As simple of a job as it might seem, auto glass replacement involves a detailed procedure to get it right.
Unless performed by a trained, professional windshield replacement specialist, problems could arise.
Take a look at the step-by-step process of auto glass windshield replacement and always choose an experienced glass shop to replace yours.
- Trim Removal - Every windshield is held into place in part by some trim that surrounds the edges of the glass. This trim is held on with epoxy and must first be removed using a razor blade or scraper so the windshield itself can be accessed and removed.
- Removal of Broken Windshield - With the trim removed, the next step in an auto glass replacement is to lift off the damaged glass using a windshield tool that has multiple large suction cup grabbers to pull on the glass. The suction tool is designed to be strong enough to pull the glass off the epoxy holding it in place.
- Pinch Weld Cleaning - The pinch weld is the gap between where the windshield sits and the body of the vehicle. As this area is coated with epoxy during installation, auto glass windshield replacement can only be performed once the old epoxy is completely cleaned out. The area must be free of epoxy, dust, dirt, and other debris for the new epoxy to adhere correctly during the new installation.
- Windshield Replacement Installation - Once the pinch weld is clean and dry, the actual windshield replacement begins with a new coat of epoxy in the pinch weld. This is followed by the careful lowering of the new windshield into place. It must be set in and positioned quickly before the epoxy can dry.
- Trim Installation - After the auto glass windshield replacement is set into place and positioned, the epoxy has dried, and the edges of the new glass has been cleaned, the windshield trim can be reapplied. If old trim is being reused, it must first be cleaned of all old epoxy and dirt, then replaced with a new bead of epoxy to hold it on. If new trim is used, it can be simply affixed with epoxy.
While these five steps of doing an auto glass windshield replacement are fairly straightforward, they must be done with care and precision, especially regarding the handling of the epoxy.
Unless all old epoxy is thoroughly cleaned off and the new windshield and trim are placed quickly before the epoxy starts to dry, problems can arise.
Rather than risk a poorly done windshield replacement that can result in leaks and other problems, all auto glass replacement should be done only by a glass shop with the proper equipment, environment, and experienced glass technicians to do it.