How to Remove an ETC Device That's Stuck Too Tight?

[AndresLee]

You can use a hairdryer to heat the double-sided adhesive on the back of the ETC device and then gently remove it with a small plastic scraper. Below is some related information about ETC: 1. ETC, translated into Chinese as the Electronic Toll Collection system, is an automatic toll collection system for highways or bridges. It uses dedicated short-range communication between the vehicle-mounted electronic tag installed on the windshield and the microwave antenna in the ETC lane at toll stations. By leveraging computer networking technology for backend settlement processing with banks, it allows vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping to pay fees. 2. Note that the ETC device cannot be removed and installed on another vehicle by yourself. Different vehicle types have different toll rates, so the ETC device is dedicated to a specific vehicle.

[BriellaAnn]

With over a decade of car repair experience, I always recommend using a hairdryer on the hot air setting for five minutes when dealing with stubbornly glued ETC devices, focusing heat on the metal contact points. The hot-melt adhesive will soften when heated—remember to wear gloves and gently pry it off with a plastic scraper. Never use a screwdriver as it can scratch the windshield. If it still won’t budge, visit a professional auto detailing shop. They have specialized adhesive removers and thin wire cutting tools, and paying around a hundred bucks is much better than cracking the glass yourself. Replacing a windshield at a glass repair shop costs over a thousand yuan!

[CaliMarie]

Last year, the ETC on my car was stuck tight. I ended up using a fishing line to wrap around the edges and sawed back and forth to cut it loose. It's best to use a sturdy nylon line, and applying a bit of floral water as lubricant makes it easier to handle. For the adhesive residue, I directly applied essential balm, waited for ten minutes, then gently scraped it off with a bank card. Finally, I wiped it three times with a damp cloth, leaving no trace at all. The key is to be patient and take your time. It took me about half an hour to get it done without damaging the glass at all.

[EmersonLee]

First, cover the ETC with a dark towel to block sunlight and let it bake under the scorching sun for two hours to soften the adhesive. Prepare your adhesive removal tool—an old credit card—and press it flat against the glass to scrape. If it gets stuck midway, use a cotton swab dipped in essential balm to seep into the gaps, wait three minutes, then continue scraping. After removing the adhesive residue, use an eraser to rub it off in circular motions—it’s safer than adhesive removers. Remember to wear work gloves throughout the process, or your fingernails will be filled with black adhesive!