Windshield molding helps keep the windshield in place in modern production vehicles. In the case of an automobile collision, the windshield glass is designed to break into small pieces to avoid cutting the passengers inside. The cracks in the windshield, however, pose a serious risk, besides spreading over time, which can hamper visibility, for this reason, if the windshield has a crack in it which is more than an inch long, consider replacing it. The first step is to remove the windshield molding.
Explanation
- Pry the plastic molding away from the windshield with a flathead screwdriver. Take your time with decorative parts, as it may not be easy to remove.
- Starting at the top, cut molding down the driver’s side window. Molding is made of urethane and is flexible. Urethane molding gives strength so that the glass does not move (and subsequently break) during normal driving. Removing the molding may take several minutes or several hours, depending on your vehicle.
- Scrape off residual molding surface of the vehicle with a razor blade. Be sure not to scratch the outside (where the metal is exposed to the elements) paint of your vehicle.
Tips & Warnings
- For more specific information on the disposal of special plastic parts, consult the vehicle handbook in particular (see Resources).