Can Windshield Be Replaced on Rainy Days?
4 Answers
It can be replaced but should not be exposed to rain, only indoors. It is recommended to replace it on sunny days. Below are precautions for windshield replacement: 1. No car washing within three days: Do not wash the car within three days after replacing the windshield. Remove the tape fixing the windshield position after three days. 2. Drive cautiously: Try to avoid driving on excessively bumpy roads and avoid emergency braking and rapid acceleration to prevent windshield displacement. 3. Mind the dashboard gap: Do not insert parking permits or other cards into the gap between the windshield and the dashboard. 4. Avoid highway driving: Keep the maximum speed below 80 km/h.
From my experience, replacing windshields on rainy days isn't very reliable. Why? Because windshield installation requires special sealant, which is highly sensitive to moisture. The high humidity on rainy days significantly reduces the adhesive's effectiveness. Even if it appears to hold initially, you're likely to encounter wind and water leaks within a couple of days. I remember one time a customer urgently needed a windshield replacement, and it started raining right after the job was done. The edges of the windshield bubbled and turned white, and eventually, the entire windshield had to be redone. Repair shops need to operate in completely enclosed workshops with dehumidifiers to control temperature and humidity. After replacement, the vehicle must sit for at least 12 hours to allow the adhesive to fully cure. So unless it's an emergency, it's best to wait for a sunny day to replace your windshield.
Last week I encountered this exact situation: a customer's windshield was cracked by a pebble, and it happened to be pouring rain. Although the repair shop could replace it, the technician directly stated it would affect the results and advised waiting until the rain stopped. Modern car windshields are bonded with structural adhesive, which acts like strong double-sided tape and requires a dry environment to set properly. I've seen several cases where replacements were done in the rain, and within a few months, tiny gaps appeared around the windshield. During rain, moisture would seep through these gaps into the car, causing mold spots under the dashboard. If you absolutely can't wait, make sure to find a professional shop with an air-conditioned workspace. After replacement, have them use a blower to dry the edges thoroughly before driving away.
It can be replaced, but the conditions are very specific. The most critical factor in windshield installation is the adhesive, which must be applied in a dry environment; otherwise, its viscosity will be insufficient. If the repair shop operates outdoors, even a single drop of rain can ruin the entire seal. I recommend choosing only shops with enclosed workshops, as they can control humidity below 50%. After replacement, it's best to wait a day to allow the adhesive to fully cure before exposing it to rain; otherwise, wind pressure while driving could loosen the edges of the glass. If the glass is cracked and requires emergency treatment, using transparent tape to cover the crack is a more reliable solution.
