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I-CAR recognizes minimum driveaway time for urethane adhesive. This is a time specification that the glass industry has agreed on when a vehicle that has had a stationary glass replacement can be released to the customer. It is when the adhesive has achieved enough strength to pass Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 212, windshield retention, and 208, occupant protection.
Minimum driveaway time may be as little as 30-60 minutes for fast-cure products, and 2-8 hours or longer for conventional moisture-cured products. The shortest driveaway time for moisture-cured products is based on 75°F and 50% relative humidity. Lower temperature and/or humidity requires a longer time. The time will be specified on the performance data sheet that comes with the product.
Glass urethane may take 24 hours to reach full strength and longer for full cure. Some vehicle makers have specific recommendations regarding stationary glass installation. For example, FCA/Stellantis states 24 hours. Ford/Lincoln states to not release the vehicle until full cure has been achieved. Full cure time will also be specified on the performance data sheet that comes with the product.
This is why it is important to install stationary glass as early in the repair process as possible. Information regarding minimum driveaway time and full cure time should be communicated to the vehicle owner.
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Article validated in 2024