Whether you are managing a fleet or looking to add an additional revenue stream to your garage, bringing windscreen repair in-house can save significant time and money. 

Esprit is a performance tested windscreen repair system designed for the commercial market and designed for use by garages, independent windscreen repair technicians and other professions and Rejel are proud to be an authorised distributor of Esprit for the UK and Ireland markets. With in-house training available at your site, it is great value and your team can be confident repairing chips and cracks straight away. 

It is widely recognised that windscreen chip repair is an environmentally better option than windscreen replacement. It is also financially more viable. Thanks to products like the Esprit windscreen repair kit and resins, this has been made possible.

Esprit Windscreen Repair Equipment Ltd. is a second-generation family business and offers all customers an ongoing support service. When you buy an Esprit repair system it is backed up by great technical support including the availability of online training videos and technical staff with extensive knowledge built on Esprit having been creating windscreen repair equipment for the past 35 years.

This new repair kits offer a cost-effective alternative to windscreen replacements using resin to restore damaged glass and UV LED Light to cure the resin for immediate drive away.

"What sets the Esprit Windscreen Repair System apart from competitors is the quality of the materials used. The Esprit system has been accredited by TUV Rhineland - the main test body for new windscreens - meaning that it meets the performance standards set out for original windscreens in mechanical strength, optical performance and climatic resistance in the stringent British and European regulatory system.

Esprit windscreen repair kits include everything you need to clean and prepare an affected area as well as equipment to inject and harden the resin effectively. Repairs typically take 20 - 30 minutes and the kits meet all major international standards, including British Standard BS AU 242b:2022 specification for automotive laminated windscreen repair systems.

Windscreen repair kits are available to purchase from our website. We recommend that users participate in training to ensure that they can provide the highest-quality windscreen repairs.

DINITROL rust proofing products were designed to give short to long-term protection for all metal surfaces by creating a resistant barrier to metal substrates against corrosion and abrasion.

The first step to rust proofing is to use a high pressure washer to remove soil, grit and other debris from the undercarriage. Once thoroughly dry, all mechanical and sensitive components should be protected by covering them with plastic and sealing with masking tape.

DINITROL has an excellent penetration capacity and enters into the smallest cavities and grooves.

The attached video shows some of the products being applied. Whether you are looking for underbody coatings, cavity waxes, sound deadening or dampening materials, rust converters, short and long term protection coatings, DINITROL has a product for each requirement. 

Dinitrol rust protection application video 

For more information, contact Rejel - a UK distributor of DINITROL to the UK market.

In this article we will take a look at the three most popular rust proofing cavity waxes and the best way to get the most out of these products.

Dinitrol ML cavity wax

This is a very thin, low viscosity  brown cavity wax that is ideal for spraying into the chassis, box sections and hard to reach areas. Dinitrol ML is an all year round product and doesn't need warming prior to application.

Applied in conjunction with an underbody wax ( Dinitrol 4941) it acts as an adhesion promotor and can be used over previously applied rust prevention applications.

Dinitrol ML contains rust inhibitors and will help stop ongoing corrosion by forming a soft, wear resistant film that effectively eliminates dampness.

Dinitrol 3125HS cavity wax

In many respects Dinitrol 3125HS has similar properties and uses as Dinitrol ML. The main difference between them is that Dinitrol 3125HS has a high viscosity. This means that it is very thick and will require warming prior to use.

This product is better suited to warm weather and can be used as a thin underbody coating where high abrasion is unlikely.

For improved performance on more corroded surfaces, Dinitrol ML can be used as a pre-treatment to Dinitrol 3125HS.

Dinitrol 3125 HS penetrates rust and dirt preventing further corrosion. Even damp and dirty surfaces will not affect its superb performance.

Dinitrol 1000 Cavity Wax

If you're looking for a clear cavity wax, the 1000 is an ideal product. A thinner cavity wax, it is great for penetrating into the door skins, bonnets and box sections. Transparaent and highly water repellent, this is a great wax to use at low temperature. Dinitrol1000 is a Polyethyelene based wax and is re-wash resistant.

We've written this short guide to walk through tests for the rain and light sensors. 

For the Rain sensor: Ensure that the vehicle’s hand brake is on and it is in neutral, or Park (P) position for an automatic transmission. Turn the vehicle on and leave the engine at idle speed and ensure that all doors and windows are closed and make sure the wiper switch is in the ‘Automatic / On’ position. Spray water onto the windshield at the area where the sensor is located and check that the wipers operate automatically.

For the Light sensor: Ensure that the vehicle hand brake is on and it is in neutral, or Park (P) position for an automatic transmission. Turn the vehicle on and leave the engine at idle speed and ensure that all doors and windows are closed and make sure the wiper switch is in the ‘Automatic / On’ position. Block out any light by placing your hand or a dark piece of paper over the area of the windscreen where the sensor aperture is located and check that the lights switch on automatically.

If either or both of the above tests fail, then it is likely that the sensor or control unit is faulty, or that it needs to be re-calibrated. This should be checked and rectified by an authorized OEM vehicle dealer, before the windscreen is replaced.

Useful tips on removal and installation of all sensor units:

The rain sensor on the Mercedes or Jaguar for example, will only activate the wipers when all doors are closed – a safety/courtesy feature which stops water from being 'swept' off the screen into the front of the cabin when the wipers are operating.

In fact, the rain sensor will only work when all the doors and windows are closed and the engine is running. Also before removing the vehicle windscreen and disconnecting the sensor unit, it is important to ensure that both the light and wiper switches are in the ‘OFF’ position so that neither the wipers nor lights can automatically function by mistake.

Electric windows should also remain closed until the sensor unit is re-connected.

It is also important not to turn on the ignition switch or the radio during the time the sensor is disconnected, as the electronic system will measure differences in voltage and may change the calibration settings of the sensor unit. This may lead to a malfunction of the sensor unit when re-connected and a possible failure to operate either the lights and/or wipers correctly.

The only way to rectify such an error would be to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer with the appropriate equipment to re-calibrate the system.

After the high penetrating cavity wax has been applied it will form a brown flexible film on the surface. DINITROL ML has been specifically designed and manufactured for the application into vehicle closed cavity areas such as frame members, crevices, joints and doors.

Protect your classic car with DINITROL ML

DINITROL ML was designed to offer the best rust proofing to classic cars or older car models. For classic car restoration, use it along with DINITROL 4941 and DINITROL RC900: 

• Dinitrol 4941 offers long term resistance against corrosion and abrasion even under extreme conditions. Once applied the solvents disperse leaving a tough black elastic protective film that is heat resistant with the added bonus of offering a degree of sound deadening. 
  
• Dinitrol RC900 is a specialist rust converter and primer, which contains a complex organic chelat base and epoxy resin. It actively converts rust into a stable organic iron complex. Once the product is dry, an impermeable 
  barrier against further corrosion is formed. RC 900 penetrates rust 7 to 10 times deeper than standard rust converters. The product forms a strong dry adhesive film that provides a suitable base for paintwork and other corrosion protection products. 

DINITROL ML  cavity wax is available in a convenient 500ml aerosol with 90mm straw extension applicator 

attachment allowing for quick and easy application. 

The convenience of an aerosol means no more spray guns or compressors - application couldn't be simpler! The extended nozzle makes it perfect for spraying inside closed cavities such as doors, door sills, frame parts, external joints and cracks. An extension hose can be fitted directly onto the aerosol nozzle for full coverage within enclosed spaces.

DINITROL ML does not harm lacquers used in the motor industry and adheres well to substrates, is not conductive and has a neutral odour after evaporation.

Before detaching the glued sensor from the windscreen ensure there is no power supply to the sensor unit by removing the ignition key.

1.) Detaching the glued sensor from the windscreen:

Often behind the rear-view mirror, the cover for the sensor needs to be removed as well as the sensor bracket. Using a low level warmth on the outside of the glass to raise the temperature can help break the adhesive seal between sensor pad and the windscreen to aid easy removal. Avoid heating beyond 25C and use your Esprit heater or a hair dryer or similar.

Sensor removal tools are also available and can be used to break the adhesive seal between the sensor and glass. Do not use razor blades to remove the sensor unit as this may cause damage.

2.) Removing the adhesive pad from the optical unit:

If the old sensor doesn’t come away easily, for glued sensors additional heat may need to be applied to help in the removal of the old adhesive pad. Remove the remaining adhesive pieces in a longitudinal direction or peel off with your thumb. Do not use any razor blades or cutting tools to remove adhesive pads from the sensor surface as this may scratch the surface and render the optical element unusable.

3.) Cleaning the optical unit:

Thoroughly clean the face of the sensor surface that is to receive the new adhesive pad with Sensor Tack sensor activator or Isopropyl cleaning product and a lint-free cloth.

4.) Cleaning the windscreen:

Thoroughly clean the area of the windshield where the sensor is to be attached with

sensor activator or Isopropyl cleansing product (such as Esprit E-Spray) and a lint-free cloth.

5.) Attaching the adhesive pad to the optical element:

For those sensor pads that come with self-adhesive, partially remove a small section of the cover of the adhesive pad and place on one side of the face of the sensor and slowly by peeling off with your thumb, remove the rest of the cover of the adhesive pad and press it onto the face of the sensor in stages. Never attempt to press the adhesive pad over the entire surface in one operation/movement as this may result in bubbles forming on the optics side. Press the adhesive pad onto the sensor unit in stages this will allow any air bubbles to be dispersed.

Caution: during and after pressing the adhesive pad onto the sensor, avoid deformations to the outer red surface or liner of the adhesive cover material.

6.) Detaching the outer protective cover from the adhesive pad:

To improve the adhesive characteristics, and to ease the removal of the red protective cover, you can again use your Esprit windscreen heater or similar to warm up the adhesive pad. The heat source should be directed on to the adhesive pad for only a few seconds until the surface of the red protective cover starts to deform (ripples). Carefully remove the protective cover from the adhesive pad by first lifting up one corner and then in an even movement, pull off completely or use the pull-off tag where applicable. Avoid making any impressions on the exposed adhesive pad. The sensor unit should be immediately placed onto the glass in the desired position as the adhesive surface is electro statically charged and may attract dust particles if left exposed to the environment.

For sensor pads that do not have self-adhesive coatings, once the sensor has been cleaned with Sensor Activator, the pad is laid into the sensor bracket.

7.) Attaching the optical element onto the windscreen:

Moisten on the clean, dust-free area of the windshield where the sensor is to be attached. Moistening is so that is possible to slightly move the sensor unit during installation. It is advisable not to place the optical element directly onto the glass but to start at an angle and gradually lower it into position without pressure. Slide the optical element back and forth until no bubbles are visible by checking the outside of the windshield. (The curvature of the windshield can affect the initial adhesion and may influence the formation of bubbles.) When the sensor is in its final position apply slight pressure to complete the installation process.

8.) Final inspection of the glued sensor unit:

Examine the final assembly for a bubble-free installation. If there is any contamination or bubbling, repeat the application process.

The information expressed in this publication is intended as a general guide only, and as product features may vary according to each specific Model / manufacturer it is recommended that you always seek the latest information from the vehicle manufacturer. 

The sensor replacement pad that sits between the sensor and the windscreen plays an important role in ensuring that the light is correctly channeled into the sensor. Over time, the sensor pads age and the quality deteriorates meaning the sensor won’t operate as intended. Each vehicle will have different protocols in place to respond to this (and ensure driver safety) but you might find the wipers are on automatic function or the lights remain on rather than dropping down to daytime running lights.

It is possible to conduct a series of tests to make sure that it is the sensor pad that is causing the problem or the sensor itself (keep an eye on our blog for this article in future weeks).

There are a range of options available to replace the pads – acrylic and silicone pads, or liquid 2 part gels that fill to the shape of the sensor and firm ready for use. There are a range of shapes for each vehicle as well as for the HGV and commercial fleet market. Each style has benefits – whether that is performance, price, ease of use. Much comes down to personal preference. For example, the gels can be used on all shapes and sizes, whilst pads can also be cut down to size.

Given the important function the sensors play in the operation of a modern car it makes sense to fit a high-quality pad such as from the Sensor Tack range. The Sensor Tack pads are OEM quality and designed to ensure they match the refractive index of the glass, are highly transparent and highly elastic for ease of use and have the benefit of being resistant to fingerprints and dust. All of this makes the fitting easier and guarantees performance.

Some pads, such as the 3M acrylic range come with a self-adhesive backing whilst others are held between the sensor and the windscreen purely by pressure and require no adhesive in the process.

It is important to note that before removing the windscreen make certain that there is no power supply to the sensor unit by removing the ignition key. The use of gentle heat to warm the exterior of the windscreen (to approx. 25C) will help the old pad to come away from the windscreen as easily as possible. 

The underbody isn't the only area that needs rust protection. The seams and wheel wells are also vulnerable to the onset of corrosion particularly in the winter months when many UK roads are gritted.

Any classic car owner who has restored their dream vehicle will share the huge amount of satisfaction felt once the project is complete. Car restoration, as many will confess involves a lot of time, dedication, commitment and organisation on a car you hope doesn't disappoint. Planning and having the right tools are critical to a successful outcome. The restoration process involves cleaning, replacing and repairing including attention to the underbody - the unseen area that won't thrill but is critical to the safety and longevity of any car. They know that is worth the effort to avoid the risk of costly outcomes.

Applying underbody rust protection

Underbody rust proofing provides a protective layer which only lasts for a few years with suggested reapplication every 3-5 years. This treatment procedure involves the car being degreased and washed to remove dirt and loose particles from the underside. Any signs of corrosion are first treated with a rust converter (Dinitrol RC800 or Dinitrol RC900 rust converter) . Next apply a liberal coating of rust prevention wax to the underside. A lance should be used to add protection inside the chassis rails and under body cavities.

Once the rust converter application has cured overnight, apply a penetrating cavity wax - Dinitrol ML3125. If the ambient air temperature is low, you’ll need to warm the can of Dinitrol ML3125 in a bucket of hot water, for 15 - 20 minutes. This wax is designed to creep and flow into the smallest of cracks, welds and seams offering further protection to the chassis.

Finally, apply Dinitrol 4941 underbody wax, which forms a black, hard and waxy film which will protect the layer of ML wax underneath and provide a professional factory finish. Dinitrol 4941 offers long term resistance against corrosion and abrasion even under severe conditions. It also gives a tough elastic waxy protective coating.

Factory applied underbody rust protection isn't always as comprehensive as it could be and for older cars it should be a process under taken every few years not just as part of a restoration process. Hope you have found these few steps useful.

Well known brands we stock for windscreen fitting, replacement and repairs are as follows:

• Esprit windscreen repair tools and equipment

• Sensor Tack silicone and acrylic pads, as well as liquid gel for sensor pad replacement. 

• BTB bonded glass removal system which consists of a comprehensive range of interchangeable blades that fit into an air-powered cutting tool.

• Ombrello water repellant for windscreens.

• Dinitrol windscreen fitting kits for cars, campervans and more besides!

We also regularly update our Special Offers page with products available at a reduced price.

 If you have any questions or require additional information with regards to any product stocked, please call us on 01234 273388 or email us on sales@rejel.com.