Written by Paul
This little hatchback has been zipping around our roads since the ’70s, and it’s still going strong.
Whether you’re nipping to the shops or heading off on a weekend jaunt, the Golf’s been the go-to choice for Brits for decades.
From its inception in 1974, the VW Golf has changed the world, and everyone knows this ground-breaking hatchback.
Maybe you drove a three-door Golf as a student, or perhaps the first hot-hatch in the world — the GTi. The fortunate amongst us own a modern Golf Mk 8. The Volkswagen Golf affected and continues to affect many people.
After 37-years, VW’s Golf continues to set the standard in the compact-car segment.
The Golf has ‘grown up’. Today, we regard it as a premium hatchback with brilliant engines, excellent class-leading road-holding, and high-quality finishes.
However, Golf stays true to its origins with a playful but practical approach.
VW GOLF WINDSCREEN REPLACEMENT
History of the VW Golf
In 1974, VW replaced the iconic VW Beetle with the Golf. It was a successful move because, to date, VW has sold 35 million Golfs compared to the 21.5 million Beetles they sold.
But, the VW Beetle was the longest-running car on a single platform ever made.
The VW Golf has won numerous awards:
Motor Trend Car of the Year award (1985)
Best Selling Car in Europe (2001)
World Car of the Year (2009 and 2013)
European Car of the Year twice (1992 and 2013)
Frequently featured on the annual ‘Car and Driver: 10 Best’ list
Motor Trend Car of the Year (2015)
What makes the VW Golf so good?
Let’s focus on the Golf GTi as it is probably a dream car of many.
The Wolfsburg company describe the latest GTi ‘as an agile, raw, efficient and high-tech compact sportscar.’
The regular GTi — not even the more potent Golf R (!) — uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged and direct-injection 4-cylinder with 180 kW and 370 Nm of torque and a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Golf 8 GTI rides on a McPherson strut-type front- and a multi-link rear suspension. It also incorporates a Vehicle Dynamics Manager driving-dynamics control system that coordinates the electronic differential lock (XDS) and the adaptive damping system (DCC).
The interior of this ‘pocket rocket’ looks retro with a sports steering wheel inlaid with three silver ‘double spokes’, an embedded Wolfsburg logo and tartan fabric sport seats.
Perhaps it is the way VW combines its loyalty to history with the company’s drive for engineering perfection which makes the Golf so good. It’s a technological marvel but is balanced, capable and soul-stirring at the same time.
What happened to the beautiful VW Golf windscreen and why?
We’ve all been there – enjoying the day and a drive when suddenly – wham!
A tiny crack or chip that is suddenly marring the perfect view.
Here are a few possible reasons.
Road debris
Trips along (or close to) newly paved roads can put the windscreen in harm’s way. Contractors build road surfaces with a mixture of asphalt and broken rock. They assess the stone for hardness, and it is hazardous to a windscreen — especially if you or the other driver are speeding.
The impact of these small pieces of roadside debris can create a chip and eventual crack in the windscreen. The angle and speed at which the rock hits the glass play a significant role.
This kind of damage is often repairable and typically the most common cause of all windscreen-related problems.
Stress fractures
The UK’s weather is not harsh, but seasonal change can cause temperature spikes. Temperature extremes due to icy winds and direct sunlight may cause a Golf’s windscreen and its components (including the window frame and car glass) to contract and expand.
Although these tolerances are small, they may produce a stress fracture — a good name because both the windscreen and driver may suffer from the resulting stress.
To recap, a sudden car glass crack in your VW Golf might be due to fluctuating temperatures.
Weather patterns
Besides possibly causing stress fractures due to hot and cold temperature fluctuations, stormy weather also goes together with airborne debris. Hailstones and flying tree branches are but some of the damage a windscreen must endure.
Sub-standard installations, materials and repairs
Poorly trained car glass technicians, worn-out equipment and non-OEM compliant materials can result in quality problems down the line.
Car glass panes and window frames that do not match ideally will generate friction, form stress fractures, and cause a windscreen to shatter suddenly.
Accidents
A collision is everyone’s worst nightmare — it may be a slight fender-bender and some interaction with an insurance provider, or worst of all, the VW Golf’s total write-off.
Even a minor collision can require the complete replacement of various glass panels, including all the necessary connecting parts.
What windscreen features does my Golf have?
The VW Golf has a host of technical features designed to make driving safer and more enjoyable.
Some of these features will affect windscreen repair and replacement costs due to the need for more sophisticated equipment.
It is essential to keep this in mind when choosing a car glass specialist.
Below are those features which function directly with a Volkswagen Golf windscreen.
Camera
Cameras on the windscreen and rear window aid the driver with parking the car. Additionally, it can record evidence in case of an accident — helpful information should liability becomes an issue.
Noise reduction windscreen
This type of windscreen consists of an extra sheet of vinyl sandwiched between the glass layers.
The soundproofing properties of this added layer protects the cabin against outside noise (road, engine, and traffic), providing a comfortable and peaceful environment.
Rain sensor
Vauxhall positions a rain sensor behind the windscreen and the rear-view mirror. It activates the wipers automatically when it detects moisture on the windshield.
Heads-Up Display
The Heads-Up Display system depicts an image, incorporating all the pertinent information needed to operate the vehicle safely and comfortably, on the windshield in front of the driver.
Heated windscreen
Triple-glaze windshields have electronically controlled heating elements in the glass. They allow the safe discharge of heat in strategic areas of the windscreen.
This system supplies enhanced driver comfort and vision in icy and misty conditions. It also counters the previously
What will it cost to repair my VW Golf windscreen?
Below is a table with the cost breakdown of a front and rear windscreen replacement from 2013-2020:
Cost of a Volkswagen Golf windscreen replacement from 2013 – 2020
|
Year of the Volkswagen Golf |
Cost of the front windscreen without features |
Cost of the rear windscreen without features |
Cost of the front windscreen with all features |
Cost of the rear windscreen with all features |
|
2013 |
£955.96 |
£369.21 |
£433.64 |
£429.88 |
|
2014 |
£955.96 |
£369.21 |
£433.64 |
£429.88 |
|
2015 |
£955.96 |
£369.21 |
£433.64 |
£429.88 |
|
2016 |
£266.08 |
£369.21 |
£468.96 |
£429.88 |
|
2017 |
£266.08 |
£369.21 |
£468.96 |
£429.88 |
|
2018 |
£266.08 |
£369.21 |
£468.96 |
£429.88 |
|
2019 |
£266.08 |
£369.21 |
£468.96 |
£429.88 |
|
2020 |
£266.08 |
£369.21 |
£468.96 |
£429.88 |
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