Written by Thomas
Originally published on 2nd March 2023.
With an easy-to-follow guide outlining each step of the process, you won’t have to worry about being left without clear visibility on your next adventure!
This article tries to answer frequent questions that we receive concerning windscreen replacement. The windscreen of a car is an integral part of its safety and security. Without it, drivers would be unable to see the road ahead clearly, or enjoy their freedom on the open roads. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and sometimes our windscreens become damaged beyond repair. In such cases, it’s essential to understand what needs to happen so that you can get back out on the open roads as soon as possible.
From understanding why your windscreen might need replacing in the first place to knowing how to choose a reliable service provider – this article will provide all the information you need when dealing with UK Car Glass concerning repairing or replacing your windscreen.
Experiencing Windscreen Troubles?
What is your windscreen made out of?
As opposed to tempered glass, which makes up every other car glass section within your vehicle, the front windscreen is created from a material known as laminated glass.
How is laminated glass made?
Cross section of a laminated glass pane
This glass is far more durable than its tempered equivalent. It’s formed by fusing two (or more) layers of ordinary glass with one synthetic interlayer, ordinarily a vinyl-type plastic. These material panes are pressed together with incredible pressure (like a glass sandwich) and then exposed to severe heat levels to bond together and thus build a durable glass that can take massive amounts of pressure before cracking.
We create windscreens with this variety of glass in order to stop glass shards from soaring towards the driver and any other passengers in the event of a sudden impact.
We can also repair laminated glass if there is minor damage prevalent, as opposed to having to replace the entire screen every single time it’s damaged in any way.
What is the difference between a windscreen repair and a windscreen replacement?
A windscreen repair is a relatively straightforward process, and in many cases, even one you can attempt to do yourself. When there are only a small number of cracks on the screen and aren’t too large, Car Glass Technicians can usually repair them quickly instead of entirely replacing it, which is a more complicated and expensive procedure.
However, the process changes from repairs to replacements if one of the following conditions is met:
- The crack on your windscreen is larger than a £2 coin.
- Location-wise, the damage is less than 3cm away from the car frame pane.
- If the windscreen cracks or chips obscures the driver’s line of sight.
- The side of the damage is on the inside and not on the outside.
If this happens, it means the damage has extensively reached a number of the glass and vinyl layers, and for your safety (as well as everyone in the car) you will need a full replacement. This is where the car glass technician will come and remove the entire windscreen and replace it with another one of hopefully good quality, along with any other parts that interact directly with the glass screen.
Unfortunately, this typically costs a whole lot more and will require more time to complete.
Learn more about the topic: Windscreen Repair versus Replacement: Know the difference
Can you get in trouble for driving with a cracked windscreen?
There are two main consequences when you drive around with a cracked windscreen that is in desperate need of a repair or replacement.
Trouble with the Law
Under UK law, anyone found driving with a compromised windscreen is subject to receiving three penalty points on their license, a heavy fine of up to £500 or even both. The level of punishment is dependant on the level of damage and the officer of the law in question.
Hardly worth a lengthy and expensive headache along with a mark on your permanent record hey?
Trouble with Car Safety
Apart from messing with your vision as a driver and putting the vehicle’s occupants in danger that way, the windscreen is also essential for keeping the car’s framework in place in the event of a horrific car accident. If your screen is cracked and breaks on impact, there’s much less keeping the frame from crumpling in like a can at the point of impact, or if the car rolls over.
Not worth your life, or the lives of those on the road around you.
What conditions need to be in place for a windscreen replacement?
There are just a few things you need to make sure of before one of our car glass technicians comes to your location to perform the windscreen replacement:
- The area must be accessible by land or through a bridge so they can drive to your site.
- There must be sufficient shelter. When it’s raining, or if there’s a mighty wind, we need some cover to complete a car glass replacement.
- After the windscreen replacement is done, the car will need to stand stationary for at least 30 minutes for it to “settle”.
- You need to make sure you have given the correct details to the car glass technician so that they don’t bring the wrong shape or type of windscreen.
How does the process of a windscreen replacement work?
When you find you’ll need a car glass technician’s services, you will call a trustworthy one from a reputable company and give them all the necessary details so they can bring the correct type and shape for a proper installation.
They will book the best time slot for you, at a date that works best for your schedule. They will call to let you know when they are on their way.
A repair takes around twenty minutes, but a full windscreen replacement will be around an hour, usually less. Your car will have to be out of the sun, wind and rain during this process, and at least half an hour after it’s done.
The glass technician will pop the windscreen out and replace it with the new OED glass and any parts of the car that interact closely with the windscreen.
And you are good to go!
Please note that if you fall sick or are unable to provide shelter from any storms, you will need to please let us know within a decent amount of time to reschedule without too much hassle.
Cost Of Windscreen Replacement
Windscreen replacements can be expensive, but they are also necessary and unavoidable. The cost of repairs or replacements depends on various factors, including the type of glass features used and any additional labour involved. Here are some things to keep in mind when budgeting for this kind of job:
• Quality Matters – Investing in quality materials will ensure longevity and safety over time, so don’t skimp out here! Glass that is too thin or brittle may not stand up against impacts, while thicker varieties tend to offer more protection from weather elements like rain or snow.
• Compare Prices – It’s always worth researching ahead of time to get an idea about average costs for similar services in your area. That way you’ll know if something sounds too good (or bad) to be true before getting into it with a particular provider.
• Insurance May Cover Costs – Some auto insurance policies include coverage for windscreen replacement, which could help offset expenses depending on your plan. Check with your insurer beforehand to ensure everything goes smoothly during payment processing.
Ultimately, knowing exactly how much money needs to be set aside before embarking on such projects will bring peace of mind and make life easier.
Learn more about the topic: How much does a windscreen replacement cost?
Choosing An Auto Glass Company For Windscreen Replacement
Hunting down the right auto glass company for windscreen replacement can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. It’s an important decision, so don’t take it lightly – even though it is urgent! Fortunately, there are some key steps that you can take to ensure that your search is fruitful.
Like a diamond in the rough, here’s how to locate the perfect fit:
1) Do Your Research – The internet is full of reviews and ratings from previous customers, so read up on any potential providers before committing. Ask around too; word-of-mouth recommendations go a long way when selecting someone for this kind of job.
2) Check Licensing & Insurance – All legitimate companies should have proper licensing and insurance coverage in place. This helps protect both parties against damages or unforeseen circumstances related to the repair process.
3) Compare Prices & Services – While the price may play a factor, consider the type of services each provider offers and their overall experience level with similar projects. Make sure they can handle whatever needs to be done!
In short, taking time to vet different options properly will save headaches down the line and increase the chances of success with whichever choice gets made.
Benefits Of Windscreen Replacement
Replacing a windscreen can provide numerous benefits to the driver and their vehicle. From improved visibility to better overall safety, here are a few reasons for getting it done is so important.
First off, replacing your windscreen will give you a clearer view of the road ahead. Newer glass helps reduce glare and provides an unobstructed line of sight which leads to more confident manoeuvring when behind the wheel. Older models may have chips or cracks that impair vision while driving, making it difficult (if not impossible) to see what’s coming around corners or in other directions.
Additionally, having an up-to-date windscreen also upgrades protection for passengers inside the car if ever involved in an accident. An intact windscreen absorbs approximately 3 tons of pressure when the airbags are deployed, should anything catastrophic happen out on the road; this could save lives by shielding occupants from potential harm during collisions.
On top of these points, newer brands tend to be much more resilient than those found on older models – meaning they’re less likely to crack or chip under regular use conditions like potholes and speed bumps. This extends their life expectancy as well as reduces repair costs down the line!
In summary, investing in windscreen replacement has multiple advantages that make it worth considering, no matter how old your car might be. It improves visibility and offers increased security during unforeseen situations out on the road. With all these positives factored in, taking steps towards scheduling an appointment shouldn’t take long at all…
Conclusion
Windscreen replacement is a necessary part of ensuring that your car remains safe. It’s essential to the driving experience and should not be taken lightly. Unfortunately, many people need to figure out what to look out for when it comes to windscreens and how they can tell if their vehicle needs replacing. That being said, understanding the basics of windscreen replacement could save you money in the long run.
A front windscreen is made from laminated glass, which helps protect drivers from flying debris on the road or other objects like rocks thrown up by passing cars. This makes your windscreen vulnerable to stone chips and cracks, resulting in visibility limitations for yourself and those around you on the roads. Let’s look at why you may need to replace your windscreen in the first place.
Another factor contributing to needing a new windscreen installed is extreme weather conditions such as hail storms or strong winds which can also cause fractures within the glass surface. Additionally, if your car has been involved in an accident, there will likely be some damage caused, requiring repair work, including getting a brand-new windscreen fitted.
Having looked into why we might need one replaced, it’s important to consider how you can identify signs that suggest your windscreen requires attention…
BOOK YOUR WINDSCREEN REPLACEMENT
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