As car owners, we often prioritise protecting our paintwork and seat upholstery, but we tend to overlook the significance of safeguarding our windscreen. However, your windscreen plays a crucial role in ensuring your safety on the road, making it essential to give it the care and attention it deserves.
It’s no secret that the glass used in windscreen manufacturing differs from the glass found in home windows. Windscreen glass is much stronger and won’t shatter into numerous sharp pieces when broken. Instead, it typically forms a spider web pattern, cracks in certain areas, or breaks into small, safe fragments. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that all glass is susceptible to breaking under force or pressure.
So, what causes windscreen breakage? Modern windscreens are made by combining two sturdy glass pieces, with a thin laminate film sandwiched in between. This film serves a vital purpose—it holds the glass together during accidents or instances of windscreen damage.
Given the crucial role your windscreen plays in ensuring your safety and that of your passengers, it’s important to mitigate any potential damage. Here are five effective ways to protect your windscreen:
1. Minimise Driving on Loose Gravel and Exercise Caution
Reducing your daily driving on loose gravel roads significantly reduces the risk of windscreen damage. However, it’s not always feasible, especially for those living outside urban areas. In such cases, the best approach is to lower your speed and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to minimise the impact of loose gravel.
2. Monitor Temperature Changes
Temperature fluctuations can cause the glass in your windscreen to expand or contract. When anticipating extremely hot or cold days, where the internal temperature of your car differs from the external temperature due to air conditioning or heating, follow these precautions: avoid parking your car in direct sunlight to prevent cracking when entering the vehicle later, and refrain from pouring hot water on a frost-covered windscreen to prevent sudden temperature changes that may lead to cracks.
3. Repair Windscreen Chips Promptly
Windscreen chips are inevitable and often go unnoticed until you spot them one morning. Regardless of the size of the chip, it’s crucial to get it repaired as soon as possible. Chips can lead to cracks, making it more dangerous to drive, increasing the likelihood of complete windscreen failure, and incurring higher repair costs.
4. Replace Worn Windscreen Wipers
Many car owners neglect this aspect for too long. If your windscreen wipers leave marks and streaks, it’s time to replace the blades. Over time, old wiper blades become cracked and brittle, diminishing their effectiveness in cleaning the windscreen. Additionally, small rocks and sticks can become trapped under the blade, resulting in scratches on the glass. Malfunctioning wiper blades can even weaken the strength of your windscreen.
5. Maintain a Clean Windscreen
Regular car washing ensures a clean windscreen, but even if you lack time for frequent washes, make it a habit to clean your windscreen regularly. A clean windscreen allows you to spot any damage, tiny scratches, or chips that may appear. Some of these issues may be nearly invisible from certain angles, so dedicating time to regular cleaning and inspection makes it easier to promptly address any problems.
Conclusion
While chips and cracks may still occur despite your best efforts, our service provides a quick and convenient solution for repairing windscreen damage. With us, you can have your windscreen repaired efficiently, without needing to take a day off work or cancel any appointments. Experience a hassle-free return to the road with our reliable service.
