Written by Paul
October 13, 2023
Let’s explore the intricate world of the VW Polo, discovering its unique features and the innovative spirit that distinguishes it in the automotive industry.
What features does a Volkswagen Polo windscreen have?
Ah, the trials of car ownership! Just when you think everything is motoring along smoothly with your beloved Volkswagen Polo, a rogue stone flies up and suddenly, you’re facing a windscreen replacement.
It’s not just about the unexpected expense; the cascade of questions that come zooming in can be overwhelming.
You might find yourself pondering:
Why did this happen?
What other surprises could be lurking?
Where do I go from here?
And the inevitable: how much is this going to cost me?
It’s a bumpy ride, but worry not. You’ve just navigated to the right space.
As we venture further into this blog post, we’ll address these queries and more, aiming to steer you towards a clearer path. So, buckle up and keep on reading!
VW POLO WINDSCREEN REPLACEMENT
About Volkswagen Polo in the UK
The VW Polo is a staple on British roads, embodying a blend of efficiency, reliability, and class. As one of the most revered hatchbacks, it symbolises Volkswagen’s longstanding commitment to quality and innovation. In the UK, the Polo has become synonymous with compact elegance and unfailing performance, capturing the essence of modern driving.
Historical Background
The Polo debuted in the UK market back in the 1970s, and since then, it has undergone numerous evolutions. Each generation brought forth a fresh wave of enhancements, with Volkswagen tirelessly refining every aspect, from engine performance to interior aesthetics.
Safety Features
Equipped with numerous safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, and Driver Alert System, the Polo is engineered to provide a secure driving experience. These features underline VW’s dedication to integrating advanced safety technologies.
Is the Polo a good car?
Ranking among one of the top 10 most popular cars in the UK, the Volkswagen Polo is a good and reliable car for many reasons. For a car that happens to be on the smaller side, its interior is still incredibly comfortable and practical, while still managing an upmarket sensation all at once. This means that parking and comfort are issues that you won’t find with this vehicle, which on its own is a rarity.
The lines and shapes of its frame are more complicated than its predecessors, and its colourful trims and sharp cabin cuts mean that heads and steering wheels from all over turn when this model drives down any street.
Why do cracks appear on the windscreen of my Volkswagen Polo?
There are quite a few common and uncommon reasons that cracks and dents will start appearing on your windscreen or sections of car glass. Some will result in only minor little imperfections, while others could lead to a network of cracks or even shattering glass.
Impact Damage
This is the most common and likely reason that cracks or dents will form on your car glass surface. When you drive along a freshly paved road or one with plenty of gravel and rocks, small road debris (usually pebbles) is churned up from the ground and might hit your windscreen with enough force to inflict enough damage to the layers of glass.
Stress Fractures
When the windscreen of your Volkswagen Polo is faced with extreme shifts in temperature, such as heat from a hot days sunlight and cold from a wintery wind, it runs the risk of developing a stress fracture. This is when the changing temperatures cause the glass layers to expand and contract at too fast a pace, which can cause immense damage. Gradual changes will slowly wear and tear at your car’s glass, but a rapid shift (such as pouring boiling water on a frozen-over windscreen) can cause it to shatter.
Weather patterns and debris
Hailstorms and icy winds threaten to damage the integrity of our windscreens and car glass. Winds blowing around small objects (tree branches, for example) can hit our Volkswagen Polo at the worst possible time. Icy roads might lead to minor or major car accidents resulting in massive amounts of damage.
Collisions or car accidents
Every driver’s worst nightmare. Bad drivers not paying attention, an animal running across the road, terrible timing… all things that can lead to car accidents that can range from a minor fender-bender to a complete write-off for your vehicle.
Badly-completed car glass replacements
If you hire car glass technicians who don’t understand the intricacies of how a Volkswagen Polo’s car glass interacts with its various parts or they make use of shoddy materials, you’ll find yourself in need of those type of services sooner than you need to. Cheaper options might end up costing more long-term.
What happens when I drive with cracks on the windscreen of my VW Polo?
There are multiple serious and avoidable consequences from operating a vehicle with cracks or dents on your windscreen. Some might be minor mishaps, while others could be life-threatening.
Obstructed vision while driving
Small cracks might not even appear as a blip on your radar at first, and will not impact your ability to drive at all. But these hold the potential to become a network of cracks that could distort your view of the outside world enough that you miss a crucial detail and end up in a collision or car accident.
The structural integrity of your Volkswagen Polo could be compromised
It may surprise you to know that the function of your windscreen and other sections of car glass is not only to allow you to view the outside world within the safe confines of your automobile. It also helps towards keeping your car’s frame securely in place during the event of a car accident or whenever your vehicle might roll over. With any car glass that has cracks or dents, it’s more likely to shatter and remove all support towards the structure. This could result in the car’s frame folding in, leading to more severe injuries for any occupants.
Problems with the law
In the UK, if you are caught driving with an identifiable crack on your windscreen, you are charged with “Reckless Driving” and may be subject to a large fine and gaining three penalty points on your car. The severeness of the charge depends on how badly your screen is cracked and the officer’s judgment.
How can I prevent cracks from appearing on my windscreen?
If you’re looking to reduce the odds of cracks appearing, or at least prolong the natural wear-and-tear your car glass will go through, then follow these steps.
Keep your Volkswagen Polo sheltered at all times
To prevent stress fractures and weather debris from making serious impacts of your car’s glass, make sure that you park your Volkswagen Polo under sufficient shelter throughout the day. This way, it won’t be exposed to fluctuating temperatures or random projectiles (frisbees, balls, hailstones).
Do not use boiling water on frozen windscreens
This de-thawing system is a sure-fire way to shatter your windscreen instantly.
Make sure your Volkswagen Polo windscreen cracks aren’t tainted
If a crack does appear despite your best efforts, make sure to keep all dirt and water out of it. These elements erode the glass layers faster and hasten the shattering process. Apply clear tape over the offending crack or dent (after cleaning and drying it) to give yourself some time.
Drive carefully on the road
Leave a generous amount of space between yourself and the other cars, and never ever text while driving. Paying attention while you drive could be the split second between avoiding a vehicle or pedestrian, or having an accident that could haunt you the rest of your life. Obstacles will seem to jump out of nowhere if you don’t have all your eyes and attention on the road!
Inspect your windscreen
A quick glance won’t always cut it. Take time out of your busy schedule every week or so to strictly inspect your windscreen and car glass for any signs of damage. A problem caught early means fewer headaches and costs in the future. Some cracks and dents can be easily repaired instead of replaced.
Go to a trustworthy car glass repair facility
Make sure to do your research thoroughly and locate a business that will treat your Volkswagen Polo right. Poor workmanship and cheap materials mean you’ll see them sooner than you would like!
What is the cost of replacing my Volkswagen Polo windscreen?
When we calculate an online quote for the windscreen replacement cost for your VW Polo, it might be a good idea to know a bit about the features you have in your particular model. We have made it easy to identify the correct windscreen and ask additional questions for an accurate estimate.
The whole process takes less than 30 sec; that is what we call Online Quote and Booking at Your Fingertips.
The cost of a new windscreen for the Volkswagen Polo ranges from £262.01 to £550.29.
Furthermore, we institute a rigorous parts check for every new booking, cross-verifying to ascertain that the correct windscreen, bearing identical attributes, is earmarked for installation in our customer’s vehicles.
This meticulous approach is pivotal in upholding our unwavering commitment to safety and precision.
Ensuring the correct windscreen is fitted not only aligns with the aesthetic and functional specifications of your VW Polo but is quintessential in maintaining the vehicle’s structural integrity and safety features.
The windscreen plays a crucial role in the overall safety framework, providing substantial support to the vehicle’s roof, aiding in proper airbag deployment, and ensuring clear visibility, indispensable for safe driving.
Through our diligent parts check and verification process, we aim to fortify the safety of your vehicle, safeguarding you and your passengers with every journey.
REQUEST A QUOTE
What features does a Polo windscreen have?
Rain Sensor
A rain sensor is there to identify rainfall or heavy moisture that comes into contact with your windscreens. They use light sensor technology, and the wipers will automatically adapt their movement to compensate for the amount it detects.
You can usually locate a rain sensor in the car glass behind the windscreen and near the rearview mirror.
Noise reduction windscreen
A noise reduction windscreen has an extra sheet of vinyl in the glass layers that make up your VW Polo’s windscreen. This film has soundproofing properties that profoundly lower any outside noise levels, providing you with a car interior that holds quiet tranquillity.
Grey sun strip
If you look, you’ll find a grey strip on the top section of the windscreen of your Volkswagen Polo. This feature is there to protect your eyes from the harsh rays of the sun, which are most prominent during sunrise and sunset hours.
Heated windscreen
Electrically heated glass is created when they triple glaze the glass, which allows them to emit electronically-controlled radiant heat. It gives enhanced thermal interior luxury. At the same time, it aids with the structural predicaments of wear-and-tear and visibility linked to condensation or blizzards that could damage your Volkswagen Polo’s windscreen.
How does insurance work with windscreen repairs or replacements?
A good car insurance company will cover the extensive costs that can be incurred when repairing or replacing a section of car glass. Many plans might have a deductible expense amount of usually between £100 to £300 for each procedure. If you have a plan that has a deductible payment plan, then your insurance policy will cover these charges.
However, not all insurance companies are the same; it would be in your best interest to reach out to your insurance agent and discuss with them in details what is included by your plan, and what conditions need to be met for them to cover you.
Upon scheduling a windscreen or car glass replacement through our website, you have the option to select the “Insurance Claim” method instead of providing your card details.
Subsequently, we are more than willing to assist with any inquiries related to insurance claims, ensuring a seamless process for you. Furthermore, you can submit your details, enabling us to investigate the potential of managing the job as an insurance claim on your behalf.
An interesting fact about the Volkswagen Polo!
Have you ever noticed that there are Volkswagens’ on the road with mi-matched and mixed up body panels? You aren’t going crazy!
Special edition “Harlequin” VW Polo’s were issued in the year 1995 all over Europe. One year later, they released the same Harlequin edition, but this time in countries such as the USA and Canada.
They are considered the rarest of limited edition Volkswagen vehicles. You might also notice that not all Harlequin-type VWs’ have equal colour sequences. That’s because the single-colour type cars were produced first, and the hybrid colour body panels were made afterwards.
So the next time you see someone trying to sell a Volkswagen Polo for a low price because it has mismatched colours; snatch it up! It’s a rare one!
Who should I use for car glass repairs and replacements?
There are not many cars that can hold themselves will in just about any situation – but the Volkswagen Polo is one of them. It is our honour to support the safety and security of your Volkswagen Polo with the choicest materials and most professional care feasible.
At UK Car Glass, that’s precisely what we aim to do.
But there are plenty of competitive car glass repair companies, so why choose us?
We offer nation-wide-coverage and will come to you
We travel anyplace within the UK, as as we can reach you via land or bridge. No more will you have to transport yourself somewhere with a dangerously compromised windscreen or section of car glass!
A simple and efficient website
Our website has your convenience implemented in its design. Book at a date and time that works best for your calendar, and have one of our trained professionals come over to your area. No more waiting for weeks or months, one of our technicians can be there in the next couple of days!
Raving reviews from previous clients
Rather hear from others if you don’t want to take our word for it. View our reviews, and you’ll understand that our customer care, quality of business, and glass materials goes above and beyond any of our competitors!
Paul
Reliable Service, Every Mile of the Way
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