Car windscreen installation - everything you need to know

The windscreen is one of the most protective aspects of a vehicle. It protects both the driver as well as the structural integrity of the car.

The windscreen has a few major functions which outweigh the other minor functions.

If your car is in an accident, the windscreen keeps the passengers from being flung out of the vehicle, even if they’re not secured by seatbelts. 

The windscreen serves as a protector when the airbag deploys and it keeps the airbag inside the car, rather than outside.

There are many elements required to ensure your windscreen is strong and safe.

A good windscreen that fits well requires a professional to mount the windscreen, the perfect glue to hold it together, and the strongest safety glass of excellent quality.

Choose trustworthy professionals

When engaging a professional to replace your windscreen, there are certain things you need to keep in mind. You need to ensure that you’re entrusting your windscreen to a reputable professional who will carry out the installation competently.

You want your windscreen to be installed so that it can effectively save your life in the case of an accident. An incorrectly mounted windscreen can be dangerous.

Make sure your technician is National Glass Association (NGA) certified. The NGA is a certified program for the Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standards Council.

They are responsible for educating every technician on best practice and helping them develop their skills in replacing your windscreen. NGA certified technicians know your car’s specifications, which tools are required and how to best carry out windscreen repairs on your vehicle.

Research your glass

If you’re aiming to choose good quality glass for your windscreen, take the time to research types of windscreen glass and their quality ratings.

Educating yourself on this topic is of utmost importance! If your mechanic is carrying out the work, ask lots of questions to ensure they know what they’re doing.

Will it stick?

One of the most important factors in the installation of a windscreen is the adhesive used to glue the windscreen. If a technician uses the wrong adhesive, it can be extremely dangerous for the driver and passengers.

Always ensure that your technician is using Grade A adhesive and does not, for any reason, apply a cheaper glue.

The adhesive used to replace your windscreen needs to dry properly before it can be used and this can take anything from about 2 to 4 hours.

If you drive the car before the glue dries it may remain weak and dangerous. There are fast-drying glues that usually take an hour to dry, but you need to drive safely and ensure you follow the instructions given by the technician.

Cracks and chips

If your windscreen has a severe crack or chip it needs to be replaced immediately and not a minute later.

Any damage that’s seen at the driver’s side needs to be tended to immediately, especially if the windscreen is distorted or can obstruct the driver’s view.

Ensure that your technician does a thorough and detailed check of the car to ensure your safety and the safety of all passengers in your car.

Poor installation

Once your windscreen’s been installed, there are a few do’s and don’ts that need to be followed through:

Do

Crack open a window so that the pressure doesn’t build up inside the car. This can blow a hole in the seal and ruin your new windscreen.

Don't

Getting water on the glass while washing your car is a big no-no. Wait at least a day for it to dry, to avoid damaging the freshly installed seals.

Last but not least!

Ensure you get a warranty for all work completed. That way if things do go wrong, they can be fixed under warranty and your technician can stand behind their work.