You need your windshield intact and clear to protect you on the road as you drive safely. You must replace it immediately if it’s damaged, especially on a rainy day when sliding and visibility hazards are at peak. So, what happens when it rains after replacing your windshield?
When it rains after windshield replacement, you should wait longer before driving. Avoid driving your car after windshield replacement until the adhesive fully bonds, and when it does, you can hit the road whether it rains or not. Modern adhesives cure faster than older ones, but they all cure slowest on rainy days.
In this post, we’ll discuss the following points about rain and windshield replacement:
- How windshield replacement works.
- The importance of waiting for adhesive to fully cure.
- How long should you wait before driving your car after windshield replacement?
- Safety precautions when driving in the rain with a new windshield.
How Windshield Replacement Works
Windshield replacement involves removing your old windshield and installing a new one. It also involves purging the pitted and chipped glass from your car’s frame. Auto glass pinching is also necessary, which involves filling in any spaces between the frame and windshield to form a watertight seal.
Typically, the windshield replacement technician will apply a strong adhesive that holds your new windshield in place. This adhesive requires time to fully cure before it can withstand external forces such as rain, wind, and vibrations from driving.
The Importance of Waiting for Adhesive to Fully Cure
The adhesive used in windshield replacement is crucial to the safety and stability of your car’s windshield. It holds the glass in place and provides structural integrity to your car’s frame. Therefore, giving the adhesive enough time to cure is essential before subjecting it to any external stressors.
Furthermore, driving your car before the adhesive is fully cured can compromise its effectiveness and may require you to get another replacement sooner than expected. It can be costly and time-consuming, which is why waiting for the adhesive to cure is vital.
If you drive your car before it cures completely, the windshield will not be firmly in place, and it can shift or even come off completely. When it’s fully cured, no amount of rainwater can dislodge it, and you can drive confidently in any weather.
How Long Should You Wait Before Driving Your Car After Windshield Replacement?
We covered this topic in finer detail in a previous post: “How Long After Windshield Replacement Can I Drive?”
We agreed that the average wait-time for driving after windshield replacement is about two hours. It could be as short as 40 minutes on hot summers, but rainy days or winter could take adhesives over 9-18 hours to fully set.
The wait time depends on several factors, including the:
- Temperature.
- Humidity.
- Type of adhesive used.
- Size and model of the vehicle.
However, some car owners make the mistake of leaving their cars outside under direct sunlight after a windshield replacement process. While heat is crucial for curing adhesives faster during colder temperatures, too much heat can have adverse effects.
Excessive heat can dry out the adhesive and cause it to crack or shrink, rendering it weak and ineffective in holding your windshield in place.
You should also leave the car windows partially open after the replacement to release heat and moisture from inside your car, helping speed up the curing process, especially if you’re replacing your windshield in a hot or humid location.
The Impact of Rain After Windshield Replacement
Rainy days are highly humid, and the temperature drops during rainfall. So, if you’re replacing your windshield on a stormy day, expect the wait time to be prolonged.
Moisture can impact the adhesive’s ability to bond with the glass and car frame, resulting in weak adhesion. So, respectable auto glass companies recommend that you avoid driving or exposing the vehicle to rain for a day after a windshield replacement.
It gives enough time for the adhesive to cure and ensure a strong bond between your windshield and car frame. So, rain after windshield replacement extends the wait time by at least 24 hours.
Car Washes Are A Different Case
Your car may not appear squeaky clean after windshield replacement, and it may be tempting to take it for a wash the same or the next day. That’s not the best idea!
We recommend waiting for 36-48 hours to wash your car after windshield replacement, and this post explains why in detail: “How Long After Windshield Replacement Can I Wash My Car?”
To summarize, it’s about high-pressure water, chemicals in car wash soaps, and the potential for damaging the fresh adhesive bonding to your windshield. So, avoiding a car wash for two days is worth it to ensure that your new windshield is properly sealed and secure.
Extending the Life of Your Windshield Replacement
Now that you have a new windshield installed, how can you make it last as long as possible? Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid slamming your car doors.
- Avoid extreme temperatures.
- Keep a safe distance from large vehicles on the highway.
- Drive carefully and avoid potholes.
- Clean your windshield regularly with gentle cleaners.
Safety Precautions When Driving in the Rain with a New Windshield
It’s extra demanding to drive in the rain, especially with a new windshield. Here are some precautions that you should take to stay safe:
- Maintain your windshield wipers regularly.
- Avoid sudden braking or accelerating, as it can cause water to splash onto your windshield.
- Increase the following distance from other vehicles to avoid debris on the road hitting your windshield.
- Use lower speeds on wet roads to avoid hydroplaning.
Do It The Rite-Way!
Remember, proper care and maintenance can extend your windshield’s lifespan. At Rite-Way Auto Glass, we understand the importance of a well-maintained windshield and offer top-quality windshield replacement services.
Our experienced and passionate technicians depend on topline adhesives for a firm and lasting grip. Don’t ask if you should do it; ask us how long it will take to leave the tape on after windshield replacement.
