Cracked or chipped windshields present a major safety hazard. Damaged glass can weaken the structural integrity of your vehicle, and chips or cracks can create a blinding glare when you are driving down the road.

You should make it a point to replace a damaged windshield as quickly as possible to avoid any potential accidents.

Many drivers think that they no longer have to worry about their auto glass once their windshield has been replaced. This simply isn't true. There are some important aftercare tips that you must keep in mind immediately following a windshield replacement to ensure your new glass enjoys a long and productive life.

1. Don't Remove the Tape

Experienced auto glass technicians will always utilize special tape to help hold your new windshield in place. You may think that the technician has simply forgotten to remove this tape when your vehicle is returned to you, but the tape is left in place for a reason.

The glue that is used to set a new windshield requires several days to fully cure. The tape is meant to help hold the windshield firmly in place while the glue cures. If you remove this tape too early, you run the risk of having your new windshield slip out of place and break.

Be sure that you ask your auto glass technician about the length of the curing period for the glue they use so that you know how long you need to leave the tape attached to your windshield following a replacement.

2. Crack a Window

It's critical that you crack a window when parking your vehicle for an extended period of time following a windshield replacement. Temperature changes within the cabin of your vehicle can cause fluctuations in the air pressure inside the vehicle.

As the interior heats up, air pressure can build and place a significant amount of stress on your new windshield. Since the glue is still in the process of curing in the days following your windshield replacement, stress from increased air pressure could interfere with the seal of the windshield.

Keeping a window slightly cracked will help to prevent any buildup of air pressure that might compromise the seal of your new windshield. This will ensure you don't have any leaks or other problems with your auto glass in the future.

3. Avoid Automatic Car Washes

Eliminating dirt and debris from the exterior of your vehicle is important if you want to maintain the vehicle's aesthetic and protect the paint against damage. Unfortunately, washing your car right after a windshield replacement could have disastrous consequences — especially if you like to use an automatic car wash.

Automatic car washes feature brushes that apply force to your vehicle's exterior while rotating. The force and rotational pull of these brushes are too strong for a fresh windshield to withstand. Automatic car wash brushes could cause your new windshield to shift out of place if you wash the vehicle before the glue has had a chance to fully cure.

Exposure to water and the soaps found in most automatic car washes can alter the chemical makeup of the adhesive glue used by auto glass technicians, resulting in a weak seal that could leak or fail over time. Be sure that you avoid automatic car washes until your windshield is fully set and the glue has completely cured.

The last thing you want to do is spend money on a new windshield, only to have the glass crack or shift in the days following installation. Care for your new windshield by leaving the tape in place, cracking a window, and avoiding the automatic car wash until the adhesive has fully cured. Talk to an auto technician to learn more about windshield replacement.