The Best Way to Install a Windshield

Crack open a beginner’s guide to auto glass repair and replacement

Co-authored by Ed Beery

Last Updated: June 20, 2024 References

Driving with a cracked windshield is hazardous and may be illegal. And while getting your windshield replaced professionally can be expensive, it is usually worth it — windshields are difficult to install and can be dangerous if installed improperly. But if you still feel confident in your DIY abilities, all you'll need are a few tools, a friend, a new windshield, and some caution to proceed.

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

Hi there! Do you have a question about how to diagnose or fix a problem with your car? I’ve read the manual so you don’t have to. Select your make, model, and year, then ask away!

*

1

Remove both windshield wiper arms.

Download Article

Use a socket wrench. Set both arms aside to be re-attached later.
- Windshields are difficult to handle and can be dangerous. Be very cautious when removing a windshield and get a helper to move the windshield.
- Using a heavy blanket or tarp, cover the front seats and dashboard to protect them from glass, debris, or any dripping urethane — a chemical used to seal the windshield in place. Also, make sure that you and your assistant are wearing gloves and eye protection.

2

Remove and discard the clips around the windshield molding.

Download Article

These may be on the inside or outside of the car. Since you will need new ones for your new window, you can throw these out. ^{[1]
X
Research source}

3

Peel away the molding protecting the old windshield.

Download Article

You may need to use a small knife or crowbar to get it off at first; some trim will require special trim removal tools to prevent trim damage. Remove the urethane weather stripping as well so that only the windshield remains.
- You may also use a knife to cut the seal along the perimeter before you try to pull it off. ^{[2]
  X
  Research source}

4

Lubricate the perimeter of the windshield gasket.

Download Article

Use a silicone-based lubricant. This will make it easier to slide the windshield out later. Apply lubricant around the edge between the windshield and the car frame.
- Wait several minutes for the lubricant to seep into the cracks before you move on. ^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- Make sure the seal all the way around the windshield has been cut with a windshield removal cut tool.
- Very carefully work a rounded rod (a small phillips screwdriver or a tire repair tool also work great) between the gasket and the windshield frame. Keep it lubricated with glass cleaner as you slide the rod around it for better results.

5

Use windshield-specific suction cups to remove the window.

Download Article

Attach large suction cups, which you can buy online, tightly to the glass. Pull up with even pressure while a friend pushes the windshield from the inside.
- It may be easier to have the person inside push the window out first, loosening the window, and then you pull with the suction cups.
- Have the person inside the car recline the seat back so he can get their feet onto the glass and use his legs to push.
- Do not stand on the hood or roof of the car — this will damage the body.
- The windshield may come out suddenly, so make sure you are steady and balanced and don't fall backwards.

6

Remove the old urethane sealer from the frame.

Download Article

If there is still sealant or weather stripping attached to your car, remove it carefully with a knife and gloves and dispose of it.

7

Apply a urethane primer to the windshield and window socket.

Download Article

Using a paintbrush, add a thin amount of primer along the entire the inside edge of the window. You only need a strip about an inch wide. Then apply some primer to the windshield socket as well.
- Allow the primer to dry. Do not touch the primer or the oil in your fingers can prevent the sealer from sticking to the window or frame.

8

Install windshield clips.

Download Article

While they come in many different forms, they all attach by sliding onto the tabs on the top of the windshield socket and hammering snugly into place.

9

Use a caulking gun to apply urethane to the window socket.

Download Article

Apply the urethane evenly throughout the entire frame, working quickly to prevent it from drying.
- Using a V-shaped nozzle will help the urethane sits higher, forming a better seal with the windshield. ^{[4]
  X
  Research source}

10

Quickly put the windshield into place.

Download Article

Have the new windshield nearby — suction cups already attached — so that you can rapidly put it on the car before the urethane dries out. Push it gently but firmly into the window once you have it in place.
- Make sure you get a windshield that fits the make, model, and year of your car.

11

Use a knife or other long object to wipe off excess urethane.

Download Article

This is also a good time to push any bubbling urethane back in between the car and the windshield. You want to create a perfect seal to keep the windshield in place and hold out rain. ^{[5]
X
Research source}

12

Replace your weather sealant and any decorative molding.

Download Article

Pop in your car's molding (you may need to buy more) and push it securely into the frame, closing off any exposed areas between the windshield and the car. Reinstall your cowl panel and windshield wiper arms.

13

Wait several hours for the sealant to dry before you drive the car.

Download Article

You want the windshield to be firmly in place before you move the car so that it doesn't pop out during an accident or acceleration. Refer to the directions on the sealant to see how long you need to wait. ^{[6]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How long does the tape have to remain in place after installation?

Community Answer

The tape is used to secure the windshield and keep it from sliding down or shifting side to side before the urethane cures. Most glass installation companies recommend 24 to 48 hours before removing the tape. If a fast curing urethane has been used, the tape could reasonably be removed after 6 hours.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question

How do you recycle the windshield?

Joseph_85

Top Answerer

You should ask your local windshield repair expert.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Always use a urethane adhesive made for windshield installation. Never, ever, use silicone.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Using glass etching liquid instead of regular glass cleaner when cleaning the new windshield prior to installation will ensure a tighter bond.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 6
Sticking heavy duty suction cups on the center of the windshield can help you lower the windshield flawlessly.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Always wear protective eye gear when installing a windshield.

Thanks
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 4
Do not apply urethane caulking too close to the edge of the window. This could cause the window to sag and the caulking to be visible from the outside.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 5
Skipping the application of the frit band activator puts the windshield at risk of slipping loose.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 9
Beware of your vehicle's interior when cleaning the window channel and installing the new windshield. Rust scrapings and water can damage the upholstery.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 5

Things You'll Need

New windshield
Windshield clips
Screwdriver (or scraper)
Trim removal tools
Razor or knife
Scrub brush
Water
Glass cleaner
Caulk gun
Urethane Primer
Urethane caulking
Plastic molding
Suction cups
Protective goggles
Gloves

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

Log in

The Best Way to Install a Windshield

Steps

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

Remove both windshield wiper arms.

Remove and discard the clips around the windshield molding.

Peel away the molding protecting the old windshield.

Lubricate the perimeter of the windshield gasket.

Use windshield-specific suction cups to remove the window.

Remove the old urethane sealer from the frame.

Apply a urethane primer to the windshield and window socket.

Install windshield clips.

Use a caulking gun to apply urethane to the window socket.

Quickly put the windshield into place.

Use a knife or other long object to wipe off excess urethane.

Replace your weather sealant and any decorative molding.

Wait several hours for the sealant to dry before you drive the car.

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Explore Categories