It’s not something we think about as we are driving around doing our shopping or taking the kids to school or sports, but whether our windscreens meet Australian Standards is really important in keeping you and your family safe on the roads.
Your windscreen has four main functions within the car, all of them important:
- It is part of the structure of the car, helping to support the roof
- It protects the driver and passengers from the weather and flying debris
- Provides some protection in an accident
- Creates an air vacuum for the car
What Should your Windscreen be Made From?
Australian laws require that the glass used in the windscreen and windows of cars is make from British, Japanese, Australian or American safety glass. Essentially, these windows and windscreens have a dual layer of laminated glass which contains a chemical compound between both layers. This chemical compound helps to hold the window or windscreen together, preventing it from shattering if it gets a scratch, chip or crack.
Does Tinting Affect the Safety of a Windscreen?
If you’ve ever purchased a car from a car yard, it’s likely you’ve been asked if you want to include tinting amongst a range of additional extras. There are national standards for window tinting which include the maximum amount of darkness the tint. The visible light transmission level cannot be lower than 35% in most states. If you have a commercial vehicle, the tinting levels may change and it is certainly worth checking how your state laws apply before getting any tinting done.
Repairs After an Accident
While it may not seem like it, even the smallest chip or crack in your windscreen can lead to serious and even fatal incidents if they aren’t repaired. If your windscreen smashes during an accident you risk head injuries, neck injuries, failure of the airbags, and glass wounds. You or your passengers may even be thrown from the car. If you have a crack or chip, it is important to get your windscreen repaired or replaced. The replacement or repair must meet Australian Standards.
When repairing a windscreen, Australian Standards require an approved, high-quality direct glazing adhesive to be used. If being replaced, the windscreen must follow the information provided in the first point above.
It is certainly recommended that if you have a chip or crack in your windscreen, no matter how small, that you get it fixed as soon as possible.
How to Keep Your Windscreen Safe
To keep your windscreen safe there are a few tips you can follow when driving:
- When driving on gravel keep a longer distance than normal between you and the car in front to avoid any gravel being flicked back onto your windscreen
- Keep an eye out for the type of vehicle in front of you. Cars that have been on a construction or mining site all day may have gravel stuck in their tyres that can fly up. Flying debris such as palm fronds may come from vehicles driving around with garden waste uncovered
- If you are stuck out driving and a hail storm hits, find some safe cover or slow down or pull over to minimise damage
- Keep your car in the shade as much as possible to stop the temperature of your windscreen fluctuating
Windscreen and Window Maintenance
While there is no standard maintenance for your windscreen and windows, there are a couple of things that you can regularly check to make sure your windscreen and windows are up to standard including:
- Ensuring windscreen washer reservoir is full of clean water. You can add a windscreen specific detergent to the reservoir but do not use normal washing detergent.
- Ensuring your windscreen is clean using warm soapy water and a soft cloth
- Regularly check your windscreen for cracks and chips, especially after long trips off road or travelling along the highway
- Regularly check that your windows are going up and down the whole way
- If your windscreen tint is affecting your visibility have it checked and replaced if needed
The windscreen, and windows, play a significant part in keeping you and your family safe while on the roads. Ensuring your windscreen is free from cracks or chips and replaced or repaired correctly when needed is essential. If you need your windscreen repair or replacement, give us a call today. Our mobile team covers all areas of Perth meaning you don’t need to leave home or work to have your windscreen repaired or replaced.
