Despite our yearning, cars can succumb to wear and tear over time. Brake discs become worn down, while the interior begins to lose its shine. All we are able to do is strive towards keeping the car in its best condition for as long as possible.
The same is true for windows. Over the years, the rubber and glue keeping it in place may start coming off. And when that starts happening, you’re going to need a windshield sealant.
I’ve spent two dozen hours researching these products, so you don’t have to. Join me today and learn which are the five best windshield sealants you can buy today!
In a Hurry? The Winner after 26 Hours of Research:
How I Picked:
21 Resources | 133 Reviews Compared |
|---|---|
26 Hours Of Research | 34 Popular Products Considered |
Last Updated: January 31, 2023
By James Ruhle:
This article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information regarding best windshield sealants available for those who are interested in sealing cracks on the windshield the best way. The best 5 available have changed, and information has been added to assist individuals in finding the best windshield sealants currently available on the market. The FAQ has also been updated.
Current Top Windshield Sealants On The Market- Comparison Table
Product | Type | Can Be Used To Seal | Size | Our Rating | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone-based | Glass, metal, ABS, ceramics, plastic, and rubber | 2.7 Oz | 95/100 | |
| Silicone-based | Glass, metal, ABS, ceramics, wood, and rubber | 1.5 Oz | 85/100 | |
| Silicone-based | Metal, glass, and plastic | 1.5 Oz | 80/100 | |
Urethane-Based | Glass and metal only | 10.5 Oz | 75/100 | ||
| Silicone-based | Glass only | 8 Oz | 75/100 |
5 Best Windshield Sealants Reviewed
If you've mistakenly cracked your windshield, you may be allowing water to enter the car. This can result in much more than a mere inconvenience - it can cause serious issues. An unpleasant smell will likely linger each time you open your vehicle, and could potentially damage a dashboard or any wiring underneath.
This is why you must seal up any windshield leaks as soon as possible. You can take your car to a dealership and get ripped off, or you can get a tube of windshield sealant and fix the problem for around $20.
Unfortunately, the market is flooded with all kinds of sealants, and not all of them are that good. This is why I decided to spend some time researching these products, so you don’t end up with a tube of silicone that’s good for nothing. After hours spent browsing different stores, I give you the five best car windshield sealants you find in 2021.
1. Loctite Clear Silicone Waterproof Sealant - Editor’s Choice
Loctite is known for crafting quality adhesives and sealants, with their name synonymous with superglue. Amongst the range of adhesive options they offer, Loctite Clear Silicone windshield sealant is particularly impressive; it can be used to fix almost any material - from glass to metal or plastic.
This sealant is excellent for fixing up most cracks on your windshield. Because it's silicone-based, you can rest assured it will keep the water away even in a downpour. Thanks to its amazing adhesive properties, this windshield sealant can bond almost any two materials together. This is excellent news if you're having trouble with your stop lights starting to come off.
Loctite's windshield sealant offers the same dependability as all of their other products - once it cures, it won't expand or contract and guarantee a watertight seal. One of my favorite features is how quickly it sets; I used it to fix a cracked jar and in just minutes, the adhesive had dried and hardened. After waiting an hour I did a water test and was pleased to find that no liquid had seeped through!
The only thing I don't like about this windshield sealant is the packaging. For some reason, if you start squeezing out the tube's contents from the middle, there is a chance the bottom will rupture and spill the sealant everywhere. This is why I recommend you squeeze it from the bottom, so you don't end up in a messy situation.
No matter how careful you are on the road, it's almost inevitable that at some point you'll encounter a bird or hard-bodied insect that will cause windshield damage in the form of small nicks and cracks. Thankfully, these can be quickly and easily repaired with Permatex 81730 Flowable Silicone Windshield and Glass Sealer!
This glass sealant is specially designed to easily flow into cracks and nicks so it can form a clear, solid layer of protection. This seal is not only fully waterproof but is also resistant to vibrations and extreme temperatures. Once you apply it, you can rest assured this sealant won’t let any water through no, whether it’s summer or winter.
Applying this sealant is easy - just clean out the area you want to fix and start pouring! The sealant will flow into all the cracks and crevices, quickly forming a crystal clear seal. Just be sure to keep an eye on it so that no leaks occur as it may form permanent stains.
Once you’ve applied this glass sealant, it will take around an hour to harden. After another 24 hours, it will fully cure.
My only issue with this silicone sealant is that it’s a bit too liquid. If it was a bit tackier, you wouldn’t have to be so careful when applying it. I also don’t like how it stains anything it comes in contact with.
Glass windows aren't the only thing that can crack or shatter - mirrors, lights, and signal and stop lights are also vulnerable to sudden damage. To ensure complete protection, you need an especially resilient sealant.
One such sealant is J-B Weld 31319 RTV Silicone Sealant and Adhesive. This sealant is specially designed to withstand harsh elements and remain in place. Once it cures, it won't shrink or expand, no matter how extreme the temperature outside. On top of that, it forms a fully waterproof seal.
This sealant offers an impressive variety of colors to choose from - clear, blue, red, black, white, gray, and copper. Depending on the type of repair job you need to do, you can select a shade that perfectly matches your needs.
When it comes to ease of use, this sealant is relatively easy to apply. Even though it's quite liquid, it's just a tad bit too tacky to flow in all the nooks and crannies. This is why I recommend you use an index card to smooth it over and push it into the crack to form a better seal.
The cure time is standard for this type of product. It will fully harden after an hour, and it will fully cure after a day. After it's fully cured, I recommend you do a water test because there is a slight chance this sealant hasn't filled out the entire crack.
If you're looking for an adhesive solution for installing a new windshield yourself, look no further than the 3M Auto Glass Urethane Windshield Adhesive. This sealant is highly durable and won't lose its bond even when exposed to extreme temperatures.
3M sealant is specially designed to allow you to replace auto glass by yourself. Of course, you can also use it to fix your tail glass, and just about anything that gets unglued from your car.
This windshield sealant is not suitable for repairing minor cracks and chips. It is a urethane-based sealant that won't become transparent upon curing - instead, it remains a rich black color. This sealant is best used exclusively for replacing auto glass, nothing else.
When it comes to curing, 3M Auto Glass Urethane Windshield Adhesive is designed to cure without sagging or bulging. This ensures the windshield doesn’t move while the sealant cures. Thankfully, once you apply it, you have around 10 minutes to adjust the windshield before the sealant becomes too hard.
This product has two notable drawbacks: a lengthy curing process and its tendency to leave indelible stains. Depending on the conditions, it may take up to 48 hours for it to fully cure. If you happen to spill any of the sealant, you won't be able to remove the stain afterwards.
Even if you don't accidentally crack your windshield, it can become so damaged that visibility is impaired. Everyday wear and tear from activities like using the wipers will accumulate over time, slowly eroding away at the glass's surface.
If you're dealing with a windshield with lots of small nicks and scrapes, you can quickly fix it with Griots Garage 11033 Glass Sealant. This product will breathe in new life into your old, nicked up windshield thanks to its unique water-repelling formula.
This sealant provides a powerful, clear layer that's highly hydrophobic. This means that water droplets will slide right off the windshield, making for a much smoother driving experience.
Previous sealants, you can't use Griot's Garage to fix a crack. Instead, it would be best if you used this windshield sealant to fix any small nicks and scratches on the windshield and other car windows and make them water repellant, so you have better visibility when it's raining.
The only thing I don't like about this windshield sealant is how tedious it is to apply. You have to use a cloth to apply the coat evenly, wait for it to dry, then apply a second coating. Once the second coat has cured, then you have to buff it until it becomes clear.
Pros
Cons
Windshield Sealants FAQ
Q: What can I use to seal a leaking windshield?
A: If your windshield is leaking water, you have two solutions. The first solution is to take your car to a dealership or an authorized mechanic and get the auto glass repaired. Unfortunately, a new windshield can cost you hundreds of dollars. And since we’re living in chaotic times, not everyone has the time to take their car to a dealership.
An alternative fix is to use a car windshield sealant. These sealants will repair most cracks in the glass, though they won't be able to deal with more serious damage. They are perfect for minor issues such as a small nick, corners that have cracked, or rubber edges that have started to peel away.
Q: How much does it cost to seal a windshield?
A: Sealing a windshield will cost you more time than money. Most sealants cost around $20, but it will take up to half an hour to apply it.
Before applying the sealant, you have to sand down any rough edges and clean everything with a cloth and paint thinner. After you’ve prepared the surface, you can start applying the sealant. Use an index card to smooth any rough edges - wait a couple of minutes for everything to dry, and you’re done!
Q: How do you remove old windshield sealant?
A: How easy a windshield sealant depends on what it's made out of. If you’re dealing with urethane-based sealant, you’re in luck because it comes off quite easy using acetone and some acetone grease.
For silicone sealants, however, you're looking at a much more difficult task. As this material is nearly impossible to dissolve in most liquids, your only option is to slowly scrape it off with a box cutter.
After It's All Said and Done, I Recommend:
Conclusion
Choosing the right windshield sealant can be quite tricky. Still, I hope this article helped you find the right product for your needs.
With that said, I've chosen Loctite Clear Silicone Waterproof Sealant as the best windshield sealant because it offers the best mix of ease of use and price.
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