If a suction cup is misshapen pop it in some hot (but not quite boiling water), which should help reshape the suction cup. Obviously be careful with the hot water around kids. Suction cups work best when they are left in place, so if you don't need to take the sunshades down, then leave them in place on the window.
Here are some tips to keep the DVR or mount on the windshield.
- Step 1: Clean the suction cup. First, start by wiping off any dust and debris from the cup before mounting.
- Step 2: Clean the windshield.
- Step 3: The temperatures need to match.
- Step 4: A little moisture can help keep the seal.
- Step 5: Push hard.
First clean your window and the suction cups. Make sure both are dry. A trick that I learned was not to use water on the suction cups. I lightly spread vegetable oil on the suction cups and they will adhere all summer.
Your average suction cup only adheres to a smooth flat surface. For it to stick to a car dashboard, an additional mounting accessory is required. There are two different types of accessories that can be used.
The best position is right down the center of the windshield, about a few inches down from the headliner. If your dashcam comes with a suction cup mount, you should leave enough space so that the device can be easily installed. But which location would be best? Ideally, just behind the rear view mirror.
One easy method is to use standard cooking oil or oil-based materials. Vegetable or canola oil can work wonders, as can peanut butter or mayonnaise. Spread it on, let it soak into the residue for about an hour, then wipe it away. For a tougher clean, try rubbing alcohol or vodka.
It is a good idea to remove your dash cam once you have left the vehicle to avoid your car being broken into. If you have parking mode on your camera or want to keep it in the vehicle it is best to place it in a discreet place.
Alcohol, nail polish remover, spray lubricant, vinegar, and lighter fluid can all remove adhesive from glass if water alone doesn't work. Apply with a rag or cloth, then rub the glue away.
Soak a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and rub it until you have removed all tape and oil residue. If there is still some tape left, buff it again with a glass-safe scrubbing sponge soaked in oil, and then clean it again using rubbing alcohol.
Remove the adhesive along with the 3M tape to restore the item.
- Peel off the tape by pulling up each corner and peeling it to the center of the tape.
- Press another piece of tape over the adhesive and pull the tape off.
- Turn a hair dryer to high heat and concentrate the air over the residue.
Removing double-sided tape from glass is a little easier since you don't have to worry about paint damage and it can be done quickly.
- Pull as much of the tape off of the glass as you can with your fingers.
- Use a scraper or a razor blade carefully to scrape off any remaining tape you can't pull off.
Insert a flat, dull blade between the foam and the wall. A butter knife, plastic spatula or credit card works well and doesn't damage the wall. Work the blade beneath the foam and gently pry it up from the wall. Remove as much of the foam layer as possible so only the adhesive remains.
