How long should you leave the contents of the metal cleaner prep stick on the pinchweld?

The recommended duration for leaving the contents of the metal cleaner prep stick on the pinchweld is 5 minutes. This time frame is critical as it allows sufficient time for the cleaner to effectively interact with and prepare the surface of the pinchweld for adhesion. Proper surface preparation is essential in ensuring a strong bond between the glass and the vehicle's frame, which ultimately contributes to the safety and longevity of the installation.

When the metal cleaner is left on for the recommended time, it ensures that any contaminants such as dirt, grease, or rust are properly removed. This enhances the effectiveness of subsequent steps in the installation process, such as applying adhesive.

Although other durations are provided as options, they either allow too little or too much time for the cleaning process. Too short a duration might not adequately clean the surface, while excessively long exposure may lead to the cleaner evaporating or reacting negatively with the surface. Thus, 5 minutes strikes an ideal balance for preparing the pinchweld effectively.