When replacing a cracked windshield, determine the cause of the crack and correct the condition before the new window is installed. The cause of the crack may be an obstruction or a high spot somewhere around the flange of the opening. Cracking may not occur until the pressure from the high spot or the obstruction becomes particularly high due to the following conditions:
| • | Winds |
| • | Extremes of temperature |
| • | Rough terrain |
Suggestions of what to look for are described later in this section under Inspection.
If a windshield is broken, the window may already have fallen or been removed from the adhesive. It is not necessary to remove a cracked or otherwise imperfect windshield that is still in tact. In this case, crisscross the window with strips of duct tape before removing the windshield. This will help to hold the window together.
If a crack extends to the edge of a window, mark the point where the crack meets the reveal molding. To do this, use a piece of chalk and mark the point on the vehicle next to the reveal molding. Later, when examining the flange of the opening for the cause of the crack, start at the point marked.
Before removing the window, cover the instrument panel and he surrounding sheet metal with protective covering.
