If you’re like most new UTV owners who drop a wad of hard-earned cash on a shiny new machine, you probably found out on that first trip that the only accessory you should have budgeted for was a high-end windshield. quality. With many of the new machines on the market capable of hitting highway speed on firm ground, and the likely scenario that their recreational use includes some dusty, rainy, or snowy driving, it isn’t long before most of Drivers opt for a more permanent alternative to motorcycle goggles. .

So why not head over to your nearest dealer and throw in a couple hundred bucks to whatever is in stock? At first glance, it may seem like a fairly straightforward purchase. Just make sure it fits your vehicle and is in business, right? But there is a reason for the wide selection of UTV windshields available. The Side-by-Side owners are a diverse and adventurous group of enthusiasts with applications ranging from recreational use on dunes or trails, to hunting, to a second-street legal vehicle for getting around town on those nice weather days. In addition to your request, there are several other important considerations that must be made to avoid buyer regret. What kind of weather do you find yourself frequently? Will you be dragging your UTV every time you use it? Do you want to have the option to remove it from the vehicle easily? What Kinds of Warranty Options Should I Consider? This post will address these questions to help you make an informed purchase.

There are two main reasons why owners buy a windshield, both of which are critical to your continued enjoyment of your UTV. The most obvious is to protect your face and body from dust and debris. Unless you use your UTV exclusively on the street, your mouth will likely fill with insects or at least a thin layer of your local soil on you from that first trip. The good news is that literally any windshield, even the one-size-fits-all half windshields commonly seen on sand dune UTVs, will at least limit your exposure. Medium windshields are often a good choice for low dust applications and hot climates where cabin insulation is not an issue. In addition to universal half windshields that will fit any model, there are many manufacturers, like Moose Division, that make fixed and folding half windshields in the $ 150 to $ 350 price range.

Speaking of the weather, what is the temperature and frequency of rainfall where you travel the most? If you find yourself frequently battling brutal Midwest or Northeast winters (or any of you crazy Canadians), you don’t just want a full windshield, you might want to consider one of the heavy duty glass windshields that generally include a windshield wiper. option. While expensive, this will probably be the last windshield you will buy for your side-by-side. They are as strong as a car windshield and are scratch-free, and offer the added benefit of insulating the cabin, particularly when integrated with a cabin enclosure. If your weather conditions tend to approach triple digits, in addition to the aforementioned half windshields, there are plenty of full vented windshields on the market. Check out options like Trail Armor’s patent pending Polaris RZR “Coolflo” windshield or “lock and ride” models that can be easily removed with thumb screws. Both are available in the $ 200 to $ 400 price range.

I’ve talked a bit about windshield materials and there’s good reason for the incredibly wide price range among the different materials available. Obviously, glass is the most expensive because it requires mounting to a thick, heavy frame (it’s already mounted to the frame for you), and is generally of the same quality as a car windshield. These are generally the only windshields that have an available wiper option. They are an excellent choice for most applications other than racing, where the weight and added resistance will slow you down. They are virtually impossible to break and are generally DOT (street legal) approved. Most states require a windshield for any four-wheeler, and if you are fined for driving without one, the ticket can be close to the cost of a new windshield. Don’t get caught without one!

Most plastic Polaris RZR windshields fall into two categories: acrylic (buy at least 1/4 ″ thick for strength) and polycarbonate (generally 3/16 ″ thick). Both are tough enough to handle the elements, but generally only the thickest polycarbonate is DOT approved. If you plan to have your windshield on your UTV most of the time, it makes sense to spend a bit more on the heavier polycarbonate. It’s considerably stronger than acrylic and the way most homeowners bang their machines you’ll probably be glad you did. The strongest option (next to glass) is hard coated Lexan MR-10, a super hard material used in demanding applications such as light aircraft windshields and medical grade instruments. It will never tarnish or yellow and it is safe to leave it on when you drag it side by side. Regardless of which windshield you choose, be sure to verify that the manufacturer warrants the trailer windshield. This is the most common reason why the UTV windshield breaks. EMP makes an excellent fixed Lexan windshield for the Polaris RZR and Polaris Ranger, among other models. It even includes a windshield wiper option on some models.

There are basically two mounting options to consider when purchasing any windshield. Will you need tools to remove it from your machine or not? Glass windshields are too heavy to put on and take off regularly, so choose plastic if your application requires this flexibility. The easiest to remove options include some type of “lock and drive” system that allows for easy removal with thumb screws. These can usually be removed by a person anywhere, as long as they are strong enough to lift the windshield out of the cage. Most windshields do not require drilling, but use clamps that secure the windshield to the roll cage.

While windshields are usually great for protecting passengers from the elements, updraft dust can be another problem, especially if you have a side-by-side windshield / roof combination. This is where cab backs are a great option. These rear windows bolt to the rear of the cage to keep dust, snow, and rain out of the passenger area. Most offer the same easily removable thumbscrew system as lock and ride windshields, and are available from Kolpin and others for around $ 200.

Regardless of the type of windshield you choose, it makes sense to invest in a brand made by a quality manufacturer like the ones mentioned in this article. Low-priced models made of thin acrylic that pass themselves off as a “one-size-fits-all” are often inexpensively made plastic sheeting with a pair of clamps made by retailers trying to get the maximum benefit from their customers. Brand warranties will protect you from the junk that could break your first outing. Take it from someone who has replaced more than one windshield on the same vehicle.