How is a Windshield Replaced?

A windshield is an integral part of an automobile. It contributes to your vehicle’s structural strength. In case of a roll-over accident or a crash, the windshield provides support to the roof, preventing you from being tossed out of the vehicle.

Driving with a broken or cracked windshield can be very dangerous. A cracked windshield may shatter and fly into the occupants of the vehicle. Not only that, but a shattered windshield obstructs the vision of the driver, which increases the likelihood of accidents. In a nutshell, if you have a broken windshield, you must get it replaced ASAP. Below, we have explained the process of windshield replacement.

How a Windshield is Replaced?

· Trim Removal

The trim is the plastic that wraps around your windshield and holds it in place. The first step is to remove the trim so that you can take out the windshield glass. A sharp object like a razor is generally required to remove the trim to loosen the windshield.

· Removal of the Old Windshield Glass

Once the trim has been removed, the next step is to take out the shattered windshield glass. Windshield removal tool is required for this purpose – a strong thin wire, or a guitar string can also be used. Professionals generally use an 18-inch Urethane Cut-Out Knife for removing the old windshield glass.

· Removal of the Old Urethane

The next step involves removing the old urethane. A heavy-duty glass scraper blade is required for this. Once you have removed the old urethane, clean any dirt or dust left on the frame.

· Preparation of the Pinch Weld

While removing the urethane, you might have made a few scratches on the pinch weld – a small gap between your car’s body and windshield that holds the windshield’s edges. That’s all right – you don’t have to worry about it. Just clean the pinch weld. Next, apply urethane primer sealer to the window channel and the perimeter and inside edge of the windshield. The primer would help the urethane stick better and it acts as a rust-resistor when applied on the window channel of the vehicle, especially when there are scratchers. Urethane primer should always be used to prevent the rust from developing.

· Application of Urethane

The next step is to apply urethane that will hold the vehicle’s windshield in place. Carefully lay urethane and try to keep its bead on continuous line. Try to move your hand in a line with constant speed and avoid stops. If you think that the bead of urethane is too thin on some areas, come back later. It is worth noting that there are small plastic clips located around the frame of some windshield. There are various clip designs, but you don’t have to worry about that because they all install in a similar fashion. Make sure that no urethane falls on the paint of your car because removing it from the paint is very challenging.

· Installation of the New Windshield

Install the windshield glass next. It’s best to take help from another person in this step. Once properly positioned, push the windshield glass into place using suction cups and hold it there for a few minutes. The urethane will begin to set. Now remove the suction cups and the windshield should be firmly stuck.

Final Thoughts

The process of windshield replacement may look simple, but it isn’t safe to remove the windshield on your own and we don’t recommend it to anyone. The task requires concentration and experience. If you aren’t careful, you could end up scratching or damaging the new windshield while installing it. This is why we recommend you hire a professional for windshield replacement. For windshield replacement at your home or work, call True Blue Auto Glass at 610-935-5588.