It’s tempting to parrot the stock answer for how long it takes to replace a windshield. Some say minutes to an hour, at most two hours. That may have been true for most of the 75 years we’ve been in business, but the last few decades have seen a tremendous change in automobile design and windshield construction.
How long it takes to replace a windshield depends on factors like the type of windshield, the make and model of your vehicle, your technician’s experience, and their access to tools and resources. The usual 1-2 hours range doesn’t include the wait time for the glue to cure or the time needed for ADAS calibration.
Fixing and replacing take different amounts of time. This post will consider all the variables and steps involved in a typical windshield replacement to understand better how long this type of repair should take.
Which Factors Affect How Long It Takes to Replace a Windshield
Let’s start by reviewing factors that determine how fast or slow your windshield replacement is.
1. Type of Windshield
The type of windshield you need may vary based on your vehicle’s make and model, weather conditions in your area, or features like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Some windshields require special tools or techniques for replacement, which can affect the time it takes.
2. Make and Model of Your Vehicle
Different manufacturers use different materials and designs for their windshields. It affects the ease of removal and installation, ultimately impacting the time needed for replacement.
For example, older models with simpler windshields may take less time to replace. However, ultra-modern cars with advanced safety features and specialized windshields may require more time. Windshield ADAS calibration, essential for some newer models, can also add to the overall replacement time.
3. Technician’s Experience and Equipment
Experienced technicians with proper tools and resources can generally complete a windshield replacement more efficiently than those without. They’re familiar with different types of windshields and know the best techniques for quick and precise installation.
In contrast, inexperienced or unqualified technicians may take longer and need more skills or equipment to handle complex replacements.
4. Access to Tools and Resources
The availability of tools and materials is crucial, and it makes all the difference in how fast and effective the technician is. If the required tools and resources are not readily available, it can add time to the replacement process.
Furthermore, if a technician has to source parts or materials from multiple places, it can also affect the overall time needed for replacement.
5. Weather Conditions
Inclement weather can significantly impact how long it takes to replace a windshield. Rain or snow could delay the process and make it unsafe for technicians to work outdoors. It’s always best to schedule a windshield replacement on a clear day to avoid unnecessary delays.
6. Extent of Damage
The extent of damage to your windshield affects the time needed to fix or replace it. Minor cracks or chips are quick fixes, but extensive damage necessitates an entire replacement, which takes longer.
7 Additional Services
If additional services are required during the windshield replacement process, such as ADAS calibration or special coatings, it can add time to the overall procedure. These extra steps are necessary for certain car models; don’t skip any for proper functionality and safety.
The Windshield Replacement Process
Let’s dive into the actual replacement process to better understand the time requirement.
1. Preparation
A technician will work with you to prepare your work area and assemble all the necessary tools. Your technician may also cover the car’s interior to protect it from debris or damage during the replacement.
2. Removal of Old Windshield
The old windshield must then be removed using specialized tools, like a razor blade or heat gun, to loosen the sealant holding it in place. This step requires precision and delicacy to avoid damaging surrounding areas.
3. Cleaning and Preparation of New Windshield
You can’t install a new windshield over a dirty surface. The technician will thoroughly clean and dry the frame where the windshield will be placed.
4. Installation of New Windshield
A special adhesive helps secure the new windshield. The windshield has to align precisely, which is even more crucial for ADAS-enabled automobiles because misaligned windshields could cause disastrous ADAS miscalculations.
5. Curing Time
Once the windshield is installed, it needs time to cure and set properly. Depending on the type of adhesive used, this process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
6. Windshield ADAS Calibration
If your car has advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), it will require recalibration after the windshield replacement. This step ensures that these safety features continue to function correctly.
7. Final Checks and Clean-Up
It’s time to ensure everything is in place, functioning effectively. They will also make sure the surrounding areas are clean and free of any debris.
8. Special Coatings (Optional)
Some windshields may have special coatings, such as UV or rain repellent, which can be applied at this stage for an additional cost.
ADAS Calibration and Post-Replacement Care
In a previous post, we discussed how long ADAS calibration takes, but let’s reiterate it here. Depending on your car’s systems and complexity, ADAS calibration may require waiting from 40 minutes to more than two hours. The equipment available at the repair shop also affects the total wait time.
The static ADAS calibration process involves using a specialized tool to align the camera and sensors to the correct angles. It’s followed by a dynamic calibration, in which you drive the car for about 5-25 miles, taking an average of 50 minutes.
Of course, you shouldn’t start ADAS until the windshield adhesive has properly cured. That brings us to another commonly asked and related question How long after windshield replacement can I drive? As we said in a previous post, it can take hours to over a day for the adhesive used in windshield replacement to completely cure.
It’s best to wait at least an hour before driving, and preferably a few hours. Driving too soon after replacement can cause the windshield to shift or move, disrupting the curing process.
Once you start driving again, we recommend you avoid slamming doors. It’s also important to avoid driving on rough off-roads for at least 48 hours. You need the adhesive to fully set and want the windshield to securely bond with your vehicle.
You also need to consider how long after windshield replacement you can wash your car.
Choosing the Right Auto Glass Service Provider
As always, the quality of service you get hinges on whether or not you work with an experienced auto glass service provider. You want a quality installation for your safety and peace of mind to ensure the correct ADAS calibration is performed.
At Rite Way Auto Glass, our certified technicians are knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced enough to appropriately install and calibrate your new windshield. With our extensive experience, we can be fast, but we always advise erring on the side of caution.
