This post is the seventh in a series on the basics of auto glass, auto glass repair, and mobile windshield replacement. If you haven’t read parts 1-6 yet, I recommend you do before continuing.

Using top quality materials in mobile windshield replacement (continued)

Another important material choice is in the adhesives used to attach the windshield to the car. At Chapman Auto Glass, we use Dow chemical adhesives – the same brand as is used by around 80% of modern vehicle manufacturers.

Using the right techniques in mobile windshield replacement

Once you’ve got the right materials lined up, the next step is to use the proper techniques in installation. Perhaps the most important caveat here is proper drying time. Each specific adhesive has a rated drying time that depends on humidity, elevation, weather, and other factors. If the installer moves the car or allows you to take the car before the adhesive has properly set, it will never set properly, the structural integrity of the windshield will be compromised, and it could pop out in a crash.

Drying time is crucial, but there are plenty of other places where a cut-rate shop can botch a windshield replacement. Barbara Walters and 20/20 did an investigation of improper windshield replacement that has been passed around on the internet quite a bit in the years since. In addition to improper drying times, they observed technicians installing windshields without gloves, which allows human skin oils to contaminate the adhesive that holds the windshield in and compromises its structural integrity. They also observed windshield being installed without primer, and windshields being installed without being cleaned. While these oversights and improper procedures are often done with the intention of saving a few minutes or a few dollars, the results can be tragic.

Check back soon for Welcome to the Chapman Auto Glass Blog, Part 8! In the meantime, check out our page on mobile windshield replacement.