How Long Does a Windshield Replacement Last — Top 7 Factors

You have recently had your windshield replaced. The technician packs up and drives away and you are sitting there and you’re wondering — How long is this going to last?

It’s a good question. One that more drivers should be asking BEFORE booking a windshield replacement.

The honest answer? The windshield replacement should last the life of your car if it is installed properly. However — and this is a HUGE however — that relies on a number of important factors that most people don’t consider when they’re behind the wheel until it’s too late.

We know that we are being honest with our clients at Famous Auto Glass. Let’s take you through the top 7 factors that can affect the length of your windshield replacement — and how you can ensure your windshield lasts the distance.

Not really sure of the need for a full replacement at all? While doing your research, be sure to read our Windshield Replacement vs Repair — What To Choose article for detailed information. It can be as simple as a repair — and can save you time and money.

What is the Life of a Windshield Replacement?

Let us first answer the big question upfront: before we go into the details of the factors.

If the windshield is replaced properly by a certified technician using professional grade adhesive, it should last 10 – 20 years or the life of the vehicle.

Actually, if the replacement is correctly executed, the new windshield should be as strong and durable as the factory installed glass of your car. Unfortunately, not all windshield replacements are performed correctly. That’s where the problems can arise.

These are the 7 most important factors that can make a difference.

Factor 1 — Quality of the Glass

This is the one determining factor of the duration of your windshield replacement.

Not all windshield glass is the same. There are two types of replacement that are used:

OEM Glass — Original Equipment Manufacturer glass is made to the exact specifications of your vehicle’s original windshield. Thickness, curvature, UV protection and optical clarity are all the same. It fits like a factory windshield and works the same.

Aftermarket Glass: Manufactured by third party manufacturers. Quality varies significantly. The quality of aftermarket glass is virtually the same as the OEM, and it has the same performance. The quality of aftermarket glass can vary slightly from the original glass in thickness, optical clarity and long-term durability, which can impact visibility, fit and durability.

Your safety and the life of your replacement is dependent on using OEM or OEM equivalent glass at Famous Auto Glass. Before the glass lats are started, always inquire your auto glass supplier what kind of glass they’re employing.

Factor 2 — Quality of the Adhesive

The bond between your windshield and frame is just as important as the windshield itself — but many drivers never think to ask about the importance of the bond between the two.

This urethane adhesive is professional quality which forms a watertight, structurally sound bond, holding the windshield securely in place for years. It is what prevents your windshield from leaking, flexing or falling out over time.

Low quality adhesive — or adhesive that is applied incorrectly — can fail much sooner than it should. This results in water entering the vehicle, wind noise during driving, and if the windshield is badly out of alignment, then it can present a real safety risk.

Professional grade urethane adhesive is used on each and every installation at Famous Auto Glass. No shortcuts. No compromises.

Factor 3 — Skill and Experience of the Technician

A windshield replacement is only as good as the individual who installs the windshield. One of the most ignored and one of the most significant factors is this.

A qualified and qualified technician is familiar with the correct and even application of glue, and knows how to properly place the glass on the frame. They understand what they should and should not do and how to manage unforeseen problems.

Hurried work — not cleaning the frame, not using the proper adhesive or not aligning the glass even slightly — can greatly reduce the life of your replacement and cause issues that manifest weeks or months after the job was done.

Always work with an empowered, experienced technician who takes pride in his/her job. Our crew at Famous Auto Glass has more than 10 years of experience with hands-on work, and each installation is done with the same attention to detail.

Factor 4 — Proper Cure Time

The urethane adhesive requires time to cure before it’s at full strength after the new windshield is installed in the car. This “safe drive away” period is known as the Safe Drive Away Time, and it is of critical importance to the long term integrity of your installation.

Most modern adhesives have an approximate Safe Drive Away Time of one hour, but this may differ according to adhesive, temperature, humidity, etc.

If the glass is driven in too quickly, before the adhesive sets, it can weaken the bond between the glass and frame. This may result in leaks, alignment issues, and ultimately a windshield that doesn’t last as long as it should.

At Famous Auto Glass we will always let you know exactly how long you should hold your car before driving — and we mean it. That hour really makes a difference to a lifetime.

Factor 5 — Post Installation Care

The first 24-48 hours following a windshield replacement are important. This time the adhesive is still curing completely, and the seal is still setting. The duration of replacement depends on what you do — or don’t do — during this period.

Do:

Open the windows slightly to equalise air pressure in the cabin
Avoid automatic car washes for at least 48 hours.
Do not bang your doors down
For at least 24 hours, don’t remove any retention tape that your tech may have used around the windshield.

Do not:

Go through a car wash within 48 hours of installation
Apply pressure wash to edges of the windshield
Drive on very rough or unpaved roads straight after installation.
If your technician taped your tree, take it out before the suggested time.

These simple steps are free of cost and will help your new windshield last longer.

Factor 6 — ADAS Recalibration

This is one that is exclusive to modern cars – and it is increasingly significant each year.

Nearly or behind your windshield are the cameras and sensors that the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems use.

These cameras may move, even after a windshield replacement. Even slight misalignment can lead to problems with your ADAS systems when you need them most.

On equipped cars, windshield replacement does not imply the need to replace the ADAS system. Not doing so will shorten the life of your replacement, but it’s also a safety hazard every time you get in your car.

Famous Auto Glass offers ADAS re-calibration for all vehicles with ADAS systems on board as a complementary part of our windshield replacement. After we’re finished, every safety feature in your vehicle operates as intended — no question.

Alternatively, for the most convenient service, our Mobile Windshield Replacement service comes to your home or business with a certified technician, and offers the same lifetime warranty as any service performed at our shop, plus ADAS recalibration.

Factor 7 — Ongoing Windshield Care

While a windshield replacement can be a perfect fit, it won’t last if you do not care for it in the long run. These are the top tips for continuing care that will help increase the lifespan of your new windshield:

Always park in the shade if possible. Over time your windshield will become stressed by extreme heat. Shade and/or a garage parking area will minimize temperature stress on the glass and adhesive.

Always use a suitable ice scraper. In winter, only use a soft plastic ice scraper (NEVER metal) on your windshield. Metal scrapers can scratch and chip your glass, reducing its lifespan.

Do not expose extremes of temperature. Do NOT pour hot water on a frozen windshield and do NOT blow hot air directly at a very cold windshield. Even a brand-new windshield can crack due to thermal shock. In winter, slowly warm up the car.

Stay away from large vehicles. The top reason for windshield chips in the GTA is because vehicles on the road throw gravel and other debris onto windshields, particularly during construction. Maintain additional tailgating distance if possible.

Handle new chips as soon as they are received. If a chip appears in your replaced windshield — no matter how small — get it repaired right away. If not treated, a chip can grow into a crack and will need to be replaced again. Not certain whether to fix or replace? We’ll give you a straightforward answer by following our guide on Windshield Replacement vs Repair — What To Choose.

Wash windshield properly. A special automotive glass cleaner and soft microfiber cleaner should be utilized. Do not use abrasive materials or household cleaners that can scratch and eventually weaken the surface of the glass.

How Long Does a Windshield Replacement Last — Top 7 Factors

What About Insurance for Future Damage?

What many motorists don’t know: If you replace your windshield, and it gets damaged again in the future, you will likely be covered by your comprehensive auto insurance to replace it.

Windshield replacement is not an insurance benefit that is given once, it is a benefit that is covered when the windshield is broken. If you are covered under comprehensive, whatever the damage, you can make a glass claim, and in most cases, won’t have any effect on your insurance or driving record.

Worried about what your insurance will cover and how this works? We’ve created a comprehensive guide to Does Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement — what you need to know about this coverage in Ontario, deductibles, and how the entire claims process is handled for you by Famous Auto Glass.

The Famous Auto Glass Lifetime Warranty

We offer a 100% Lifetime Warranty for all our windshield replacements, including the glass, seal, and workmanship, which means that our services will last a lifetime, as long as you have your vehicle!

In case of leakage, seal failures or any defect in your installation, we fix it. No arguments. No fine print. No stress.

The lifespan of a windshield replacement should be a lifetime — and it will be with Famous Auto Glass.