Windshield Installing Instructions

The windshield is the front window of a vehicle, made from a safety, laminated glass glued to the vehicle's frame. When a windshield is cracked or otherwise damaged it is no longer considered safe and has to be replaced. While installing a windshield may be too complex at first glance, it is a task that can be done outside a professional windshield service as well. It is however, a challenging job and requires following certain rules and being very precise and careful.

Instructions

1

Remove the windshield wipers and the rear view mirror. Set them aside for later unless you are planning to replace them, too.

2

Remove the old rubber wrap around the edges. Use a sharp utility knife to cut through the urethane seal around the edges, break it and remove it. This may take a while so be patient and precise. Do not damage the old windshield any further. When you cut the top of the rubber seal, use a plastic tool to pry the windshield out or loosen it.

3

Remove the old windshield using a glass suction tool to lift the old windshield. Lift the windshield slowly and carefully from the car completely. While lifting the glass, you can have someone help you tap the windshield from the inside of the car.

4

Clean the edges of the car window frame thoroughly using a sharp knife. Be careful not to get any rubber inside the car. Use a small vacuum cleaner to remove all the dust and dirt particles. Then use a small thick brush and a multipurpose cleaner to remove the debris, dirt and rubber residue. Leave it to dry before proceeding with the windshield installation.

5

Clean the new windshield with a glass cleaner and a microfiber fabric. Wear thin latex gloves and make the auto glass as clean as possible.

6

Install the new rubber wrap or seal all around the new windshield, fitting it as you go with your hands. Before fitting it on the glass, use urethane primer to apply it to the edges. The primer will make the black rubber band stick firmly to the glass.

7

Apply urethane on the car front window frame using a caulk gun. Be precise and make sure that the urethane line is even and straight.

8

Lift the new windshield with the glass suction tool. If you can get some help, now is the time to use it: lifting a windshield with two glass suction tools at the same time makes the job a lot easier.

9

Place the new windshield on the windshield frame of your car. Center and position it to fit the frame and press it on the urethane to form a strong bond. Check all around to see if there are any gaps. If there are, use a caulking gun to apply more urethane or special waterproof sealant.

10

Install the plastic molding trim all around the windshield by pressing it into place, outside the auto glass. Check for a thin rubber tab between the auto glass and the car frame and fit the trim molding inside.

11

Re-install the rear view mirror and the windshield wipers. Clean any urethane from the auto glass surface with a brush and a cloth.