Did you know that it could cost up to $400 to replace your vehicle’s windscreen if it gets damaged? There aren’t many things more frustrating than driving down the road and noticing a pebble pop up and cause a chip or a crack in your vehicle’s windscreen. It is a helpless feeling that gets accompanied by the knowledge that you’ll need to spend money to get the glass repair.
No one wants to spend more money than they have to in the current economy, so there is always the option of doing the windscreen repair or windscreen replacement on your own. This might sound crazy, but if you’re handy with tools and you have the right equipment then it’s definitely within your capabilities.
The good news is that you’ve found a helpful article that will take you through the steps of replacing the front window on your car. Keep reading this article to learn more today!
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Supplies You’ll Need
There are certain supplies that you’ll need if you want to handle this windscreen repair or replacement in the proper way. You’ll definitely need the replacement windscreen if you plan on going the replace route instead of windscreen repair. You’ll also need a painter’s knife and sealer along with a scraper blade and some suction cups.
If you don’t own one already then it is a good idea to get a rubber hammer along with a gasket sealer. Once you have all of these supplies ready, it’s time to start car maintenance on your ride.
Steps for Windscreen Replacement
Now that your supplies are ready to go, you’ll want to start the process of windscreen replacement so that your vehicle is good to get back on the road. Some steps might seem more obvious, like picking out and purchasing the replacement windscreen. Others, like the installation process, are a bit more obscure.
1. Buy a Replacement Windscreen
The best place to find a replacement windscreen for your vehicle is the internet, so take some time to browse the web and find a front window that is designed for your vehicle. As with any purchase on the internet, do your research and make sure that you’re buying from a reputable seller prior to handing over your credit card information.
You should also consider calling the auto parts distributor rather than emailing since you’ll get a chance to haggle with the person on the other end of the line. If you can’t find any windscreens that fall within your price range then you should look at purchasing a second-hand windshield for your vehicle.
These windows might not be as easy to find as replacement side windows, but you can find them with persistence and patience. Look at local salvage yards as well as Craigslist to see if you can find any windscreen replacements for your vehicle. There are also places that will help you with anything to do with Autoglass.
2. Remove Your Windshield Wipers
Once you’ve found your replacement window, the next step is to remove your windshield wipers so that they’re out of the way. You’ll have a difficult time removing the damaged glass if the wipers remain installed and in your way. Make life easier on yourself by taking the time to remove the windshield wipers before you start trying to get the old windscreen off of the vehicle.
3. Start Removing the Molding
You’ll also need to start the process of removing the molding of the old windscreen if you want to handle windscreen replacement on your own. This is where the painter’s knife comes into the picture since it is perfect for removing the molding and sealant along the edge of your car’s windscreen.
You need to be extra careful not to damage the molding since you’ll need to reuse it when installing the new windscreen on your car. Mistakes will result in a longer wait to get your car back to 100 percent.
4. Remove the Gasket
Make sure that you’re keeping the new windscreen on wooden sawhorses and padding to prevent damage and scratching to it prior to installing it on your vehicle. You’ll have a hard time sealing the new windshield if there is damage to it from storing it incorrectly.
You’ll need to take some time to peel off the rubber gasket on the vehicle before you can start removing the previous windscreen. There is also a ton of adhesive that you’ll want to remove as much as possible. The old adhesive will make it difficult to install the new windscreen.
5. Remove the Old Windscreen
The difficult part of the process starts when you’re trying to remove the old windscreen from the vehicle. A windscreen is a heavy piece of equipment, but the good thing is that you have suction cups with you and are ready to go. With a bit of luck, your windscreen will stay intact as you lift it out and away from the vehicle.
6. Prepare and Install the New Windscreen
You’ll want to take some time to clean the new windscreen before you install it on the vehicle. It’s important that it remains smudge-free so you can see clearly through it after it’s in place. You’ll also need those suction cups again in order to lift and install the new windscreen on your vehicle.
You might need the rubber hammer to help it get seated in the frame, and from there you’ll start using the adhesive and molding to secure it and prevent any future leaks from rain and the elements. Make sure you use a hose to check for any leaks after the installation is complete.
Replace Your Car’s Windscreen Today
There is nothing stopping you from replacing your car’s damaged windscreen if you have the necessary tools for the job. Make sure that you remain patient throughout the process of windscreen repair, and do your best to avoid damaging your new windscreen prior to installing it. Once it’s in place, check for leaks to make sure that everything is good to go!
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