The windscreen of a car is not a mere ornamental addition but plays a crucial role. The primary function of a windscreen is to protect the driver and passengers of the car from stones, debris, dust and wind, and other external elements. It also offers structural integrity to the car.

There is a need to consider windshield replacement when the windscreen is damaged. In the face of an accident, it is the windscreen that keeps the roof intact and prevents it from crushing the occupants. It also prevents one from being thrown outwards from the car in the event of a harsh impact. If a damaged windscreen is not replaced properly, it cannot offer all such benefits.

Getting one’s windscreen replaced is a bit of a hassle. But for the sake of safety, one should not put this off in case one’s windscreen glass is cracked or broken. If one has recently got the car windscreen replaced, one must ensure that the work was done with precision and expertise.

But the unfortunate fact is that windscreen replacement may have been carried out carelessly or with poor techniques. This can lead to serious issues in the future.

Following are some tell-tale signs that the windscreen replacement was done shoddily:

Only one technician

Usually, windscreen replacement of high quality will need at least 2 experienced technicians for handling the glass and ensuring its proper lining prior to securing it. If it is found that the replacement job is being done by only one technician, there is a high chance that the work is of poor quality.

No use of gloves

It is critical that the technician doing the replacement work is wearing a pair of gloves, such that oils don’t spill onto the glass surface from his hands. The reason is that windscreen glass is covered with urethane that is required for proper securing of glass.

In case oils spill onto the urethane, this can lower its adhesive strength and lead to leaks. In the ideal scenario, a technician working on the glass should be wearing a pair of fresh nitrite gloves. In case he is not doing so, it may be right to get the windscreen evaluated to ensure that there are no issues like leaks.

Doubt about the source of glass

The key to proper fitting and long-lasting windscreen replacement is by sourcing the replacement glass from the original manufacturer. But if one does not possess proof that the glass is sourced from a manufacturer, it is quite possible that the glass repair company has used after-market glass in order to cut corners. The worst scenario is when they have picked up the glass from a junkyard. In contrast, a company of good repute can trace the glass to directly the manufacturer for ensuring a perfect fit.

Seeping of moisture

One must make time to check the windscreen for any leaks. To do this, consider taking the car out for a spin when it is pouring. Another idea is to take the car to a local car wash and note carefully what happens at the point of contact between the edges of the windscreen and the new glass that has been fitted. If one can observe even a droplet of water permeating through the spot into the car, this implies that the glass was not installed properly and should be repaired.

Noise at high speeds

A whooshing or similar sound emerging suddenly from the windscreen, particularly when the car is being driven at high speed, is a common indicator that the windscreen has not been installed properly. It is likely that this noise is emerging from the sound of wind passing through the crevices and cracks, where the windscreen was improperly installed. Such noises can vary from barely noticeable sound to highly distinct, depending on how poorly the glass was installed. So, when one is driving at high speed, next time, take care to shut off windows/ AC or Audio player. By this, one can easily keep an ear for any strange noises emerging from the windscreen.

Hazy vision

While examining the car in daylight, the glass of the windscreen must appear consistent and smooth. In case one observes bumps or waves in the glass, it is a sure sign of quality issues with the new windscreen glass. Hazy view through the glass is also a sign that it was not sourced from agencies of the manufacturer.

Quick permission to drive

Note whether the glass repair company gave the green signal to drive the car soon after installing the new glass. This is a good indication of how poor their service is. The reason is that adhesive used to attach the new windscreen typically needs a few hours for curing and hardening.

When one drives the car prior to letting the adhesive cure and harden, it will lead to the shifting of glass. Shifting can happen even while driving in roads with small bumps. Hence, if one has been permitted to drive the car within the first few hours after the installation of new glass, it is sure that the replacement procedure will not work fine.

In sum, if one encounters any such issues, it is likely that glass was installed without proper care. One must approach windshield replacement with much discernment and attention.