Improving the suction cup's grip on a windshield for the Garmin DriveSmart 65 primarily involves cleaning, preparing, and optimizing the contact surfaces and correct mounting techniques. The following comprehensive strategies and tips help enhance suction cup adhesion, ensuring a more secure and longer-lasting grip.
Cleaning and Preparing Surfaces
1. Use Rubbing Alcohol or Surgical Spirit for Cleaning
Thoroughly clean both the windshield area where the suction cup will attach and the suction cup's contact surface itself with rubbing alcohol or surgical spirit. This removes oils, dirt, dust, and residues that weaken suction, ensuring a fresh and clean surface for better adhesion. After cleaning, dry both surfaces completely with a clean, dry, and lint-free cloth to avoid any moisture that might reduce the suction effect.
2. Regular Cleaning Maintenance
Regularly clean the suction cup and windshield with rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner to maintain the grip. Over time, debris and oils can build up, compromising suction. A weekly or bi-weekly cleaning routine helps maintain peak performance.
3. Avoid Using Soap or Detergents on the Glass
While some suggest using dish detergent solutions, it is best to avoid detergents on the glass as residues can leave films that reduce suction. If using detergent on the suction cup, ensure it is mild and rinsed off thoroughly. Prefer alcohol-based cleaners for surface preparation.
Enhancing the Suction Seal
1. Moisten the Suction Cup Slightly
Before attaching, dampen the suction cup lightly with a few drops of water. Moisture helps create an airtight seal by filling small gaps between the suction cup and the windshield. Avoid over-wetting; the suction cup should be just slightly damp, not soaked.
2. Avoid Using Saliva or Oils from Skin
While some people suggest using saliva or natural oils from the forehead or nose for better grip, it's not recommended for cleanliness reasons and it can leave unsightly rings on the windshield. Water is preferred for moistening, as it evaporates without residue.
3. Ensure No Air Bubbles or Wrinkles in the Suction Cup
When pressing the suction cup onto the glass, press firmly starting from the center outwards, ensuring no trapped air bubbles or wrinkles form under the suction cup, as these reduce suction and cause falling off.
Proper Mounting Techniques
1. Remove Protective Plastic from New Suction Cups
New suction cups often come with a protective plastic film that prevents dust contamination. Ensure this plastic is fully removed before mounting, as it greatly reduces suction.
2. Attach the Suction Cup with Lever Locking (If Available)
Many Garmin mounts, including the DriveSmart 65, have a lever or locking mechanism that increases suction cup pressure against the windshield. Fully engage this lever to lock the suction cup in place for maximum grip.
3. Position the Mount Properly
The suction cup should be placed on a flat, smooth, and non-textured part of the windshield, avoiding edges, curves, or areas with defrosting wires or tint strips that impair suction.
4. Avoid Placing Suction Cups on Hot or Cold Glass
Extreme temperatures can cause suction cups to loosen due to expansion or contraction of materials. It is best to attach the device when the windshield temperature is moderate. If attaching in cold weather, warming the suction cup or glass slightly can help.
5. Reposition Occasionally
Move the suction cup every few weeks to a nearby spot, as suction cups can develop flat spots from long-term pressure, reducing effectiveness.
Additional Tips and Alternatives
1. Use a Mounting Disc on the Dashboard
If windshield mounting is unreliable or restricted by law in some areas, Garmin provides or recommends a smooth adhesive mounting disc that can be attached to the dashboard. The suction cup then adheres to this disc instead of the windshield. This reduces wiggling and bouncing and improves stability.
2. Temperature Effects and Storage
Remove the GPS and suction mount when the vehicle is unoccupied and during temperature extremes to prevent suction cup degradation. Store the suction cup indoors when not in use to prolong its elasticity and lifespan.
3. Avoid Suction Cup Weight Strain
Ensure the GPS weight is well-supported by the mount and not pulling down excessively on the suction cup. Overly heavy or levered mounts put stress on suction, causing it to lose grip.
4. Use Silicone or Suction Cup Conditioners
Specialized silicone lubricants or conditioners can restore flexibility and tackiness to older suction cups, improving their suction strength. Apply sparingly following product instructions.
5. Replace Worn Suction Cups
Suction cups degrade over time due to UV exposure, heat, and repeated use. If the suction cup becomes brittle, cracked, or loses flexibility, replace it with an original or high-quality replacement suction cup for best results.
6. Avoid Vent or Dashboard Mounts That Obstruct Visibility or Damage Vents
While alternatives exist, some mounts that attach to air vents or rest on the dash can block airflow or cause damage. Choose mounting options carefully to balance safety and practicality.
7. Check Legal Restrictions
Some jurisdictions limit or regulate windshield-mounted devices. Verify local laws to avoid fines or the need for alternative mounts.
Summary of Step-by-Step Process for Best Suction Grip
1. Clean windshield and suction cup thoroughly with rubbing alcohol, dry completely.
2. Slightly moisten suction cup with a bit of water.
3. Remove any protective plastic from suction cup if new.
4. Press firmly onto a smooth, flat part of the windshield, starting at the center of the suction cup.
5. Engage any lever locking mechanism to firmly secure suction.
6. Avoid installing in extreme hot or cold temperatures or relocate suction cup to moderate temperature glass.
7. Regularly clean and maintain suction cup and glass.
8. Consider using a dashboard mounting disc if windshield suction is unreliable.
9. Replace suction cup when worn or brittle.
10. Remove and store the GPS mount properly when not in use to extend suction cup life.