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The extreme heat and humidity of a Coastal California summer poses additional challenges to installation the same way that the winter frost does, so it’s safe to argue that spring or fall would be the best time of year to get your windshield replaced. But, realistically, the best time of year to have your windshield replaced is when it is cracked or broken.
At Jet Black Tint and Glass, we’ve seen and heard it all when it comes to reasons folks put off replacing their windshield, and a good majority of our customers cite the seasons as the main reason. In today’s post, we’ll take a look at some of the ways that the weather impacts your windshield repair or replacement and how we overcome some common hesitations.
If you’re getting your windshield replaced in your driveway or by a mobile glass repair team, the weather will have a bigger impact on your replacement than if you were headed to your local auto glass repair shop.
“I thought replacing it in winter would make the glass fit awkwardly…”
In cold weather, different sealing products are required to properly install your windshield. Luckily, here in California, it doesn’t readily freeze and frost doesn’t often cause too big of an issue, but our NorCal locations do face colder days than our SoCal or Texas glass shops do. The cool air of winter can slow down the curing process, which could lead to potential shifting before the windshield is set. And, as you may already know, glass does shrink slightly in freezing temperatures. So, if your windshield is replaced in an uncontrolled environment, there is potential for installing the incorrect size windshield. What this all means for you is that your windshield could crack under the pressure as it tries to expand in warmer temperatures.
At Jet Black Tint and Glass, our windshield replacement technicians work inside a temperature-controlled environment and our windshield glass is stored in a temperature-controlled warehouse. This means that the cold is no problem for us or your car. Our technicians (with nice, warm hands ) will expertly install a windshield in January the same way they would in July. All of our aftermarket windshields are supplied by Pilkington Glass, the industry leader in OEM and aftermarket windshields and they are pre-cut to the manufacturer’s dimensions — there’s no shrinkage here! It’s important to find a professional glass company with experience and the right tools to ensure the cold doesn’t affect your installation.
“I thought replacing my windshield in the summer heat was a waste of time…”
It is a common misconception that replacing auto glass during the summer is a waste of time and we think this has a lot to do with the fact that more glass breaks happen in warmer weather and that the extreme heat of summer can cause small chips or cracks to quickly spread. However, these facts should be clarified. More windshield breaks happen in the summer than in any other season for a few reasons. First, when the weather is nice, people drive more as opposed to cold-weather hibernation. Being on the road more puts you at an increased risk of sustaining some sort of damage. Heat and direct sunlight can cause your small chips or cracks to spread much quicker than they would under even temperatures. However, this is not a good reason to avoid fixing a broken windshield.
At Jet Black Tint, we offer a 12-month glass protection guarantee for your peace of mind. We install laminate windshields from Pilkington Glass that are as durable as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) glass.
“I was going to wait until it dries out in March…”
Moisture is a nuisance to fixing most things, and replacing windshields is no exemption. Mobile windshield replacement companies typically prop up coverage, try to use a shelter (garage, parking garage, awning, etc.), or will reschedule in inclement weather. This isn’t so much because the glass technicians don’t want to get wet (although, this is true, too!), but moisture can dramatically affect the adherence of the glass to your vehicle. To install a new windshield, the frame needs to be completely dry, which is difficult to accomplish outside in California’s wet season or in times of increased humidity. However, in a controlled environment like our auto glass shop, it’s fairly easy. There are some concerns with direct moisture for the immediate drying period once the glass is installed until the resin has completely cured. Generally speaking, the vehicle is drivable about an hour after initial installation, but this may be extended slightly in extremely wet conditions. Windshields are leakproof right away to light rain and general moisture, however, the first day or two, the seal can be vulnerable if exposed to moisture under pressure including high-pressure car washers and torrential downpours. Other than those extreme conditions, your auto company should be able to install a working windshield regardless of moisture content.
At Jet Black Tint and Glass, we are California natives and know no other working conditions. Our expert glass technicians don’t have to view heat, cold, or moisture as challenges with our state-of-the-art auto glass repair shops.
In conclusion, there are no ideal weather conditions for windshield replacement, just proficient vehicle glass repair companies, and Jet Black Tint and Glass is proud to be California’s glass shop of choice on both comfortable and inclement days. The time to have your windshield repaired is always as soon as it is damaged. If you’ve got a chip, crack, or break on your windshield, book your appointment to have it repaired or replaced at one of our California locations today!