Our Oregon customers understand the long-term payout of treating your vehicle with consistent care and maintenance. From full synthetic oils to additives that clean up your fuel injectors, there are so many ways to extend the life and performance of your vehicle.
However, when it comes to windshield repair, too many people opt for cheap repairs at questionable shops that they ultimately pay the price for down the road. Whether it’s poor alignment that trips their ADAS or water that leaks into their vehicle, we’ve seen it all when it comes to bad windshield replacement.
If you recently had your windshield replaced and are experiencing any of the following signs, you may have had a bad replacement and need to get it fixed ASAP.
1. ADAS Miscalibration
It’s an all-too-common scenario at our shop. Someone gets their windshield replaced by a nearby shop, and once they leave the shop, their dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree, and their car doesn’t drive the same.
Most modern cars rely on a computerized Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) to ensure their safety on the road. Your ADAS includes many common features, such as lane assist and emergency braking, that rely on the precise positioning of a forward-facing camera attached to your windshield.
Unfortunately, a bad windshield replacement and installation can alter the camera’s alignment, tricking the ADAS and causing it to go haywire. Be wary of any shops that don’t offer or mention ADAS recalibration, as it is an essential part of replacing and repairing a damaged windshield.
What to Do: Contact an auto glass shop to have your ADAS recalibrated. Our mobile windshield repair services can often perform this calibration, so you won’t have to drive with a faulty computer system.
2. Uneven Glass Alignment
If you look closely enough, you can visibility spot a bad windshield replacement by the gaps present between the glass and the body frame. Poor alignment can lead to water leaks, wind noise, and even compromise the strength of the windshield in a crash. This requires an immediate fix by a qualified windshield repair shop.
What to Do: If you notice uneven alignment, contact another shop immediately. This issue typically indicates that the windshield wasn’t set correctly, and you should not trust the original installer to get the issue resolved.
3. Water Leaks Inside the Vehicle
A properly installed windshield should create a watertight seal, blocking out moisture and wind from your interior. If you experience water leaks during rain or after washing your car, it’s a sign that the seal between the windshield and the car is faulty. Not only is this inconvenient, but water leaks can lead to rust, electrical issues, and wear and tear inside your vehicle.
What to Do: Schedule a visit with an installer to inspect the seal. In some cases, a reseal may be sufficient, but if the problem persists, you may need a complete windshield replacement.
4. Excessive Wind Noise
If you notice louder wind noises while driving with the windows up, it could indicate a bad seal. A bad seal could result from misalignment or not allowing the adhesive enough time to cure.
What to Do: Inspect the seal and alignment for gaps or cracks. In some cases, reapplying adhesive can resolve the issue, but if it continues, a new replacement might be required.
5. Visual Distortions in the Glass
Another sign of bad windshield replacement could be seeing visual distortions while driving, including waves and bubbles on the glass. While annoying, these distortions can be a major driving hazard and should be looked at as soon as possible. The issue often comes from using low-quality aftermarket glass meant to save money.
What to Do: In many cases, the best option is to replace the glass you just installed to eliminate any visual distortion.
6. Improper Adhesive Application
The urethane adhesive used to bond the windshield to the vehicle’s frame is vital for creating a secure seal. Unfortunately, we’ve seen too many incidents where the adhesive is not properly installed and clumps around the edges. In some extreme cases, we’ve even seen the old adhesive still on the windshield’s frame that has not been replaced.
What to Do: Have a professional inspect the adhesive application and apply a new adhesive if necessary. If it was not applied correctly or if curing times were rushed, a full windshield removal and replacement might be necessary to ensure proper safety.
7. Noisy Windshield Wipers
A misaligned windshield can cause your windshield wipers to rub against the glass, causing noise or friction. If you notice your wipers are no longer gliding smoothly directly after a windshield replacement, send your windshield in for an inspection.
What to Do: Inspect the windshield wipers and their contact with the glass. If the issue persists, have an installer recheck the windshield’s positioning, as it might need realignment.
8. Visible Gaps or Gasket Damage
The gasket, which is a rubber-like seal around the edge of the windshield, should fit snugly and securely into your vehicle’s frame. However, if you notice any gaps, cracks, or damage to the gasket, it could lead to leaks and many of the issues we described above. A damaged gasket also invites dust and debris into the vehicle’s interior.
What to Do: Get gaskets inspected and replaced immediately. In most cases, an auto glass shop should be able to repair the issue without requiring a full replacement.
Why a Proper Windshield Replacement Is Important to Your Safety
Unfortunately, a bad windshield replacement costs money in the long run and imperils your safety.
A windshield does more than protect you from wind and debris while driving—it is an integral part of your vehicle’s safety system. In the event of a rollover, the windshield provides structural support to prevent the roof from caving in.
If you are experiencing any of the signs of a bad windshield replacement we listed above, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts located in Island City, Oregon. Our mobile repair van services the surrounding four counties so that you can call us from anywhere in Northeast Oregon.
FAQs
Can a windshield replacement be repaired if it’s not installed correctly?
In some cases, minor issues like uneven adhesive application or small gaps can be fixed with resealing. However, significant problems such as misalignment or a faulty seal may require a complete windshield replacement.
Is windshield replacement covered by insurance?
In many cases, windshield replacement is covered by insurance, especially if you have comprehensive coverage. Check with your insurance provider to see if it’s covered under your policy.
How long does a windshield replacement take?
On average, a windshield replacement takes about 1-2 hours. However, you may need to wait longer for the adhesive to cure properly.