How to Remove Inspection Sticker From Windshield to Reuse

Knowing how to remove inspection stickers without damage is a tricky skill that often takes several attempts before perfecting.

If you’re wondering how to remove inspection stickers from your windshield to reuse them, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we will be covering everything you need to know to remove inspection stickers without damaging them.

Removing Inspection Stickers

Applying your inspection sticker is scary enough, but when you realize you’ve done it wrong and need to remove it, it can be a real nightmare. These stickers are glued on and designed to stay on up until the expiry date, so when the time comes to remove them it isn’t always an easy job.

Of course, your sticker may not be expired and you may have accidentally placed it on the wrong side of your windshield as the law often requires it be placed on the passenger side not to block your view of the road.

How To Remove Inspection Stickers Without Damage

Removing your inspection sticker without damaging it can be an extremely anxious job. Whether it’s for replacement or misalignment, removing your sticker will take time and lots of patience. 

Removing your inspection sticker is only going to be possible if it is a plastic-style sticker and not paper. Most of the methods mentioned in this article will not be suitable for paper stickers as they are too fragile and will get damaged or even break with little to no effort.

Isopropyl Alcohol

If you want to remove your inspection sticker and don’t need to reuse it then this process will be a lot easier. However, if you don’t want to cause any damage then this method isn’t going to work for you!

1. Get yourself a wash mitt and soak it with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Place this over the sticker for at least 5 minutes, if not more to make this process much easier for you.
3. You should then find that the inspection sticker comes off much easier as the adhesive has been loosened by the alcohol.

Heat

One of the best ways to loosen adhesives without damaging them is heat. Some people find a hairdryer works well enough, but for the best results, we’ll recommend you use a heat gun to get the easiest removal possible.

You will also need a clean, unused razor blade to lift the sticker without damage as this is much more effective than trying to peel using your fingers.

We have also included some tips with this method for reapplying your sticker afterward.

1. Using your dryer or heat gun, heat the sticker from the exterior of your vehicle so the heat is directly blowing onto the adhesive side of the sticker.
2. Use the tip of your razor blade to press against the loosened portions of your sticker and slowly lift the blade and sticker. If you start to feel more resistance or tearing then stop lifting and apply more direct heat.
3. Keep applying heat and slowly you will find your sticker’s adhesive loosens and you can remove the sticker without any damage.
4. If you are reapplying your sticker to your windshield, then use your heat gun or dryer to pre-heat the area of your windshield you plan to re-apply it to for better application.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is commonly found in most households and is easy enough to find at most stores too. You will also need a paper towel and scraper such as a razor blade or old credit card. It is also an eco-friendly option when it comes to windshield sticker removal and as a bonus, is affordable too.

1. Apply vinegar onto your paper towel and let soak. You can also apply some white vinegar to your sticker to loosen the adhesive.
2. Leave it to sit to work on removing the glue and adhesive.
3. Using your scraper/ blade/ card you can now start to peel the corners of the sticker from your windshield.
4. If your sticker becomes tough again or looks like it is going to break then apply more vinegar to the glue holding it in place and leave it to loosen.

WD-40

Almost all car or DIY enthusiasts will have WD-40 in their home or garage. Not only is it a fantastic lubricant, but it can also be used for removing your inspection sticker without ruining it!

This method only takes 5 minutes, and you may want to use a razor to prevent your fingernails from becoming pretty gross too as well as having a microfiber cloth to hand.

1. Spray the sticker with your WD-40, and leave it to soak for at least 3 minutes.
2. Use your razor to peel the corners away where the WD-40 has worked into the sticker until it is fully removed.
3. Use your microfiber cloth to rub the area in circular motions to remove any leftover glue residue.

Ice

You may be surprised to know that ice can work just as well as your heat gun! It does the opposite of your heat gun and instead of loosening the adhesive to peel away, it hardens and weakens the glue to easily be removed from your windshield. 

1. Add ice cubes to a bag or cloth and hold them against the sticker for several minutes. You can rub them over it too if you feel that would be more effective. 
2. Keep applying the ice until you can tell it has affected the adhesive then start to peel away your sticker from the corner. 
3.  As you work, you may want to keep applying the ice to the areas you are peeling away to keep the glue from getting warmer. 
4. Once you’ve removed the sticker, you can use a heat gun to reapply it to your desired area on your windshield. 

Hairspray

Finally, hairspray is another great way to get your vehicle inspection sticker removed quickly and easily without any damage. Hairspray traditionally contains lots of oils to create shine on the hair, and this oil works well to break down the glue.

Wait for the hairspray to dry slightly to firm up the sticker and make for easier removal, and keep your doors/windows open for this one!

1. You may want to hold some paper or cloth around the areas on your windscreen you don’t want hairspray on as this could get quite messy.
2. Spray the hairspray onto your inspection sticker and leave it to sit for a few minutes. After it dries, start chipping away at the corners to lift the sticker.
3. Apply more hairspray as you see fit and wait for it to dry before attempting any further removal as this can cause damage and possibly break your sticker.

FAQs

How Do I Get Sticker Residue off My Car?

One of the best ways to remove sticker residue from your vehicle is to clean it with either glass cleaner or WD-40 and wipe it in circular motions with your cloth.

Will Rubbing Alcohol Damage Car Paint?

You should not use rubbing alcohol at full strength, especially on freshly painted surfaces as it can permanently damage your paint. When diluted properly you can use it to prep surfaces to paint.

How Do You Remove Stickers From Metal Without Damaging Them?

Removing stickers from metal without damaging them takes a bit more work. You should apply vegetable oil to the area and leave it to soak before using a heat gun to soften the glue. You will need to wash the area with hot water and soap afterward.

How Do You Remove Stickers Without Damaging Them?

The best tried and tested method for removing stickers without damaging them is by using heat. Heat guns loosen the adhesive and make the sticker easier to remove and even re-apply.

Conclusion

Removing your inspection sticker doesn’t need to be a difficult task and by using our tips you can even re-apply the sticker and remove any traces of sticky residue left behind! Your car will be mess-free and damage-free whilst still being able to preserve your removed inspection sticker.

We hope this article has helped you to find the best methods using tools and products you already have to make this task stress-free.