How to Install a UTV Windshield

Choosing Your New UTV Windshield

Adding a windshield to your side-by-side makes it easy to keep dirt, debris, branches, precipitation, and wind out of your face. It’ll also cut down turbulence in your cab, improving the comfort and safety of every ride. If you don’t already have a windshield picked out, you’re in luck—we can help you find the ideal windshield for your rig and how you ride. 

Once you’ve made your choice and have a windshield, the actual installation process is fairly straightforward. All you need is some basic tools, a buddy to help out, a safe space to work, and our handy step-by-step guide.

What You’ll Need Before You Begin

Before you start with the actual installation process, set yourself up for success. Ensure you are working in a flat, clear space with good visibility and gather your tools together. UTV windshields don’t require a specialized set of tools for installation, so just grab the basics: 

• Flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers
• Ratchet set
• Rubber mallet
• Protective gloves

Once your space and tools are ready, clean the roll cage all around the installation area to get rid of any grime or debris.

Step-by-Step UTV Windshield Installation Instructions

Want to see an installation before you get started? This video should give you a good idea of how simple the process can be, even if you ride a completely different make and model.

Step 1: Unbox and inspect your windshield kit

If you haven’t opened your windshield yet, take it and all the installation parts out of the box and place them on a clean surface. Check to be sure that you have all the components that are listed in the instructions before starting the installation process. Also, inspect the windshield itself for evidence of scratches, scuffs, or other shipping damage. Some windshields, like polycarbonate windshields from SuperATV, come with a protective film on both sides of the windshield. This film can make the windshield look scuffed or damaged, even when it is actually in pristine condition.

Step 2: Align and mount the brackets or clamps

Carefully place the windshield on your rig’s frame to identify the mounting points and test to make sure it fits. Having a friend to help out here will make the windshield easier to handle and align properly. Check for any gaps or overlap before going on with the installation, as a poorly fitting windshield is more susceptible to dangerous cracking or warping.

If you are installing a polycarbonate windshield, check to see if you need to install a bulb seal. Many SuperATV have this seal preinstalled, but doing it yourself is easy. Just heat the seal in the bucket of hot water to make it pliable and fit it on the windshield.

Loosely attach all of the mounting brackets—this gives you the ability to make adjustments, if needed.

Don’t forget to check the instructions for additional steps before moving on to tighten the fittings—you can find your SuperATV windshield instructions by scanning the QR code we send you.

If you are installing a SuperATV polycarbonate windshield, now is a good time to remove the film. There is a blue film and a clear film on either side of the windshield, so be sure to remove both.

Step 3: Secure the windshield and tighten fittings

Tighten all of the clamps or brackets gradually and evenly until they are firmly tightened. Be aware that over-tightening can crack or warp your windshield and tightening one bracket too much before the others can make your installation uneven. If your windshield comes with a rubber seal, make sure it is situated properly before you finish tightening the fittings.

Step 4: Check for alignment and proper seal

After tightening the brackets, be sure the windshield is still flush and level on your frame—this is a step where your rubber mallet may come in handy. Also, inspect the seal to ensure there are no gaps. If you do need to loosen brackets to adjust your windshield, don’t forget to tighten them again! This is a good time to test flip windshields to make sure the opening and closing function is working correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

While installation isn’t complicated, problems can still occur when adding a windshield to your UTV. The good news is that many of them are easy to diagnose and fixing them isn’t difficult.

• Misalignment—proper tightening and some minor adjustments with a rubber mallet can fix most small misalignment issues
• Rattling—check to confirm all mounting hardware is secure
• Gaps and Air Leaks—adjust the seal and ensure it and your windshield are properly placed on your frame
• Loose Mounts—carefully tighten mounts until they are firmly attached, taking care to not over-tighten and crack or warp your windshield

If you run into more complex problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local professional to help make sure your windshield is installed correctly.

Keeping Your Windshield in Top Shape

Once your windshield is properly installed and ready for action, stay up on maintenance. Keeping your windshield in the best condition possible will extend its lifespan, improve visibility, and make your UTV look its best. Cleaning doesn’t take long and is easy to do, as long as you are gentle and use the right supplies. Glass windshields can use glass cleaner, while it is best to use warm water and a microfiber cloth on polycarbonate windshields. Parking and storing your UTV in a shady, sheltered spot is also an easy bit of preventative maintenance you can do. 

Not sure if the windshield you have is the perfect fit for you? Now you can easily install and try out a half, full, vented, or flip windshield to find what best suits how you ride.