How long does windshield replacement take? Complete timeline guide
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When you need a windshield replacement, one of the first questions is: “How long will this take?” Whether you’re scheduling around work, planning your day, or stranded with a shattered windshield, you need to know the timeline.
Here’s the complete breakdown of windshield replacement timing—from the moment our technician arrives to when you can safely drive away.
⏱️ Quick answer: Total time breakdown
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Inspection & prep | 10-15 minutes |
| Old windshield removal | 15-20 minutes |
| Frame cleaning & priming | 10-15 minutes |
| New windshield installation | 15-20 minutes |
| ADAS calibration (if needed) | 30-60 minutes |
| Adhesive cure time | 30-60 minutes minimum |
| Total hands-on work | 60-90 minutes |
| Safe drive-away time | 1-3 hours after completion |
Bottom line: Plan for 2-3 hours total from arrival to driving away safely. The actual work takes about 60-90 minutes, but the adhesive needs time to cure before you drive.
🔧 Step-by-step: What happens during replacement
Step 1: Inspection and documentation (10-15 min)
Before touching your vehicle, the technician will:
- Photograph existing damage for insurance documentation
- Inspect the frame for rust, damage, or previous poor repairs
- Verify the replacement glass matches your vehicle
- Check for ADAS cameras/sensors that need calibration
- Protect your interior with covers and drop cloths
Step 2: Old windshield removal (15-20 min)
This requires care to avoid damaging your vehicle:
- Remove windshield wipers and cowl cover
- Cut through the urethane adhesive with specialized tools
- Carefully lift out the damaged windshield
- Dispose of old glass safely (we recycle it!)
Step 3: Frame preparation (10-15 min)
Critical for a proper seal:
- Remove old adhesive residue from the pinch weld
- Clean the frame thoroughly
- Apply rust inhibitor if any bare metal is exposed
- Apply primer to ensure proper adhesive bonding
- Clean the new windshield’s bonding surface
Step 4: New windshield installation (15-20 min)
Precision matters here:
- Apply urethane adhesive bead to windshield or frame
- Position windshield using alignment tools
- Press firmly to ensure proper contact
- Reinstall wipers, cowl, and trim pieces
- Clean excess adhesive
Step 5: ADAS calibration (30-60 min, if needed)
For vehicles with advanced safety systems:
- Position calibration targets
- Connect diagnostic equipment
- Run calibration procedures for cameras/sensors
- Verify all safety systems function correctly
Step 6: Quality check (5-10 min)
Before you drive:
- Visual inspection for proper seating
- Check all trim pieces are secure
- Verify no adhesive on glass or paint
- Test ADAS systems if applicable
- Confirm safe drive-away time with you
🕐 Understanding “safe drive-away time” (SDAT)
Here’s what many people don’t realize: the work being done doesn’t mean you can drive immediately.
What is SDAT?
Safe Drive-Away Time is the minimum time the adhesive needs to cure before the windshield can withstand:
- Normal driving forces
- Airbag deployment pressure
- Wind pressure at highway speeds
- Door-closing pressure changes
Factors affecting cure time:
| Factor | Effect on cure time |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Cold weather = longer cure time |
| Humidity | Higher humidity = faster cure |
| Adhesive type | Standard vs. fast-cure formulas |
| Vehicle type | Larger windshields need more time |
| Driving conditions | Highway vs. city driving |
Typical SDAT ranges:
| Conditions | Minimum SDAT |
|---|---|
| Warm (70°F+), humid | 30-45 minutes |
| Moderate (50-70°F) | 45-60 minutes |
| Cool (40-50°F) | 60-90 minutes |
| Cold (<40°F) | 2-4 hours or more |
At Glass Inc, we use premium fast-cure adhesives that typically allow safe driving within 30-60 minutes in normal Atlanta weather conditions.
📍 Mobile vs. shop service: Time comparison
Mobile service (at your location)
| Aspect | Time |
|---|---|
| Technician travel to you | 30-60 min (varies by location) |
| Replacement work | 60-90 min |
| Cure time (you can work/relax) | 30-60 min |
| Your time commitment | Minimal—we come to you |
Best for: Busy professionals, parents at home, fleet vehicles
In-shop service
| Aspect | Time |
|---|---|
| Your travel to shop | Varies |
| Replacement work | 60-90 min |
| Cure time (wait in lounge) | 30-60 min |
| Your travel home | Varies |
| Your time commitment | 2-4 hours including travel |
Best for: Those who prefer to wait on-site, complex ADAS calibrations
⚡ What affects replacement time?
Factors that add time:
| Factor | Additional time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| ADAS calibration | 30-60 min | Camera systems need recalibration |
| Rusted pinch weld | 15-30 min | Requires rust treatment |
| Previous poor repair | 15-45 min | Old adhesive/damage must be corrected |
| Complex trim pieces | 10-20 min | Luxury vehicles have more components |
| Cold weather | 30-60+ min | Adhesive cures slower |
| Panoramic roof | 15-30 min | Larger surface, more precise fitting |
Factors that can speed things up:
- Warm, humid weather (faster cure)
- Simple vehicle design (fewer trim pieces)
- No ADAS systems requiring calibration
- Pre-appointment vehicle preparation
🚗 Windshield REPAIR time (for comparison)
If your damage qualifies for repair instead of replacement, the timeline is much shorter:
| Repair type | Active work | Total time |
|---|---|---|
| Single chip | 15-20 min | 20-30 min |
| Multiple chips | 20-30 min | 30-45 min |
| Short crack (< 6”) | 20-30 min | 30-45 min |
Key advantage: No cure time needed—you can drive immediately after repair.
📋 How to minimize your wait time
Before your appointment:
- Clear your windshield area of parking stickers, dashcams, etc.
- Park in shade if possible (makes technician’s job easier in summer)
- Have your insurance info ready if filing a claim
- Move valuables from front seats so we can protect your interior
Choosing your appointment:
- Morning appointments in summer = cooler working conditions
- Midday appointments in winter = warmer cure temperatures
- Mobile service = productive time while we work
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can I drive right after the windshield is installed?
No. You must wait for the safe drive-away time (typically 30-60 minutes minimum). Driving too soon risks the windshield detaching or not providing proper airbag support.
What if I have somewhere to be?
Choose mobile service! We come to your workplace, and you can continue your day while we work. By the time your meeting ends, your car is ready.
Does ADAS calibration add a lot of time?
Yes, typically 30-60 minutes. But it’s essential—skipping calibration leaves your safety systems non-functional or inaccurate.
Can cold weather delay my appointment?
Extreme cold (below freezing) can significantly extend cure times. We may recommend indoor service or rescheduling to ensure proper adhesive curing.
How long until I can wash my car?
Wait at least 24-48 hours before car washes, and avoid high-pressure sprays near the windshield edge for the first week.
📞 Ready to schedule? Here’s what to expect from Glass Inc
When you call Glass Inc at (404) 873-6991, we’ll:
- Get your vehicle info to confirm glass availability
- Check for ADAS requirements so we bring calibration equipment
- Offer same-day appointments when possible
- Give you an accurate time estimate for your specific vehicle
- Coordinate with insurance if you’re filing a claim
Most windshield replacements are completed within 2 hours, and our mobile service means you don’t waste time traveling to a shop.
📞 Schedule your windshield replacement today
Call now → 404-873-6991
Glass Inc — Atlanta’s fastest windshield replacement since 1956
With same-day mobile service, OEM-quality glass, and efficient installation, Glass Inc gets you back on the road quickly and safely. We’ve completed over 100,000 windshield replacements—we know how to do it right and do it fast.