where it is needed. This puts the life of the driver and passengers at risk.  

Obstructed View

A crack can drastically impede the driver’s vision, posing several safety hazards for everyone. The crack makes it difficult to see any impediments, as well as other cars and even people. It can also be an unwelcome distraction for the driver as a whole.

Call Us Today for Fast, Reliable Windshield Replacement Service

Stop delaying a windshield replacement or repair and call Glass Solutions today to schedule service! Our experienced team will have you back on the road with a safe, new windshield or a flawlessly repaired one in no time. Call us today at  919-772-1007 or fill out the form below to get get a free quote for service.