
Replacing the windshield does not affect the car. However, if it is not installed properly, the glass adhesive on both sides of the windshield may not fit tightly with the glass, which can have an impact on the car. Windshields are generally made of laminated glass. Laminated glass refers to a type of transparent adhesive plastic film sandwiched between two or three layers of glass, combining the toughness of the plastic with the hardness of the glass, thereby enhancing the glass's resistance to breakage. Precautions for replacing the windshield: 1. Wear gloves to protect your hands; 2. Wear goggles when cutting glass adhesive with piano wire; 3. Use seat covers to avoid damaging the seats; 4. Use glass adhesive components; 5. When replacing a cracked windshield, use a universal windshield cutter.

As a professional in the automotive field, I’ll be honest—the main issue with windshield replacement lies in the installation process. OEM glass has a meticulously designed sealing structure, but some roadside shops might just slap on some black sealant. I’ve personally seen cases where poor sealing caused wind leaks at high speeds—you could hear the whistling noise at 110 km/h. Even worse, if the drainage channel is improperly installed, it can deform, leading to water seepage around the A-pillar during rain. Choosing an authorized shop ensures they use OEM-certified structural adhesive, which bonds the glass and frame back into a solid unit, allowing the windshield to withstand impact during a side collision. Last year’s test data showed that vehicles using generic adhesive had a 37% higher rate of windshield detachment in crash tests.

My old Accord has had its windshield replaced twice. The first time at a quick repair shop, there was no leakage, but after half a month, the AC started emitting a rubbery smell. The veteran mechanic checked and said they used glue with excessive sulfur content for quick drying, which released foul odors under the sun. Even more annoying, the rain-sensing wipers became erratic, wiping frantically even before raindrops fell. My advice: supervise the installation—ensure glue fills the entire U-shaped groove seam, and the molding must be reinstalled (never reuse the old one). Don’t forget the water test—have the worker spray high-pressure water at the edges for 10 minutes. Otherwise, you might end up like me, keeping a towel handy on rainy days to wipe the dashboard.


