Wind Noise After A Windshield Replacement | 9 Things To Check!

These nine items should help you spot-check and troubleshoot this annoying problem.

1. Be sure not to drive the car too soon. Ask the auto glass shop what the “safe drive-away time” is. This time varies between different urethane manufacturers and may also depend on weather conditions. Driving before the allotted drying time has passed could cause the glass to move around and create air pockets.
2. Be sure the local installer wears disposable gloves. Natural oils from the hands can transfer to the windshield and contaminate the surface, preventing it from bonding correctly to the car’s body.
3. Be sure the installer uses the correct type of adhesive. Ask the auto glass shop if it’s the recommended type for your vehicle and current weather conditions.
4. Consider the current weather condition. Colder weather requires a different kind of urethane. It’s essential to use the correct urethane for the current weather conditions. Colder weather may also need a longer curing time before you can drive, so driving too soon could cause an air pocket.
5. Be sure the installer cleaned the edge of the new windshield. They need to clean the edge of the glass thoroughly to remove any dust or oils that could exist and help bond the windshield correctly.
6. Be sure the “full-cut” method was performed and not a “short-cut” method. These terms refer to the process of removing old urethane. “Full cut” is the best method and will leave little to none of the old urethane on the frame so that the new windshield will fit better. The “short-cut” method is least favored but still used by a lot of professional installers. “Short cut” leaves as much of the old urethane as possible but cuts off the rough top, leaving a smooth edge for the new bead of urethane.
7. Be sure to wait a couple of days or a week before getting a car wash. Having the car washed too soon after it’s fixed can be harmful. Car washes use high-pressure sprayers in the wash tunnel that can pierce the trim or seal around the windshield if there hasn’t been sufficient curing time.
8. Did the installers use primer on exposed metal during the process? Accidental scrapes in the paint can occur from the cut blades during a “full cut” method which will more than likely produce scratches in the metal. You might have rust and possible noises in the future if the installer didn’t use primer on a location with scratches before laying a new bead for the windshield. These rust issues can lead to wind noise and water leaks, and be unsafe.
9. Finally, did you close the doors with the windows rolled up? The passenger area can be air-tight, so closing the doors with the windows rolled up can push the front windshield out as a door closes. This small lift can instantly create several air pockets. To avoid this, roll the side windows down slightly to leave a crack at the top. If there’s rain in the forecast, it’s a good idea to park in a garage if one is available.