The technology of automotive glass replacement has advanced significantly in recent years, thanks to rapid advances in science and engineering. It's not enough to replace the broken glass with a new one. It involves a number of intricate processes, advanced material and precision tools to ensure that the new glass is just as good, if it's not better than the original.
The first step to auto glass replacement is the removal of damaged glass. This is done with specialized tools which can cut through the glue holding the glass in position without causing any further damage to your vehicle. The technicians will also remove any shards that may have been left in the vehicle after the damage.
The next step is to prepare the frame for the replacement glass. The frame is cleaned to remove any residue adhesive and dirt. The frame is primed with a primer that improves the bonding between the new adhesive and the frame. This step is crucial as it ensures the new glass will remain firmly in place and enhances the safety of the car.
The new glass that is used to replace auto glass is not any ordinary glass. It is a laminated safety glass, a specially made safety glass. This type of safety glass is made up of two layers, one of glass and the other of plastic. The plastic layer keeps the glass together and prevents it from breaking into dangerous shards in the event of an impact. This makes laminated glasses the ideal choice for windshields.
Installing new glass requires applying urethane glue to the frame, and then carefully placing the glass in place. The adhesive should be allowed to cure for several hours. During this time, the vehicle shouldn't be driven. Once the adhesive is fully cured, it is firmly bonded to frame. This seal is weatherproof and can withstand the stresses of driving.
Modern vehicles are increasingly equipped advanced driver assistance systems that rely upon sensors embedded in the windscreen. These systems include features such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. These sensors must be calibrated when replacing the windshield to ensure they work correctly. This is done with specialized software and tools that align the sensors to the vehicle's system.
The technology of auto glass replacement is constantly evolving to keep up with the advances in automotive design and safety standards. The technology behind auto glass is a testament of the automotive industry's relentless pursuit of safety, performance and innovation.