The history of Suzuki four-wheel drive cars began in the mid-sixties when Suzuki, embarked on a journey towards building a kei-class off-road vehicle. The first Suzuki-branded four-wheel drive was introduced in 1970 and after nearly three-decades of evolution, a Jimny that would subsequently be available for 20-years went on sale in 1998.

Suzuki Jimny 1998-2018

Until its production came to an end, the Jimny was tweaked here and there, but it remained essentially the same car until 2018. Not that the current, 2019-on model has changed much; underneath the retro bodywork is the same combination of a ladder frame chassis, live axles front and rear plus long-travel coil-spring suspension. Whilst the car still looks the same, one significant tweak is on the windscreen.

Jimny 2019 on

Previously, the windscreen was bonded in with a trim around the glass edge. The new model windscreen however, as well as being noticeably smaller, is ‘floated’ in the frame without a trim. A 4mm gap around the glass edge now gives the glass a flush-fitted look. This – very tight – gap whilst enhancing the car’s smooth appearance, can be tricky to clean and if not cleaned regularly can become a dirt trap.

With dirt and debris trapped in the recess, water can penetrate between the glass layers of the sandwich construction thus affecting the vinyl inter-layer, as well as cause bleaching to the (black) ceramic frit. This car illustrated clearly the issue and whilst regular cleaning might be a solution, it may not always be practical. After a stone-strike cracked the windscreen, it was time for a replacement, OE of course.

Whilst the new windscreen was fitted it was a good opportunity to address the gap cleaning issue.

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