But is \u201csafe drive-away time\u201d the right phrase to use? Believe it or not, this is debatable among the AGRR industry. Some consider \u201cminimum drive-away time,\u201d or MDAT, to be more appropriate.<\/p>\n
What is Safe Drive-Away Time?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nSafe drive-away time, or SDAT, is a term that describes how long your car must sit unmoved after your windshield<\/a> is replaced to ensure the vehicle is not unsafe to drive. The technician performing the work on your car should mention this to you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSafe drive-away times vary by type of vehicle glass, weather conditions and type of adhesive used. Some replacements allow drive-away time in as low as a half-hour. Other require the vehicle remain stationary for several hours following a windshield replacement.<\/p>\n
This is because the curing, or hardening, of the adhesive holding your windshield in place can vary due to many factors. These include the type of adhesive, outside temperature, humidity level and other conditions at the time of replacement.<\/p>\n
Your technician should take all of these factors into consideration before informing you of the proper and safe drive-away time for your particular situation.<\/p>\n
Is \u201cMinimum Drive-Away Time\u201d More Appropriate?<\/strong><\/h3>\nDifferent adhesives have different curing times, and any single adhesive has different cure times based on atmospheric conditions. This is a key element of crash and lab tests that the products undergo before going on the market.<\/p>\n
Recently, the term \u201cminimum drive away time,\u201d or MDAT, has made its way into the industry vocabulary.<\/p>\n
In fact, some adhesives companies are already using the term with their customers and in their literature. The switch is just a terminology change, but one intended to educate customers and consumers about the safety aspects of windshield replacements. Additionally, it is less troublesome for adhesive companies because saying something is \u201csafe,\u201d because it implies the vehicle must sit that exact amount of time when, in fact, it\u2019s a minimum.<\/p>\n
The Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS) is North America\u2019s only auto glass safety standard, addressing procedures, education and product performance. It is in the process of changing its literature language to reflect the use of MDAT over SDAT.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, the \u201cminimum\u201d term may be more accurate, as it reflects a minimum amount of time needed before a vehicle could be considered to be operational and safe.<\/p>\n
Regardless, companies should stand behind their drive-away time. If it\u2019s 30 minutes, then that\u2019s the minimum time needed for the adhesive to cure, according to that company. Some technicians may go further and add more time on top of that minimum, just in case.<\/p>\n
Safe Drive-Away Time Varies By Vehicle<\/h1>\n
The safe drive-away time for your vehicle will vary depending on what type of adhesive or glue the technician uses to install your windshield. While a number of adhesives offer a drive-away time as low as 30 minutes, others require that the vehicle be parked for several hours after the windshield is replaced.<\/p>\n
The amount of time specified is the amount of time that it takes for the adhesive to cure and harden fully, holding your windshield in place. The adhesive safe drive-away time is determined by a variety of factors, including the type of adhesive, temperature, humidity and other conditions at the time of replacement.<\/p>\n
Your technician should take all of these factors into consideration before informing you of the proper and safe drive-away time.<\/p>\n
A Key Factor Your Technician Will Consider\u2026<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe effect of temperature and environmental conditions on a proper windshield replacement\u2014and drive-away time\u2014should not be understated.<\/p>\n
As industry expert Bob Beranek points out<\/a>, the summer season brings warmer temperatures and higher humidity, which means faster curing times for urethane adhesives. Quicker cure times means faster safe-drive-away times, but it also means a shorter working time during the application and setting of the glass.<\/p>\nThe opposite can be true in the winter<\/a>. Adhesives, cleaners and primers may slow down when below 40 degrees, so technicians will follow certain written procedures for cold weather installations and should pay special attention to the time factors.<\/p>\nTechnicians and automotive glass company owners working in bitter temperatures, such as below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, may use different products and procedures than they would otherwise. Also, technicians may need to keep their cleaners, primers and adhesives in a warm place overnight before working on a vehicle in this environment. This prevents the need to thaw them the next day.<\/p>\n
All of that aside, if possible, the vehicle should be taken into a heated area to work.<\/p>\n
Dangers of Not Following Drive-Away Time<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf you drive your car before MDAT is reached and you become involved in an accident or collision, the windshield might not remain in place<\/a> during a crash. Also keep in mind, the windshield is an important safety feature of your vehicle, as it provides structural support to the roof. Without the windshield properly in place, the roof could cave in on the car\u2019s occupants. You could also be ejected from the vehicle through the opening.<\/p>\nThis is are meeting minimum drive-away times are so critical. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask your windshield replacement technician for details on when the vehicle will reach the minimum MDAT after your windshield is replaced. Even lawmakers are recognizing the importance of consumers understand drive-away times. Rhode Island, for example, recently fielded a proposal for a regulation requiring \u201cnotification to consumer in writing of appropriate post-repair practices and drive-away time<\/a> necessary for the safe operation of the vehicle.\u201d<\/p>\nSunroof Drive Away Times<\/h3>\n
Safe drive-away time, or SDAT, is a term that describes how long your car must sit unmoved after your windshield<\/a> is replaced to ensure the vehicle is not unsafe to drive. The technician performing the work on your car should mention this to you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Safe drive-away times vary by type of vehicle glass, weather conditions and type of adhesive used. Some replacements allow drive-away time in as low as a half-hour. Other require the vehicle remain stationary for several hours following a windshield replacement.<\/p>\n This is because the curing, or hardening, of the adhesive holding your windshield in place can vary due to many factors. These include the type of adhesive, outside temperature, humidity level and other conditions at the time of replacement.<\/p>\n Your technician should take all of these factors into consideration before informing you of the proper and safe drive-away time for your particular situation.<\/p>\n Different adhesives have different curing times, and any single adhesive has different cure times based on atmospheric conditions. This is a key element of crash and lab tests that the products undergo before going on the market.<\/p>\n Recently, the term \u201cminimum drive away time,\u201d or MDAT, has made its way into the industry vocabulary.<\/p>\n In fact, some adhesives companies are already using the term with their customers and in their literature. The switch is just a terminology change, but one intended to educate customers and consumers about the safety aspects of windshield replacements. Additionally, it is less troublesome for adhesive companies because saying something is \u201csafe,\u201d because it implies the vehicle must sit that exact amount of time when, in fact, it\u2019s a minimum.<\/p>\n The Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS) is North America\u2019s only auto glass safety standard, addressing procedures, education and product performance. It is in the process of changing its literature language to reflect the use of MDAT over SDAT.<\/p>\n Ultimately, the \u201cminimum\u201d term may be more accurate, as it reflects a minimum amount of time needed before a vehicle could be considered to be operational and safe.<\/p>\n Regardless, companies should stand behind their drive-away time. If it\u2019s 30 minutes, then that\u2019s the minimum time needed for the adhesive to cure, according to that company. Some technicians may go further and add more time on top of that minimum, just in case.<\/p>\n The safe drive-away time for your vehicle will vary depending on what type of adhesive or glue the technician uses to install your windshield. While a number of adhesives offer a drive-away time as low as 30 minutes, others require that the vehicle be parked for several hours after the windshield is replaced.<\/p>\n The amount of time specified is the amount of time that it takes for the adhesive to cure and harden fully, holding your windshield in place. The adhesive safe drive-away time is determined by a variety of factors, including the type of adhesive, temperature, humidity and other conditions at the time of replacement.<\/p>\n Your technician should take all of these factors into consideration before informing you of the proper and safe drive-away time.<\/p>\n The effect of temperature and environmental conditions on a proper windshield replacement\u2014and drive-away time\u2014should not be understated.<\/p>\n As industry expert Bob Beranek points out<\/a>, the summer season brings warmer temperatures and higher humidity, which means faster curing times for urethane adhesives. Quicker cure times means faster safe-drive-away times, but it also means a shorter working time during the application and setting of the glass.<\/p>\n The opposite can be true in the winter<\/a>. Adhesives, cleaners and primers may slow down when below 40 degrees, so technicians will follow certain written procedures for cold weather installations and should pay special attention to the time factors.<\/p>\n Technicians and automotive glass company owners working in bitter temperatures, such as below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, may use different products and procedures than they would otherwise. Also, technicians may need to keep their cleaners, primers and adhesives in a warm place overnight before working on a vehicle in this environment. This prevents the need to thaw them the next day.<\/p>\n All of that aside, if possible, the vehicle should be taken into a heated area to work.<\/p>\n If you drive your car before MDAT is reached and you become involved in an accident or collision, the windshield might not remain in place<\/a> during a crash. Also keep in mind, the windshield is an important safety feature of your vehicle, as it provides structural support to the roof. Without the windshield properly in place, the roof could cave in on the car\u2019s occupants. You could also be ejected from the vehicle through the opening.<\/p>\n This is are meeting minimum drive-away times are so critical. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask your windshield replacement technician for details on when the vehicle will reach the minimum MDAT after your windshield is replaced. Even lawmakers are recognizing the importance of consumers understand drive-away times. Rhode Island, for example, recently fielded a proposal for a regulation requiring \u201cnotification to consumer in writing of appropriate post-repair practices and drive-away time<\/a> necessary for the safe operation of the vehicle.\u201d<\/p>\nIs \u201cMinimum Drive-Away Time\u201d More Appropriate?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Safe Drive-Away Time Varies By Vehicle<\/h1>\n
A Key Factor Your Technician Will Consider\u2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Dangers of Not Following Drive-Away Time<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Sunroof Drive Away Times<\/h3>\n
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