What should you check before paying for a windshield replacement?
Reviewed by the Skyview Auto Glass technical team — NWRD-, ASE- and DINITROL-trained technicians · Updated November 2026
Quick answer
Before you pay, check that the glass stamp and features match your VIN, the moldings sit flush with no gaps, the wipers and washers work, the mirror and sensors are reattached, no warning lights are on, and the old glass and debris are cleaned up. Payment is collected only after you confirm you are happy.
How to inspect a new windshield
- The glass stamp and features match your VIN — the camera zone, acoustic layer, or heated park are present if your vehicle calls for them.
- The moldings sit flush against the glass and the body, with no gaps or lifted edges.
- The wipers and washers work, and the blades were not damaged during the install.
- The rearview mirror and any rain or light sensors are reattached and seated flat.
- No warning lights are on the dash, especially for lane keeping or automatic braking.
- The old glass, urethane scraps, and debris are cleaned up from the vehicle and the work area.
What to look for after windshield replacement
Walk around the vehicle and look at the glass from the outside first. The moldings should sit flush against the glass and the body with no gaps, and the urethane bead should be hidden beneath the frit band. Inside, check that the rearview mirror is firm and that any camera or sensor housing behind it is reattached and seated flat against the glass.
Turn the key and watch the dash. If a lane-keeping or camera warning light stays on, the forward camera may not have been calibrated, or the calibration did not finish. ADAS calibration is part of the replacement job when your vehicle has a camera behind the glass. See our guide on signs of a bad windshield installation.
How do I know my windshield was installed right
A clean install has flush moldings, no gaps, working wipers and washers, a firm mirror and sensor housing, and no warning lights. You pay only after you have checked the work and confirmed you are happy with it, so take a few minutes before you pay.
More questions about inspecting a new windshield
What to look for after windshield replacement?
Flush moldings with no gaps, a firm mirror and sensor housing, working wipers and washers, and no warning lights on the dash. The glass stamp and features should match your VIN.
How do I know my windshield was installed right?
Check that the moldings sit flush, the camera and sensors are reattached, the wipers and washers work, and no warning lights are on. Payment is collected only after you confirm you are happy with the work.
How to inspect a new windshield?
Look for a glass stamp and features that match your VIN, flush moldings, a firm mirror, working wipers and washers, no warning lights, and a clean work area with the old glass removed.
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