Chances are that you’ve seen blue tape on a car before. You might not give much thought to the blue tape at first but may start to get curious about it if you encounter another vehicle that has it. This article is all about satisfying your curiosity as we discuss and investigate the reasoning behind blue tapes on the windows of some cars.
Blue tape can be put on car windows to hold the newly installed windshield in place or sd support for law enforcement. The one put on newly replaced windshields can also be referred to as retention tape.
The above reasons are why blue tape may be put on car windows. It’s also worth noting that some people may just put blue tape on their cars simply for the aesthetics. Below, you’ll find an in-depth explanation of why blue tapes may be seen on car windows. Here we go.
Blue Tape On A Car Explained
Blue tapes can be found on the windshield and other windows of the car. And the location of the window can also determine the reasoning behind the installation of the tape. Below are the two reasons why there may be blue tape on a car:
After Windshield Installation
One of the scenarios that call for blue tape on a vehicle is after the windshield has been replaced. Windshield installation is a very delicate process that involves cutting glass and returning it to its factory position and seal.
Adhesives are used to put the new windshield in place. However, it takes some time for the adhesive to fully set in. And until the adhesive fully sets it, the windshield is prone to damage and wrong configuration. To prevent this, blue tape is used to hold the new windshield in place until the adhesive fully sets in. The color of the tape doesn’t matter. It’s about the function that the tape performs. However, it’s more common to see mechanics and engineers using blue tape.
So, if you’ve recently changed your windshield, there will be blue tape on the windshield. Don’t remove the tape until the mechanic asks you to. If not for the tape, you won’t be able to drive your car around until the adhesive sets in. However, since most people don’t fancy the idea of having their car at the mechanic for days for the adhesive to set in, mechanics use blue tape to hold the windshield in place.
Support For Law Enforcement
Nowadays, many people put blue stripes on their vehicles as support for law enforcement, the brave men and women who are working hard to keep us safe. Usually, only law enforcement or people affiliated with them could put blue stripes on their vehicles, but this has changed in recent years.
Blue stripes on cars are now part of a larger movement to support law enforcement. The origin of this movement can be traced back to a few years ago when some people labeled the police “monsters” amongst other less-than-flattering names. Now, everyone, regardless of status, can put blue tape on their vehicles in support of law enforcement.
While there are some bad eggs in law enforcement, there are many good people, and the work they do is crucial to maintaining order in our society. If you ever feel like showing your support for law enforcement, you can put blue tape on your car windows.
How Long Should You Leave Retention Tape On The Windshield
The blue tape put on cars after changing the windshield is a retention tape that keeps the glass mold in place. Your mechanic or technician is in the best position to advise you on how long the retention shape should be on the windshield. However, in most cases, the blue tape can be removed after 48 hours, although many people choose to leave it on their windshields for longer.
When removing the blue tape, remove it gently. It’s actually designed in such a way that it’ll come off easily, but you should still remove it carefully. Some people are eager to remove the retention tape since it’s not aesthetically pleasing. But they should only do so after being given the all-clear by their mechanic.
Other Post-windshield Replacement Care Tips
Below are some tips to follow after replacing your windshield:
Don’t Drive Immediately After Replacing Your Windshield
Your mechanic will recommend you wait at least an hour after replacing the windshield before you drive. Some may even ask you to wait longer than an hour to ensure that the windshield is strong enough to withstand the elements. If you don’t heed your mechanic’s advice, then some gaps might be created in the windshield, which will impact its effectiveness and durability. Ultimately, the length of time you’ll have to wait before driving your car will depend on the type used by the mechanic and weather conditions.
Avoid Rough Or Bad Roads
The adhesive applied to the windshield won’t fully set until about 24 to 48 hours later, depending on the type of adhesive. And until the adhesive has fully set, you should avoid rough or bad roads. If such roads can’t be avoided, you should drive as slowly as you can. Ideally, you should leave your vehicle with the mechanic for a day or two if you have to drive on rough or bumpy roads to get home.
Open A Window
It’s common knowledge that the pressure inside a car increases when all windows are closed. However, increased pressure inside a car isn’t advantageous to a newly installed windshield as it could pop out of its frame or get dislocated. So when driving after getting a new windshield installed, open a window.
Avoid Slamming The Doors
You should never slam your car doors. But if you are the type that slams your door for any reason, you should avoid doing so after installing a new windshield. Slamming the doors can make the windshield shift from its normal position or even pop out.
Wash Your Car After Three Days
Until the sealant/adhesive is dry and set, you should not wash your car after having a new windshield installed. As previously mentioned, it’ll take about two days for the sealant to dry. So, you should wait at least three days before washing your car after changing the windshield.
This also applies to automatic car washers. These washers use high pressures and harsh detergents to wash cars, and your newly installed windshield can’t withstand this until the sealant is completely dry.
It’s also advisable that you avoid extreme temperatures after changing a windshield until the sealant is dry. Preferably, you should park your car in a garage.
