New Windscreen Aftercare – The Do’s and Dont’s

There’s a unique pleasure that comes from enjoying the clarity of a brand-new windscreen. Aside from the improved visibility, new, flawless glass gives your car a fresh, polished look. But don’t forget, correct new windscreen aftercare is essential for ensuring it lasts.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about caring for a new windscreen, from the crucial first 48 hours to long-term maintenance tips and tricks.

The First 48 Hours: Handle with Care

First things first, after fitting, the fresh adhesive that bonds your new windscreen to the rest of your car needs time to cure. This process is vital for both safety and durability.

Do:

• Wait before driving: Follow your technician’s advice but it usually takes 30–60 minutes for most adhesives to set.
• Avoid slamming doors: Sudden pressure changes can disturb the seal.
• Leave a window slightly open: This helps equalise air pressure while the adhesive cures.

Don’t:

• Wash your car immediately: Hold off on any car wash or pressure rinse for at least 48 hours.

These first steps in new windscreen aftercare can mean the difference between a perfect seal or irritating and potentially costly leaks down the road.

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Keep It Clean but easy does it!

Once the seal is cured and set, keeping your windscreen clean is essential to maintaining safe levels of visibility. But keep in mind, harsh chemicals or rough cloths can stand to do more harm than good.

Do:

• Use a microfibre cloth: Soft microfibre cloths are ideal for protecting your new windscreen while still being effective against dust and smudges.
• Choose non-ammonia cleaners: They’re gentle on seals, coatings and interior trim.
• Clean in circular motions: Rubbing your windscreen in small, circular motions helps avoid any streaks or lingering residue.

Don’t:

• Use abrasive pads or paper towels: They can leave fine scratches all over your new windscreen.
• Forget the inside: The inner glass often fogs or collects film from air vents. Be sure to give it a once over when you are tending to the exterior side.

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Wipers and Washer Fluid: Small Details, Big Difference

Wipers are central to new windscreen aftercare, yet they’re often neglected. Faulty or dirty blades can quickly damage the glass surface.

Do:

• Clean your wiper blades regularly: Though not part of your vehicle glass, be sure to tend to your wiper blades too. Dirt or grit trapped in them can scratch the glass, even when new.
• Replace blades every 6–12 months: More often if your windscreen is showing signs of streaks or the wiper mechanism begins to skip.
• Use a good quality screen wash: Never skimp on anything you are putting in to your car. Good quality screen wash helps cut through grease and grime.
• Lift wipers in frost: This prevents them sticking to the glass in cold weather.

Don’t:

• Use wipers on a dry windscreen: It can scratch the surface and wear blades down.
• Ignore streaking: It’s an early sign the blades need changing.

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Prevent Chips and Cracks

Even with diligent new windscreen aftercare, accidents can still happen. Here’s a few easy tips to help you avoid chips and cracks while out on the road.

Do:

• Keep your distance: Especially behind heavy goods vehicles.
• Park smartly: Avoid spots under trees or near construction.
• Warm up gradually: Sudden heat on a cold screen can cause stress cracks.

Don’t:

• Ignore small chips: They can spread quickly and weaken the glass. Repairing early is safer and far cheaper than a full replacement.

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Protect from the Elements

We might not experience too much extreme weather here in Ireland but there are still a few simple precautions you can take to avoid any damage to your new windscreen.

Do:

• Use a sunshade in hot weather: Prevents uneven heating in the event of extremely high temperatures.
• Defog gently in winter: Start with cool air, then gradually increase warmth.

Don’t:

• Pour hot water on frost: It can shock the glass and cause instant cracking. Use lukewarm water or de-icer spray instead.

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Proper new windscreen aftercare doesn’t take much effort, just a bit of awareness and some consistency. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll keep your new windscreen clear, safe, and in great condition for years to come.

Don’t forget, your windscreen isn’t just for visibility, it’s a vital safety feature that supports your car’s structure in the event of a collision and ensures your airbag functions as it should. So, when caring for a new windscreen, you’re protecting far more than just glass; you’re safeguarding yourself and your passengers.

We hope you found this guide helpful. Check back with the Autoglass® Blog again soon for more tips, guides and explainers to keep you up to speed with all things motoring. Safe travels!