How to Care for a Newly Replaced Windshield?

How to Care for a Newly Replaced Windshield?

by | Oct 6, 2021 | Auto Glass Windshield Replacement, emissions testing brampton

After the windshield replacement procedure, good maintenance and care will inevitably follow. This can provide long-lasting effects as well as maintain the appearance of your car. Additionally, caring for your new windshield will not compromise your safety in case the parts loosen.

You can consider the following tips to ensure your new windshield is always in good condition after installation. Here they are:

  1.  Do Not Drive Your Car Right After the Replacement Process

Actually, It has been a while since you took your car for a drive. You just got a cracked windshield repaired and can’t wait to take it for a road test. Unfortunately, you have to give your car some time to heal and for the adhesive to dry completely before driving again.

  1. Avoid Slamming the Doors

During installation, professional urethane as an adhesive is used to repair chipped windshields or attach new ones. Slamming the doors can weaken the adhesive seal, which in return causes it to rupture. Therefore, always close the doors lightly on the first few days after repair.

Leave the tape on

The use of retention tape holds the windshield moldings in place and protects the seal from any weather components like dirt and debris. This ensures that the adhesive dries effectively and completely. Thus, it is better to leave the tape in place for at least 24 hours after replacement.

  1. Avoid Taking Your Car to Car Washes

As much as you’d like to get your car cleaned by a professional, it can be extremely risky as most car washes use high-pressure jets and motor pumps. These cleaning methods can weaken the adhesive, especially if it is yet to dry completely. Moreover, if the car wash uses harsh cleaning detergents, it may later destroy silicon-based adhesives and sealants.

However, you can still wash your car at home with mild detergents then sprinkle water in a soft motion.

  1. Open a Window

Air pressure can weaken the adhesive seal, as seen in point 4 above. Therefore, it is best if you roll down a window to at least an inch. Do this on the first day after replacement to ensure the adhesive dries optimally.

  1. Clear Any Item Near the Windshield

Anything that is near your car can interfere with the drying of the adhesive. The item may push against the windshield and touch the wet urethane before it completely dries. Therefore, ensure you don’t use a cover or a sunshade on your car’s exterior and interior parts. Do this up to around 48 hours after the speedy glass replacement.

How to Identify a Poorly Installed Windshield

A poorly done windshield should not be taken lightly as it can cause risks and accidents. Thus, if you want to ensure safety, then consider checking out the following signs in case of a faultily installed windshield:

  • The Windshield Isn’t Flush

Flush means that the windshield fits perfectly into your car’s frame without the need for adjustments. Therefore, make sure your windshield is secured faultlessly after your speedy glass replacement procedure.

  • Uneven Frame Mold

Always examine any bumpy molding around your windshield’s glass frame. This will ensure long-lasting effects as well as prevent possible risks.

  • The Windshield Still Contains Intact Adhesives From Your Old One

If your windshield is properly done, then no adhesives should be left behind after repair.

  • Leaking Edges

A good windshield replacement method should not leak on the edges. Therefore, when getting your car after the repair, make sure you ask the staff to sprinkle water around the edges of the windshield. If the windshield’s interior shows signs of fogging or water leaks inside, then the windshield is poorly done.

Conclusion

Your new windshield is always vulnerable during the first two days after replacement. Therefore, make sure you have patience and commitment before resuming your car’s normal functions. Moreover, consider taking your car to a professional and prevent faulty results.

Drive Clean: Reduce Your Vehicle Emissions

Drive Clean: Reduce Your Vehicle Emissions

by | May 2, 2018 | Blog, Emission Test, emissions, Emissions Test Ontario, Emissions Testing, emissions testing brampton

As the air in our environment becomes increasingly polluted, we all must do our part to reduce pollution to show respect and consideration for the people around us.
A good place to start is vehicle emissions. Even car manufacturers are looking for new and improved ways to make vehicles more environmentally friendly.
Keeping your car running clean is not just a demonstration of good faith and concern for your neighbors, it is also a legal obligation in the province of Ontario.
If you are a car owner, I am sure you aware that most vehicles must pass an emissions test at some point in order to be deemed road worthy. Depending on the type of vehicle, this test typically becomes mandatory after about 7 years. At this point, the vehicle must pass a standard emissions test, or it will not be allowed back on the road.

Environmental Impact

Climate change is happening all over the globe, and Canada is no exception. In order to curtail these unwelcome and potentially calamitous changes, we should all take time to consider the impact we are having on our immediate surroundings.
Vehicle emissions are one the biggest causes of air pollution. The detrimental effects of these harmful emissions are being felt in cities all over the world in the form of smog.
Car owners can be responsible by reducing the emissions they are expelling into the air.

Emissions Test Ontario

The purpose of an emissions test is to see how well your vehicle scores when measured by the standards set out by the province of Ontario. It is also known as the Drive Clean test.
By law, certain vehicles must pass this Drive Clean test in order to be given license to drive on the road.

How to Prepare for the Drive Clean Emissions Test

The are several things you can do as a vehicle owner to get your car in optimal condition to pass the emissions tests.
Some things you can do are:

  • Pay attention to the weather on the day of your test – cold days will require longer warm up time
  • Do a battery test
  • Change your oil
  • Use premium gas
  • Use a cleaner fuel source – such as biodiesel or ethanol
  • Change filters
  • General tune up

Emissions Testing Brampton

Emissions Testing Brampton

Are you looking to have a Drive Clean emissions test done in the Brampton area? If so, Valvoline Express Care is a wise selection.
First of all, Valvoline Express Care is a certified emissions testing location, authorized by the Ontario Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
Secondly, the experts at Valvoline Express Care can help you prepare for the emissions test, put you in a prime position to pass with flying colors.

Valvoline Express Care Brampton

The Valvoline Express Care Centre in Brampton is an ideal choice for emissions testing for a variety of reasons.
Some of the benefits include:

  • Fast and efficient
  • Earn points
  • Pre-test process
  • Safe choice

Fast and Efficient

The qualified and experienced team at Valvoline having been doing emissions tests for years, knowing what to expect and what to look for. The refined testing process will have you back on the road in no time.

Earn Points

Earn points and discounts on other services when you download the Valvoline app.

Pre-Test

A Valvoline technician will do a walk around your vehicle to do a visual check before administering the actual test. This is done to ensure your vehicle is ready to go and there are no outstanding issues.

Safe Choice

Having your Drive Clean emissions test done at Valvoline Express Care ensures you are making a safe choice. Safe for your car, safe for license, and safe for the environment.

Emissions Testing Brampton: Looking To Pass The Drive Clean Test?

by | Dec 20, 2016 | Blog, emissions, emissions testing brampton

Your battery is dead and the cable isn’t long enough to reach. Even your check engine light is not illuminated.
Unfortunately, some common problems can make it impossible for vehicles to pass the emissions test. Don’t ignore the warning signs. When your car fails a smog check, get it to Valvoline Express Care Brampton as soon as possible. Our trusted technicians can diagnose and repair the problem so that you pass emissions testing with flying colors.

What exactly is the Ontario drive clean test?

Drive Clean is Ontario’s mandatory vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program that seeks to reduce smog-causing pollutants and its harmful effects on the air we breathe. Your car, truck and SUV must meet current emissions standards, before it can be licensed to drive on Ontario roads. Vehicles that fail the test must be repaired and retested. We offer Brampton Emission testing services to residents all over the GTA.

When do I need my car tested?

Once your vehicle is seven years old it will require the emissions test every two years. Larger vehicles, also referred to as “heavy-duty,” require the test every year once the vehicle becomes seven years old. Keep in mind, your vehicle will need to pass the emissions test before you can get your new license plate sticker.

Emissions testing Brampton can offer you:

The Pre-Test Process for Emissions Testing
A visual check will make sure there will be no issues to staff or testing equipment. This process includes: searching for missing catalytic converter and gas caps, defects in fuel filler pipe and other emission testing areas, on-board computer errors that would prevent the vehicle from being tested, visible smoke from the tailpipe and other key areas of the vehicle, and any additional problems that are visible and could affect the test.
Tail pipe testing
Depending on the vehicle you own, a clean air check requires different types of emissions tests. At emissions testing Brampton, we measure the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions released out of the tailpipe.
Heavy duty vehicles testing
Some older vehicles may have the on-board system. Otherwise, we have other options for emissions testing. Emissions testing Brampton can test these vehicles by conducting a two-speed idle test (for gasoline vehicles), conducting an opacity test (depending if your vehicle is diesel), and scanning your OBD computer.
Opacity tests for diesel fueled vehicles
Required for heavy duty or diesel fuel vehicle, this test measures the smoke density by inspecting the vehicle’s exhaust.
At emissions testing Brampton, we make sure all systems on your car are healthy and working as they should. A computerized diagnostic test will help us monitor the vehicle’s emission system and engine. We then use this data to satisfy your vehicles exact needs.
With regular maintenance at emissions testing Brampton, you’re off to a good start in passing the emissions test! It’s crucial that you pass this mandated inspection if you want to continue driving your car. Failing or dodging emission testing can result in your being denied registration of your vehicle. What’s worse? You may rack up some hefty fines and legal penalties in Ontario.

Why choose emissions testing Brampton?

  • We provide a faster, more accurate emissions test that helps keep your car in better running condition (improve safety and even gas mileage).
  • We identify emissions systems problems for more effective repairs.
  • We reduce more harmful smog from vehicle emissions.
  • Getting your vehicle’s emission tested earns you points and discounts on other services (just download our Valvoline app).

Do what’s best for your vehicle and the environment by stopping at emissions testing Brampton – and we’ll set up you with a drive clean test. Our team is certified and authorized to perform Ontario emissions testing. We can pass your vehicle or help you repair your emission system if your vehicle fails. Keep your vehicle and the air you breathe clean.