Windshield Replacement and Rust
Windshield Replacement and Rust Issues
It is right around the time that you need to replace your windshield that you will notice if you are having an issue with rust. Older vehicles start to rust in certain areas such as the pinch-weld where the windshield sits, and if you do not deal with the rust right away, it can spread like a cancer across the entire body of your vehicle.
Rust around the windshield can allow water and moisture to enter your vehicle. As rust spreads from a key area around the windshield, it can weaken the seal that holds the windshield in. If the channel around the windshield is severely rusted, you can be risking your safety by continuing to drive your car without dealing with the issue.
Usually a rust spot is just the “tip of the iceberg”. The rust that you can see is called surface rust, but it could be pretty extensive underneath the paint. A good indication of how far the rust extends is where you can see that the paint has “bubbled”. Once the paint bubbles, it will start to crack and chip off, revealing the rust spot underneath.
One of the best things that you can do is take your car to a body shop and have them inspect and investigate the problem. A bodyman can give you an estimate to let you know how much a repair would cost. If you are a “project person”, you may be interested in undertaking the repairs yourself. You will have to remove the entire windshield and inspect the channel behind the seal to see how extensive the damage really is.
Once a rust spot starts and then spreads, the rubber seal that holds the windshield in cannot be properly placed inside the channel. This compromises the strength of the seal and can become extremely dangerous. Small rust spots can be covered up with silicone and effectively sealed, but this is only a temporary “fix” and you will need to keep a careful watch to see if the spot spreads at all.
It is also possible to have an issue with rust in your windshield channel if you have a windshield replaced by someone who does not know what they are doing. It is important to always have a windshield repaired or replaced by a professional who can offer a warranty on their work. This allows you to take your vehicle back to that shop if you have any issues down the road with leakage or improper installation.
A professional windshield installation technician should be properly trained to ensure that the installation is done right the first time. When an old windshield is fully removed, it can leave scratches or pits in the channel. At the time that a new windshield is installed, the channel is generally treated with a primer to ensure that the area does not rust. Properly trained windshield installation professionals know all of the important details to ensure that your installation is done correctly so that you will not run into issues with rust after the new windshield has been installed.
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