If you notice a water leak after windshield replacement, what steps should you take?

• A. Replace the windshield again and apply extra adhesive.
• B. Ignore it if it's a small leak; it will seal itself.
• C. Inspect for improper bead application or gaps, reseal as necessary, and recheck for leaks after reassembly.
• D. Only replace trims; leaks are due to weatherstrip.

Answer: (C)

Water leaks after a windshield replacement usually come from the seal around the glass, so the focus should be on the bead and the joints rather than the glass itself. Start by inspecting the seal bead along all edges for even coverage and any gaps, voids, or areas where adhesion is compromised. If you find issues, remove the damaged bead as needed, clean the mating surfaces, and reseal with the correct bead size and pattern, then reassemble and let the sealant cure per the manufacturer's instructions. After resealing, perform a leak test by applying water around the edge or using a controlled spray to confirm no moisture gets inside. Replacing the windshield again or just adding more adhesive won’t fix the underlying sealing problem, and swapping trims alone won’t address a compromised bead.