The windscreen of your car is not just a means of enabling you to see where you are going. In fact, it also serves different purposes such as a protection against various elements. Crucially, an intact windscreen is designed to help support the roof of your car in the event of a car-roll accident. It as well enables airbags to perform with maximum effect.
This is why it is prudent that you must take prompt action if you have noticed a crack in your windscreen. Always keep in mind that a cracked windscreen will not provide the same degree of structural reliability when you need it most. Here are some of the things you need to do in case of a cracked windscreen.
Don’t panic and assess the damage properly
The major drawback of a cracked windscreen is that it does not provide safe driving anymore. A crack will either distort your vision or prohibit you having a clear view of the road. In certain cases involving glass fragments, they can enter your car causing injury to you and your passengers. They can even result in a more serious accident.
Upon the occurrence of a crack, pull over, stop the vehicle and determine the extent of the damage. It will be your responsibility to decide whether it is safe for you to continue driving the car to the nearest repair centre or arrange for a tow. Should the incident happen in a remote area, then help protect yourself and your passengers by taping it with clear adhesive tape on the side of the screen, over the crack(s). Continue driving at a slow pace and with the windows closed.
Take some routine precautions
One golden rule about parking your vehicle with a cracked windscreen is keeping it out of direct sunlight. If you don’t observe this, then the effect of the heat could weaken the glass and make your damaged windscreen even worse. If in your opinion the crack seems to be slight, it is wise not to ignore it. Remember, even a minor crack can be the cause of a major accident.
When driving with a cracked windscreen, the air-conditioning or defroster must not be operated at a high level. This will place added pressure on your windscreen particularly the damaged section. Further precautions that you must adhere include avoiding rough uneven roads and closing the vehicle doors with extra care. Neglecting both factors can cause the glass to vibrate, resulting in further damage.
Get a professional replacement or repair
Your windscreen is an integral and critical part of your car. And just as you would employ a qualified mechanic or spray painter, you should also consider only the professional artisan to replace or repair your cracked windscreen. A qualified and licensed specialist is fully aware of the need and the best methods to use in effectively replacing a damaged windscreen to ensure safety and reliability.
At the same time, you will also need to make a decision regarding whether to make it a matter for your insurance company or simply pay for the replacement job yourself. Generally, replacing a complete windscreen is significantly more expensive than your contribution excess for the insurance cover. If you go this route, be sure to ascertain this claim will not increase your future premiums.
About the glass for windscreens
It is always worthy for any vehicle owner to be aware of what exactly are the types of materials being used in the maintenance and repair of their vehicles. The same criteria could be applied with a replacement windscreen. There is realistically only one type of windscreen generally recognised for the majority of cars, which is laminated glass.
This product is consists of two sheets of glass, with transparent plastic sheeting set between the layers. It is designed to prevent pieces of glass from entering the vehicle in the event of an accident. However, should a stone impact on this glass type, shattering will not be a factor. But it is possible for a chip or crack in the glass to eventually expand.
Get a quality windscreen replacement service
If you need a windscreen replacement, then make sure you enlist the help of an established reputable provider. This provider should adhere or exceed the quality standards and benchmarks as determined by Australian Design protocol and the Australian Standards for windscreens. It is also wise to keep in mind that generally, like every other product or service; you get what you pay for. Therefore, the cheapest price should not be your primary consideration. You want the best possible quality installation that maintains the inherently designed safety factors of your vehicle, right? So expect to pay a little bit higher.
With some exceptions, a crack sustained in a windscreen over 76mm (3 inches) will usually require a replacement. Should a crack be located at the edge of the windscreen, then again it generally needs a replacement. It is because of its tendency to spread across the screen. Regarding chips or cracks within your direct vision, replacement is also usually recommended. This is due to the fact that the repair process frequently leaves a distracting, yet slight outline in the area of the repair.
Source: Premium Windscreens