FAQ > Windshields > Windshield Repair & Replacement Questions • How long will it take to replace my windshield or other auto glass? What we would call a normal mobile auto glass installation usually takes from 30 to 90 minutes. Installations that take longer  than 90 minutes are what we classify as difficult installations.  For obvious reasons it is not practical for us to do these types of  installations in the field so they do not qualify for our Mobile Service.  As a rule they require that the installation be performed  and monitored for a period of time in our facility.  Some of these types of installations are timely because they are done in  stages, some of which cannot be accomplished until the adhesive has cured for a minimal amount of time.  There are many different types of vehicles out there in today’s world and each of them have their own peculiarities.  Your  customer service representative at Phoenix Glass will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have for your  particular vehicle.  • My car has a rear view mirror that looks very complicated, Is it going to be an issue when I have Phoenix Glass replaces my windshield? On average most rear view mirrors are not a problem.  Most rear view mirrors of today look like something to be afraid of (and  a few of them are) but the majority of them are just business as usual for the technicians at Phoenix Glass.  • How will my Inspection, Base, State Park or Toll Stickers be handled? In most cases our Auto Glass Technicians can transfer your windshield stickers to your new windshield.  If they cannot, as  much of it as possible will be saved so that you can get it replaced.  •  Does my windshield really protect me? If your windshield is installed properly it sure doe’s!  Auto manufacturers say your windshield provides up to  50 percent of the roof crush protection in a rollover accident.  It also provides the backstop support for your  passenger side air bag in a front end collision.  Your windshield is also designed as one of the main safety  restraint systems in your vehicle. If your windshield were to pop out in a collision or rollover and you did  not have your seat belt on or it were to fail you could be ejected from your vehicle.  • How soon can I drive my car after my glass is replaced? That will depend on the type of urethane adhesive used to install the auto glass in your vehicle. While most automotive grade  urethanes rely on temperature and humidity to cure, the time required varies widely depending on the manufacturer.  This  time frame can range from 3 hour to 24 hours or more before your vehicle will meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards  and is considered safe to drive.  If you need to drive your vehicle sooner, a more expensive chemically cured urethane can be  used that will allow a 1 hour drive-away time.  In either case, it's imperative that you follow the manufacturers' instructions  regarding safe drive away times.  Not adhering to those instructions could result in your injury or even death.  It is extremely  important that the technician replacing your automotive glass explain to you when you are able to SAFELY drive your car.  • How soon can I wash my vehicle? It is recommended that you wait 24 hours before washing your vehicle.  The high pressure from automatic car washes can  damage the seal and outer mouldings before the urethane has a chance to sufficiently cure.  It's also important to leave at  least one of the windows open at least 2 inches to reduce the pressurization in the vehicle when the doors are shut and when  the heat or air conditioning is operated.  Having a window slightly open prevents the pressure inside the vehicle’s cabin from  pushing a hole through the new un-cured urethane seal, causing an air or water leak.  Water or rain on the windshield isn't a  problem at all, in fact the moisture actually helps the curing process of the urethane sealant.  • How do I know your installers are qualified? Your Phoenix Glass Auto Glass Technician keeps up with the times and processes a high degree of understanding of the ins and  outs of auto glass replacement.  They are familiar with the proper tools, methods of removal, preparation of the pinchweld and  possess the knowledge of the many different adhesives available that will provide the strength to hold the glass in your  vehicle.  Along with all that they also understand and use the proper methods that prevent leakage and rust around the  pinchweld where the auto glass bonds to the vehicle.  Phoenix Glass technicians have as much as 40 and none less than 15 years of auto glass experience and have literally installed  thousands of windshields, back and side glasses.  You can rest assured that your new glass will be properly installed and your  vehicle will be restored to the factory specifications or better.  • I just had my windshield replaced, how do I know if it was done right? You don't!  Without removing the windshield, it's impossible to tell if the windshield was prepped correctly, if critical primers  and proper flash times were used, or even if the proper amount and type of urethane was used.  Once a windshield is installed  all the critical installation preparation steps are hidden under the mouldings and black ceramic band.  If it looks like a clean  installation and the mouldings are lying flat you can only guess it was done right  and in reality those things are only cosmetic,  it's what is underneath that counts.  The only sure way to tell if a windshield is properly installed is to crash test it, but we sure  don't recommend it.  The next best way to know is to know the reputation of the company that installed it.  Make sure the  company has an actual address complete with an actual store front as there are many gypsy type auto glass companies  operating in Knoxville and surrounding areas.  No store front usually goes hand in hand with a pick up truck and a cell phone.  You can easily accomplish this using Google Maps Street View.  Google allows you to see if the company your considering using  turns out to be a home, an apartment complex or even an empty lot.  With the power of the internet anyone can make a  attractive website to lure you in.  They typically have no liability insurance and when something goes wrong you are on your  own since they are very difficult to track down and with the power of Caller ID they stop answering your repeated phone calls.  Due to poor workmanship, during the average month here at Phoenix Glass we re-do auto glass in about 6 vehicles per month  from this type of so called auto glass company.  By the time you add up the expenses of a new glass, mouldings and repairing  the body damage that was done to the pinchweld the price for repairing a vehicle in this type of situation is usually 3 to 4  times what it would have cost if it were done right in the first place.  Unfortunately most of these installers are or were  employed and trained by some of the major chain outfits where they learned these traits and actually believe that they are  doing the work properly.  • I have a small rock chip in my windshield,  Is it true that is can it be repaired?  and if so, how is that possible? Windshield Repair has been done with great success for well over 30 years and is another speciality we offer here at Phoenix  Glass. The answer to the first part of your question is dependent on the size, location and type of break your windshield has.  The short answer to How is, basically we remove the air from the break and inject a resin into it that bonds to the glass and  seals out air.  Air is actually the main culprit that makes a break grow larger.  For a more detailed answer to your question  please click the more information link.  The professionally trained team of auto glass technicians at Phoenix Glass can evaluate your windshield break to determine if it  can or should be repaired or if it requires replacement.  Your welcome to stop by our auto glass service center today and have  your windshield checked absolutely free.  Knoxville's Finest Auto Glass Installation Center