A little preparation makes a windshield replacement go smoothly and keeps the appointment on time. Here is what to have ready, how to get the car ready, and what happens during the visit — whether you come to one of our 191 shops across Michigan, Indiana and Illinois or we come to you.
What should I have ready before the appointment?
- Your VIN (on the dash at the base of the windshield, or on your insurance card)
- Which glass is damaged
- Whether your car has a camera mounted behind the windshield
- Your insurer and policy number, if you plan to claim
The VIN lets us match the exact glass part your vehicle was built with — including any camera bracket, acoustic layer or heated wiper park — so the right glass arrives the first time.
How should I get the car ready?
- Remove everything from the dashboard — toll tags, parking permits, phone mounts, air fresheners and anything loose. The technician needs a clear view of the glass and the area around it.
- Take valuables and personal items out of the car.
- Park with room to open both front doors fully, so the technician can reach the interior side of the glass and the wiring.
- For mobile service, a covered or dry spot helps — a garage, carport or shaded area is a plus, not a requirement. Rain or snow does not cancel a mobile visit.
What happens during the appointment?
- Inspection and setup. The technician inspects the vehicle and the glass, confirms the part number against your VIN, and lays protective covers over the hood and interior.
- Removing the old glass. The wipers, cowl and trim come off, then the old urethane bead is cut through and the windshield is lifted out.
- Preparing the bonding surface. The old urethane is trimmed to a thin, even layer, any exposed metal is treated, and the pinchweld and the new glass frit band are primed.
- Setting the new glass. A fresh, continuous urethane bead is laid, the new windshield is set and aligned to the body lines, and the trim and wipers are refitted.
- ADAS recalibration. If your vehicle has a forward camera, it is recalibrated to the manufacturer procedure — static, dynamic, or both — in the same visit.
- Final check and handover. The technician checks the fit and seal, walks you through what was done, and you confirm you are happy before payment is collected.
How long until I can drive?
The installation takes about 45 to 75 minutes, then there is a 30-minute safe drive-away time while the urethane cures. The windshield is a structural part of the vehicle and supports the passenger airbag, so the vehicle is not released before that time has passed. See our safe drive-away time guide for what changes the wait.
What should I do in the first day or two after?
- Leave any retention tape on as long as the technician says.
- Leave a window cracked open when you can — slamming doors on a sealed cabin spikes air pressure against the fresh bond.
- Skip the car wash and high-pressure jets for a couple of days.
- Go easy on rough roads where you can.
Shop visit or mobile — what changes?
For a shop visit, call ahead so the glass for your VIN is on the rack before you come. For mobile service, we come to your home, office lot or fleet yard — there is no extra charge for mobile. The installation, the glass and the lifetime warranty are the same either way. See our booking page to pick a day and time window.