If you haven’t yet experienced the dreaded windscreen chip – wait. It’ll happen.
And when it does, you’re probably going to ask yourself the same question that everybody in the same situations asks – should I repair or replace my windscreen?
The answer isn’t necessarily clear-cut, but since autoglass isn’t something that you should take a chance with, you should get professional advice as soon as the chip or crack appears.
Don’t think that it’s OK to drive around with a chip or a crack in your windscreen. It’s not. It can be a safety risk and a little chip that looks innocuous can quickly escalate into a much bigger problem, so it’s imperative to get the problem sorted out as soon as possible.
You’ll be happy to know that most chips or cracks can be repaired easily and quickly and your windscreen will be restored to the same quality of finish as if your vehicle were brand new. In most instances, it’s also virtually impossible to see where the initial damage was.
Sometimes however, the damage is such that repairs aren’t an option and the whole windscreen will need to be replaced in order to ensure the safety and structural integrity of the vehicle.
Four main things determine whether a windscreen is repairable:
- Size of the crack or chip
- Depth
- Location
- Type and severity of the damage
Generally speaking, if the chip is larger than a one dollar coin, it’s likely that you will need a full windscreen replacement.
Your car’s windscreen is basically like a glass sandwich – made up of an inner and an outer piece of clear tempered glass with an inner layer of plastic between them. If the damage penetrates too deep into this laminated glass, the structural integrity of the windscreen may be compromised and a full replacement may be required.
The position of the damage is another key factor in determining the fate of your windscreen. Even though it can be virtually impossible to detect where the original damage occurred once a crack or dent has been repaired, if it’s in the driver’s line of sight, some professionals recommend a full windscreen replacement over a repair. This is because a repair can leave a slight distortion in the glass which may compromise the driver’s view of the road.
A crack on the edge of the windscreen can also be problematic. It can spread more quickly and can compromise the structural integrity of the windscreen, so a replacement may be a safer option.
Horseshoe. Bullseye. Crater. Star. Pit. Floater crack. These are just some of the names used by professionals to describe and assess the various types of windscreen damage. Some are easily repaired whilst others are more extensive and require a full windscreen replacement.
Technicalities aside – if your car’s windscreen is damaged, you need to get it seen to as soon as possible. It’s just not worth taking a chance, especially as the cost of windscreen repairs and even a full windscreen replacement are surprisingly inexpensive – and most insurance policies cover these situations anyway. Depending on your insurance company, you may be able to bypass them completely and go directly to the windscreen repair company – all you need is your policy number.
For fast, efficient and cost-effective windscreen repairs in Perth, give us a call on 0400 200 086 or get a quote. With over 20 years’ experience in windscreen repairs in Perth, they have the know-how, the equipment and the passion to get you safely back on the road as soon as possible.
Jason Squire has been in the automotive industry in the UK and Australia for over 25 years and started his own windscreen repair and replacement business, Autoscreens, in 2010.
Jason’s extensive professional qualifications and his broad industry experience paired with his military background means he brings an extraordinary level of skill, expertise and meticulous attention to detail to every aspect of his business.
Prior to starting Autoscreens, Jason worked for several leading international windscreen companies as well as spending a number of years in the armed forces. He has accumulated numerous professional qualifications, industry accolades and leadership awards, and is a highly respected volunteer in his local community.
Under his expert stewardship, Autoscreens has grown into one of the leading windscreen companies in Perth. Despite its success, he has ensured that the family-owned and managed company remains true to its founding values of integrity, quality and unsurpassed customer service.
To stay up to date with what is happening at Autoscreens, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
