EdupradaThe seal on your windshield is essential to protect the passenger compartment from humidity but also to help fix the windshield in its housing. Thus, it will make the passenger compartment airtight to ensure the driving comfort of the driver but also the comfort of the other passengers.
Discover in this article everything you need to know about the windshield seal: how it works, the symptoms of its wear, how to change a windshield equipped with a seal and what is the price of a windshield seal -broken !
How does the windshield seal work?
The windshield seal is a seal so its role is to prevent humidity and rain from entering the passenger compartment of your car. Also, its role is to limit noise pollution within the vehicle by playing an insulating role.
Thus, it is placed between the interior of the vehicle and the glass part of the windshield . The joint is generally constructed of rubber to be sturdy.
Designed to be increasingly resistant, they still remain wear parts which are subject to harsh conditions: rain, snow, UV rays, wind, frost, etc.
When it shows signs of wear, it can be repaired using glue to increase its longevity. In the case of a replacement, you will have to opt for a seal kit to completely replace it and you will be forced to dismantle your windshield . On the other hand, you can also choose to buy your windshield seal cut to size, specifying its exact dimensions.
What are the symptoms of a broken windshield seal?
In order to increase the lifespan of your windshield and protect your passenger compartment, you must pay attention to the slightest signs of wear on the windshield seal . This can manifest itself in several different ways:
- The joint is coming loose : this means that the quality and effectiveness of the glue have deteriorated over time. In this type of situation, it will be necessary to change the seal and remove glue residue from the passenger compartment and the windshield;
- The seal remains stuck to the passenger compartment : as the windshield seal is sensitive to temperature variations, it will behave in this way when the weather is very cold. You should definitely not pull on it as this could tear it;
- The joint is hard : with extreme cold, the rubber will contract and it may even come off its support;
- The joint crumbles : after several hours of exposure to the sun’s rays, the joint can crumble because of the excessive heat it is subjected to;
- The joint expands : it can expand, particularly during periods of heatwave when temperatures reach extreme levels.
These different situations will alter the functioning of the windshield seal and can hinder you when traveling.
How to change a windshield with seal?
If you want to change your windshield with a seal yourself, you can follow our step-by-step guide to do it simply and efficiently!
Necessary material:
- Protective gloves
- A toolbox
- A new windshield
- A new windshield seal
Step 1: Extract the worn seal
Sit in the passenger compartment of your car and equip yourself with a screwdriver. Using this, exert pressure on the joint with the tip of the screwdriver. It must be placed between the bodywork and the windshield seal. Always start at the corners to be able to extract the joint easily.
Step 2: Remove the windshield
When the windshield is no longer held by the gasket, you can gently remove it.
Step 3: Install the new gasket
Pass a rope through the new windshield seal to simplify its installation on your car. Lubricate the seal then install it on the vehicle.
Step 4: Install the new windshield
This step requires two people to remove the windshield while pulling on the seal rope.
How much does it cost to change the windshield seal?
A windshield seal is an inexpensive piece of equipment, it is sold on average between €10 and €15 . If you change it yourself, it will only cost you the price of the part. However, if you go through a professional, it will cost around €50 for labor .
The windshield seal is the essential element to keep your windshield in place and properly insulate your passenger compartment from the outside. As soon as it shows signs of deterioration, intervene quickly before your windshield cracks due to the lack of maintenance of the seal!