Windshield replacement may seem as easy as popping out the old one and slipping in a new one, and for the most part, it is. However, for your car to look and function as it should, there are a few other things that need to happen in addition to new glass installation. In today’s post, we’ll explore five of the things that need to happen when you get your front or rear windshield repaired or replaced.
What happens to my windshield attachments when I get the glass replaced?
If you have automatic sensors or advanced security systems or cameras, they will all be recalibrated with your glass replacement service. For window stickers and decor, you may be responsible for replacing or transferring those yourself. At Jet Black Tint, when you get your windshield replaced with us, we include complimentary window tint service at the same time.
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Proper Windshield Replacement
First things first, when your windshield is cracked, shattered, or otherwise damaged, you’ll need quick, reliable, and correct windshield replacement. Some inexperienced windshield replacement companies will simply remove the damaged glass and insert a new one, costing you hundreds of dollars and leading to more damage down the road. Licensed, professional auto glass companies will work with you and your auto insurance provider to get the proper glass replacement required for your safety and your vehicle’s function. Some critical steps that should be a part of your windshield replacement process include removing excess urethane buildup and thoroughly cleaning the bonding area after removing the old windshield; applying the urethane primer; running a bead of urethane around the perimeter prior to new glass installation; and allowing the urethane to cure. These steps ensure proper adhesion to the windshield mounting surface which will prevent moisture penetration and erosion, and ensures the glass is completely seated.
1. Recalibration
All newer vehicles are standard-equipped with an advanced driver assistance safety system (ADAS) that includes a forward-facing camera and/or sensor in the windshield. ADAS systems use radar, lidar, cameras, computer imaging, sensors, networking, and other advanced technology to create a safer driving experience, inexperienced windshield replacement technicians should not destroy that. Some auto glass repair companies will charge extra or refer you to another company to complete the ADAS recalibration. When your windshield is replaced at any of our 14+ Jet Black Tint locations, the safety system will be recalibrated as part of your windshield replacement or installation — even for our customers unaware of such a system’s existence or that or needs recalibration. Your safety is our top priority.
2. Decal Transfer
When your windshield or any vehicle glass is replaced, you’ll need to transfer any pertinent adornments including vehicle service reminders, toll passes, parking authorization, and any other decorative addition. Here at Jet Black Tint, we do not take on the liability or responsibility of removing or affixing such items to your window but will allow you to remove whatever you’d like from the old glass prior to extraction from your vehicle. Unfortunately, for safety reasons, once the glass is detached from your vehicle, we can’t allow you to interact with it.
3. Defrost Grid Installation
Also called a defogger, your car’s rear window defroster operates differently from the one that thaws your front windshield, due largely in part to the absence of air ducts linking it to the vehicle’s main climate control system and access to blowing heat. Instead, the rear window defogger grid harnesses the 12-volt electrical system within the vehicle to generate heat within the strips that run the length of the glass. When you have your rear windshield replaced, the defrost grid will also need to be reinstalled.
4. Wiper Installation
When the old windshield is removed, the wipers should also be removed and reinstalled. While this may seem like an insignificant minor detail, it is incredibly important in the overall function and safety of your windshield and can impact the performance of the new glass. Proper windshield wiper performance suddenly becomes important when you need them to see safely. Ensure your continued safety and ability to drive unhindered by trusting glass installation experts that pay attention to all the details.
5. Tinting
The final step in any vehicle glass installation is tinting. If your car had the manufacturer’s tint on it, it is generally fairly easy to match. If you’ve got old window tint, there is no time like the present for an upgrade! For windshields, though, since just the visor strip is legal in most states — including California — a matching tint isn’t always critical. Your local Jet Black Tint customer service agents can tell what tint you already have and match it or upgrade it. And, better yet, tinting a newly installed windshield we’ve replaced is complimentary.
Hopefully, you’ve got a better understanding now of what replacing your windshield truly entails and the value it holds for you and your vehicle. Beyond aesthetics, safety is paramount and the motivation for a job well done. At Jet Black Tint and Glass, our certified glass technicians can complete all of the tasks mentioned in this article in about an hour. All 14 of our locations have most of the current vehicle model windshields in stock and ready to install. To get your new windshield installed today, contact the location nearest you to book your appointment.
