The windshield is one of the most important components of any car. It not only reliably protects the car owner from the wind and oncoming air currents, but also helps to keep the roof, and also provides a relative level of safety in case of small accidents. Windshields are made from special materials that can withstand severe damage. Of the same materials produce panoramic products, exterior elements of high-rise buildings.
If the car is used intensively, windshields are constantly exposed to various dangers. Glasses tend to crack. And if you can still somehow live with one or two injuries, then in the case of a large number of them you have to change the glass. Professional auto mechanics are sure that pasting a windshield is a difficult task that is beyond the power of an ordinary motorist. Let us disagree with these arguments. During the replacement process, there will be no difficulties if you use the right technology and the right tools. Let's look at how this job should be done correctly.
Necessary tools and tools
For replacement, as well as for restoration work, a set of tools and chemicals is needed. You can buy everything you need for pasting a windshield, in a set or assemble separately.
You will need a thin string or a special knife. With these tools, you can easily get rid of what is left of the old glass, as well as glue. It is worth preparing an ordinary construction knife. It is useful for cleaning the installation site. Also prepare a sealant with a gun for it, a degreaser, an activator. They additionally purchase adhesive tape - you can not do without it in this process. Do not forget about molding or elastic. It is worn around the perimeter of the connection. Pasting a windshield without molding is impossible.
Work stages
This operation is never performed just like that. There is always a reason for this - old glass has fallen into disrepair. Therefore, the first stage of the replacement work will be the dismantling of the old element or everything that remains of it.
This will prepare the installation site. Next, degrease the surface. And then pasting the windshield.
Dismantling
The string or knife is carefully inserted into the gap between the glass and the installation groove. Next, the old glue is simply cut. Care must be taken, especially where the glass borders on the panel, since plastic can be easily damaged.
Preparing a place for a new glass
With the help of a construction knife, the remains of strictly glue are cut off. Eraser molding will fail, so it is important not to forget about it when buying glass. When everything is cleaned up, a new element is applied to the place. If necessary, make small notes with a marker or felt-tip pen during fitting.
On some car models there are stops that will not allow the glass to be installed incorrectly. If there is no stand, then it is worth preparing a place on the hood. It must be covered with rags or large cardboard.
Degreasing
The technology for gluing a windshield involves degreasing the surface, as well as other processes. A glass replacement kit or anti-silicone degreaser is suitable for this.
Padding
Experts do not recommend applying the component to the remnants of old glue. Primers are applied in a single layer with a brush or a complete swab. The component is applied directly to the place of gluing and to the glass itself where there will be contact with the groove.
This also includes activator treatment. The composition will help to effectively and completely remove everything that is left of the old glue.
Apply sealant
This is the most important point in the whole process. For the correct and convenient application of sealant, experts recommend using a pneumatic gun, since the composition has a high density. In addition, you can use a manual device. Glue must be applied in one strip, without tearing. The layer should be uniform. Now you can attach the windshield, aligning it with the marks. Then they pass along the entire perimeter of the element and press it firmly so that the glue is well laid. In this way, we ensure reliable contact between the groove and the glass. If in certain places the composition climbs out, you should not immediately remove it. This can be done later. It will be easy to remove it. Next, the windshield must be fixed with tape. First, it is attached to the installed part, and then to the car body.
note
The time for pasting the windshield takes from 6 to 10 hours. Do not use the car during this period. Do not open the doors and slam them. It’s best not to touch the car at all. Another important temperature condition. At air below 0 degrees, the adhesive will not harden, and at higher rates the polymerization process will go much faster.
Useful Tips
A correctly made windshield insert is a guarantee of safety for the driver and passengers. This is a very responsible task. Particular attention should be paid to installing glass in its seat. When ordering replacement materials, you should once again make sure that the model and make of the car are exactly indicated. This is necessary in order to avoid mistakes and not to buy components, losing time and money. Pasting windshields is performed using special sealant.
We do not need a separate grade of glue, it is universal for all brands of cars. Since the sealant will hold the heavy element in place in a variety of conditions, you need to make sure of its high quality when buying. Pasting a windshield with your own hands is done indoors. No one will change the whole glass without any damage, and if there are cracks, then you can expect anything from it. It is worth taking care of personal safety and wearing glasses and gloves. Follow strictly the instructions on the back of the sealant package. It also indicates whether the sealant should be diluted with an additional component.
What can and cannot be done?
Strong door banging is recommended. Many cars are airtight, so immediately after gluing the windshield, pressure due to cotton can cause a seal to break, and the glass will leave the seat. It is better not to go to a sink after a certain time. It is recommended to wash the car after two days. Unwanted during this period, neither manual nor automatic washing. Avoid air and water pressure. If you ignore this, the seal may be damaged. Also, do not travel often and far. Experts recommend not to operate the machine for an hour or two.
The glue must balance with the characteristics of humidity and temperature. Also, professionals recommend replacing wipers. These are mechanical devices, which means that there is a chance that they will damage the coating. New scratches may appear. Professionals are also advised to use special tape. It serves for fastening. It is necessary that this tape be glued to the windshield and sag on it for at least a day. With her you can ride confidently, and she does not violate the visibility. However, if you remove it, the support so needed now glass will disappear.
Summary
As you can see, the process of replacing and pasting the windshield is not as complicated as it seems. It is necessary to be careful and follow all instructions and working methods accurately. This is the only way to get reliably glued new glass, on which there will no longer be scratches and cracks. This will increase the safety of the driver and passengers. To prevent the glass from cracking in the future, do not use it often and do not turn on the stove at maximum power.