Taking care of car parts and maintaining them allows for increased comfort of use, but also avoiding unnecessary repairs in the future. This is also an aspect that can directly affect the overall value of the car, which is also a significant argument for many drivers. Contrary to appearances, taking care of the details of the car is simple and undemanding. In this article, we will present a few tips on how to seal the window in a car, van, camper.
Sealing car windows
Sealing car windows aims to limit the ingress of moisture and precipitation into the interior of the car. The presence of moisture in the vehicle is indicated by intense and difficult to eliminate fogging of the windows or condensation of water vapour on their surface. Long-term ignoring of the problem can cause unpleasant odors in the car interior and even the settlement of fungi and bacteria. Long-term or frequent stay in the described conditions not only lowers the mood, but also has a direct impact on the health of the driver and his passengers. Additionally, it can worsen visibility while driving. Proper sealing of the car can be a key factor in ensuring driving comfort and convenient use of the car.
Reasons for the need to seal a car window
When we talk about leaky windows, we very often mean the side windows of larger vehicles such as buses, campers or trucks. There, they are often mounted on rubber panels. The causes of leaky windows can be different. Among them is faulty installation. The fault of poorly performed car window installation does not necessarily have to lie with the person performing it. The quality of this procedure is also influenced by factors such as the type of glass in the window and the type of glued surface. However, the following are also of great importance:
- proper preparation for car window replacement,
- thorough cleaning of the glued surfaces,
- selected type of gluing system,
- selection of high-quality adhesives,
- following the recommendations of the manufacturers of individual products and accessories.
Sometimes correct cleaning the glued surface glass can be a bit problematic, especially if the glass has been used for a long time or if it has been glued in the past. To deal with this type of dirt, you can use extremely effective cleaning and degreasing agents.
Workshop chemicals and glass gluing
The modern market of workshop chemicals is constantly increasing the diversity and innovation of its offer. Many of the sealing, care or cleaning products no longer require special preparation of the given surface before their use, or at least that is the opinion of their manufacturers. Nevertheless, the principle using preparations for preparing the glued surface are promoted by the best car workshops and even car manufacturers themselves. Following the procedures dictated by car manufacturers is a key factor in the correct performance of all maintenance procedures for a given car model or brand.
Sika Sikaflex 521 UV
Present in the Protym assortment Sika Sikaflex 521 sealant is intended for external use. The modern hybrid base ensures good adhesion to the glued glass surface and is also characterized by exceptionally high resistance to weather conditions, including UV. Its use is very flexible because it allows gluing surfaces made of wood, metal, metal covered with a paint coat, plastics and ceramics. Sikaflex 521 hardens under the influence of moisture, providing inviolable protection against external factors penetrating the car interior through leaks in the window. It will be used mainly in smaller windows, skylights, e.g. camper or van, where sealing will be on a small surface and does not require greater stiffness and bonding strength.
Advantages of Sikaflex 521
- Free from silicones, PVC substances, solvents and isocyanates
- Resistant to mechanical factors
- Odorless
- Does not cause corrosion
Sika Sikaflex 265
Another type of product used to seal windows is Sikaflex 265 . Polyurethane adhesive and sealant, used for gluing glass, mainly for trucks. It is used for both OEM first assembly and repairs. However, its very good resistance to external conditions makes it particularly useful for creating external joints. Sikaflex 265 will make leaky windows in rubber profiles watertight. The adhesive has excellent adhesion, and is also durable and flexible, which means it can transfer vibrations and heavy loads.
Sealing car windows
It is worth remembering that car window sealing is one of the basic car maintenance activities. In order to maintain the proper level of air humidity in the car, you can use humidity meters, which will be a kind of indicator and reassurance regarding potential moisture problems. The level of water vapor in the air exceeds 60% may be a signal to check the tightness of the car's windows.
Protym
For advice on choosing the right car care products, we encourage you to contact our customer service office. Protym . A qualified team will help you choose the right accessories for all car care and maintenance procedures. Please contact us by phone at +48 570 899 652 or by e-mail at sklep@protym.pl
FAQs:
1. What are the key symptoms of leaks or poor glass properties?
The presence of water vapor and water droplets on the surface of the glass
High level of air humidity
2. What causes long-term leaks in car windows?
Leaking car windows causes damp and unpleasant odors in the car interior.
3. How long does it take to seal car windows in a professional workshop?
The final duration of the procedure depends on the chosen method of sealing car windows. In the case of using a sealant, the process may take less than 1 hour. However, it must be taken into account that the sealant takes about 24 hours (3 mm per day) to fully harden, depending on the conditions.
