Let’s agree on something: there’s nothing like the open-air freedom of ripping down a trail in your Can-Am. But let’s also be honest—eating a face full of dust, getting pelted by rain, or dodging that rogue branch can get old, fast. You bought your machine for adventure, not for a constant battle with the elements.
I promise this guide will solve that problem for good. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about upgrading to can am glass. This isn’t just about bolting on a piece of plastic; it’s about choosing the right material for your riding style, installing it correctly to avoid headaches later, and maintaining it for years of crystal-clear views.
In this comprehensive guide from the crew at FatBoysOffroad, we’ll walk you through the different types of windshields, provide a step-by-step installation process, and share our pro tips for care and troubleshooting. Get ready to transform your ride’s comfort and safety.
Why Upgrade to Can-Am Glass? The Trail-Tested Benefits
Installing a front or rear windshield is one of the single best upgrades you can make to your Can-Am Maverick, Defender, or Commander. The immediate improvement in ride quality is staggering. If you’re on the fence, consider the real-world benefits of can am glass that you’ll experience from day one.
First and foremost is protection. A quality windshield deflects wind, rain, mud, and kicked-up rocks. More importantly, it acts as a crucial safety barrier against trail hazards like low-hanging branches that can cause serious injury.
Comfort is a close second. A windshield dramatically reduces wind fatigue on long rides, allowing you to stay focused and enjoy the journey. It also contains the heat from your heater in the winter and keeps the cab significantly cleaner by preventing dust from swirling in. When paired with a rear window, it nearly eliminates the annoying dust vortex that plagues open-cab machines.
Choosing Your Shield: Laminated Glass vs. Polycarbonate
Not all “glass” is created equal. The single most important decision you’ll make is choosing the right material for your needs. This choice will impact durability, clarity, and maintenance down the road. This is the core of our can am glass guide, so pay close attention.
The Case for Laminated Safety Glass
Laminated safety glass is exactly what you’ll find in the windshield of your daily driver. It’s made by sandwiching a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between two layers of glass. When it breaks, the plastic interlayer holds the shards together, preventing them from flying into the cab.
- Pros: Unmatched optical clarity and superior scratch resistance. You can clean it with standard glass cleaners and it won’t easily haze or swirl. It provides a premium, automotive-quality feel.
- Cons: It’s heavier than polycarbonate and more expensive. While it’s very strong, a direct, sharp impact from a rock can cause it to crack or star.
We recommend laminated glass for riders in open environments like dunes or desert trails where high speeds are common and the risk of fine, abrasive sand is high. It’s also the top choice if you plan to install a wiper kit.
The Power of Polycarbonate (Lexan)
Polycarbonate is an incredibly tough, impact-resistant thermoplastic. It’s the material used for everything from riot shields to bullet-resistant windows. For off-road use, you’ll want to look for a “hard-coated” version, which has a thin layer applied to both sides to improve scratch resistance.
- Pros: Virtually unbreakable. It can take direct hits from rocks and branches without shattering. It’s also significantly lighter and generally more affordable than laminated glass.
- Cons: Even when hard-coated, it is more susceptible to scratching than real glass. It requires special care and cleaning methods to avoid fine scratches and swirls over time.
Polycarbonate is the go-to for aggressive rock crawlers, trail riders in dense woods, and anyone whose primary concern is impact protection over perfect clarity.
Our Pro Recommendation: Which One is for You?
Think about your 80% use case. If you’re mostly on fast, open trails and hate scratches, spend the extra money on laminated safety glass. If you’re constantly pushing through brush and bouncing off trees, the impact resistance of hard-coated polycarbonate is your best bet.
The Complete Can-Am Glass Installation Guide
Alright, you’ve picked your shield. Now it’s time to get it on your machine. This section covers how to can am glass correctly, a process that is straightforward but requires a little patience to get right. A sloppy install leads to rattles and leaks.
Tools and Prep Work
Gather your gear before you start. You don’t need a full shop, but having the right tools makes the job a breeze.
- A good quality Torx bit and socket set
- A torque wrench (recommended but not essential for the careful DIYer)
- A soft, clean blanket or towel
- A second set of hands—trust us, this helps a ton
- Glass cleaner and a microfiber towel for final cleanup
Before you begin, unbox your new windshield and inspect it carefully for any shipping damage. Lay it on the soft blanket. Next, clean the roll cage surfaces where the windshield clamps will mount. Any dirt or grit left here can cause squeaks.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Follow these steps for a perfect, rattle-free fit. These are the can am glass best practices for installation.
- Attach Gaskets and Brackets: First, install the rubber gasket along the bottom and sides of the windshield frame, if it didn’t come pre-installed. Then, loosely attach the mounting clamps or brackets to the windshield frame. Leave them just loose enough to move around.
- Position the Windshield: With your helper, carefully lift the windshield into position on the Can-Am’s roll cage. Let the bottom edge rest on the dash plastics while you align the sides.
- Hand-Tighten Everything: Start all the bolts connecting the clamps to the roll cage by hand. Do not tighten any of them down yet. The goal is to get everything situated without putting any single point under stress.
- Check Alignment and Gaps: Step back and look at the windshield. Is it centered? Is the gap along the bottom and sides even? Gently nudge it into its final position. This is the most critical step for a good seal.
- Systematically Tighten: Begin to snug the bolts down in a crisscross pattern, like you’re tightening lug nuts. Go from top-left to bottom-right, then top-right to bottom-left. Don’t fully torque them on the first pass. Get them all snug, then go around one more time to tighten them to their final torque. Do not overtighten, as you can crack the frame or damage the roll cage.
Post-Installation Checks
Once everything is tight, give the windshield a firm push from the inside. It should feel solid with no movement or clunking. Check that the rubber seal is making even contact with the bodywork all the way around. Now you’re ready to hit the trail.
Common Problems with Can-Am Glass and How to Fix Them
Even with a perfect installation, you might run into issues down the line. Here are some common problems with can am glass and our simple solutions.
Annoying Rattles and Squeaks: This is almost always caused by a loose bolt or a contact point that needs a little cushioning. Double-check the tightness of all your mounting hardware. If that doesn’t solve it, identify the noisy spot and try placing a small piece of thin rubber or high-density foam tape between the clamp and the cage.
Scratches and Swirls: This is the number one enemy of polycarbonate. Minor surface swirls can sometimes be polished out with a dedicated plastic polish kit like Novus. However, deep scratches from branches are permanent. Prevention is the only real cure, which we’ll cover in the care guide below.
Leaks and Poor Sealing: If you’re getting water or dust past the seal, the first step is to check the windshield’s alignment. Loosen the bolts and try to reposition it for a better fit. Ensure the rubber gasket is clean and properly seated in its channel. As a last resort for a stubborn corner, a very small, clean bead of clear RTV silicone can solve the problem.
The Ultimate Can-Am Glass Care Guide for Lasting Clarity
Your windshield is a significant investment, and proper care will keep it looking great for years. This can am glass care guide is essential, especially for polycarbonate owners.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning
- DO: Always rinse the windshield with a gentle stream of water first. This lifts and removes heavy grit that causes scratches.
- DO: Use a mild soap (like dish soap) and plenty of water, or a dedicated polycarbonate-safe cleaner.
- DO: Use a clean, high-quality microfiber towel. Blot dry or use very light pressure.
- DON’T: Never, ever dry-wipe a dusty windshield. This is like cleaning it with sandpaper.
- DON’T: Do not use paper towels or shop rags. They are abrasive.
- DON’T: Avoid ammonia-based cleaners like Windex on polycarbonate, as they can cause the material to become hazy and brittle over time.
Choosing Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Cleaning Practices
Thinking about a more sustainable approach? It’s easier than you think. Using a simple, biodegradable soap-and-water solution is not only safe for your windshield but also better for the environment than harsh chemical cleaners. This is a core part of an eco-friendly can am glass maintenance routine.
Furthermore, true sustainability comes from longevity. By following these care tips, your windshield will last much longer. A durable, well-maintained part means less waste in landfills and fewer resources consumed making replacements. That’s the heart of sustainable can am glass ownership.
Trailside Cleaning Tips
Here’s one of our favorite can am glass tips for the trail. Keep a small spray bottle filled with water and a clean microfiber towel in a sealed plastic bag. When you stop for a break, you can safely rinse and wipe away mud and dust for a clear view on the next leg of your journey. Whatever you do, resist the urge to use that gas station squeegee!
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Glass
Is a glass or polycarbonate windshield better for my Can-Am?
It depends on your riding style. For maximum scratch resistance and optical clarity, especially in sandy or dusty conditions, laminated safety glass is superior. For maximum impact resistance in rocky or wooded terrain, hard-coated polycarbonate is the tougher choice.
Can I make my Can-Am street legal with a glass windshield?
A DOT-approved laminated glass windshield is often a key requirement for making a UTV street legal, but it’s rarely the only one. Most states also require features like a horn, turn signals, mirrors, and a license plate mount. Always check your specific local and state regulations.
How do I remove deep scratches from my polycarbonate windshield?
Unfortunately, you can’t truly remove deep scratches that you can feel with your fingernail. Polishing compounds can help minimize the appearance of very light surface scuffs and swirls, but a deep gouge is there to stay. This is why proper cleaning technique is so critical for polycarbonate.
Do I need a rear window if I have a front windshield?
We highly recommend it. Installing only a front windshield creates a low-pressure zone inside the cab as you move, which sucks dust and exhaust fumes in from the rear. Adding a rear glass or polycarbonate panel almost completely eliminates this “vortex effect,” keeping your cab dramatically cleaner and more comfortable.
Investing in a quality windshield is a game-changer for your Can-Am. By choosing the right material for your needs, installing it with care, and following a proper cleaning routine, you’ll enjoy a safer, more comfortable, and clearer view of the trail ahead. Now get out there, enjoy the ride, and stay safe!
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