Everyone knows the importance of having a clear windscreen. That means no stickers that block the driver’s view, not using it to site a GPS unit and, of course, the importance of getting a prompt windscreen repair in the case of a stone chip in the line of sight.
But… Did you know that the windscreen plays a host of other roles – all of which are essential safety features for everyone in the vehicle?
Far from being ‘just’ a plain piece of glass through which the driver can see the road, the windscreen is an integral safety element as important as the brakes, airbags, steering control and everything else that makes a car safe to operate.
3 Windscreen Safety Features You Probably Didn’t Know About
Ready to have your mind blown? The following are 3 little-known facts about car windscreens that – once known – are guaranteed to mean you’ll never neglect their condition again…
1: The windscreen is a structural part of the car
Did you know that the windscreen provides up to 47% of the vehicle’s structural properties? In the event of a collision, both the front and rear windscreens help distribute the destructive forces throughout the whole vehicle frame. This massively reduces how much the cabin becomes deformed, helping prevent metal bending and ingression into the area where the driver and passengers are sitting.
In addition, should the car roll over, this structural integrity helps prevent the roof and sides of the vehicle from caving in. It also plays a major role in preventing occupants from being ejected forward and out of the car during an accident. Full or partial ejection from a vehicle massively increases the chance of fatality, and modern safety glass is designed to help keep passengers within the cabin in the event of an accident.
2: The windscreen ensures the airbags work correctly
In a collision where the airbags are deployed, the windscreen absorbs some of the impact force. It also plays a crucial role in directing the airbags into the correct place. Without this strong backstop, the airbag won’t deploy upwards and into the person it’s designed to protect. A weakened windscreen – say, from a crack or large chip – might not provide the robust support needed for the airbags to function correctly.
3: The windscreen is a safety shield
During regular driving activities, the windscreen prevents objects and projectiles from entering the cabin. Imagine the devastation that would be caused by a stone flicking up and hitting the driver in the face.
It also helps stop protrusions into the vehicle during an accident, collision or rollover.
If you’ve never thought much about the vital safety elements of the windscreen (and, let’s be honest, most people haven’t), then the above revelations are probably pretty eye-opening. While none of us ever want to be involved in a road traffic collision, if it does happen then you want to be sure that your vehicle is primed to protect you.
The Importance of Windscreen Repairs
While getting that little stone chip in your car’s windscreen repaired might not seem to be a high priority, it really should be. Even if it doesn’t impact your field of vision, any windscreen damage creates a point of vulnerability. This weak point can suddenly get bigger – perhaps caused by road vibrations or temperature fluctuations. Not only could this render the vehicle unroadworthy, but it dramatically reduces the structural and safety effectiveness of the windscreen.
Small stone chips or cracks can usually be repaired, but more extensive damage will require a new windscreen. The rule of thumb for windscreen repair is:
- Isolated stone chips less than the size of a 10-cent coin can usually be filled and repaired.
- Smaller cracks, around those less than 150 mm in length, can usually be repaired if they don’t extend through the whole depth of the glass.
The location of the damage also has a bearing. Chips that are too close to the edge of the glass (less than 5 cm) usually can’t be repaired. Those in the direct line of sight of the driver are also often unsuitable for repair.
Because of the likelihood of a small area of windscreen damage becoming larger, not to mention the safety aspects discussed, it’s crucial to address windscreen damage as soon as possible.
Autoscreens offer a leading windscreen repair service in Perth. We can often repair damage under your insurance policy, meaning you don’t end up out of pocket. As well as windscreen repairs, we provide a full windscreen replacement service, as well as side and rear glass replacement.
As a family-run firm, we pride ourselves in both excellent customer service and outstanding workmanship. Get a quote today or call our friendly team to discuss your requirements.
