The vehicle windscreen protects the driver and the rest of the passengers from the harsh weather and outside elements that can ruin the driving experience, cause harm, and lead to high costs of maintaining a car. The safety importance of the windscreen makes it the most critical feature of a moving car other than its engine.
However, many people check for oil, water, brakes, and tires and never think of the windscreen until when a problem is too much to ignore. This guide to getting vehicle windscreen services and repairs should cater to the needs all people who own a car.
Repair or replacement choices
The windscreen will experience some harsh treatment throughout its life. Thus, it is common to see chips on the glass that may need immediate attention. The general rule is that you should be repairing chips that are less than 25mm in a conventional windscreen. When there is a chip together with a crater on the surface, then make sure it is less than 5mm in diameter before you opt for repairs.
Meanwhile, the threshold for repairing cracks on the surface is 150mm and below in length, and the cracks should not run from the edge of the windscreen. However, when these conditions arise in the area that is in the driver’s line of vision, you cannot proceed with repairs. According to AAA Windscreens experts, you must go for a replacement whenever the area in front of the steering wheel from the dashboard to the roof of the car has an issue even when the damage appears very tiny.
Cost of services
The windscreen repair services should be part of the cover from your vehicle insurer. Therefore, you should consider taking the vehicle to an authorized repair center where the insurer recommends so that you have no bills to pay from the pocket. Nevertheless, some insurers will offer limits to the number of times you can repair or replace the windscreen without requiring additional top-up amounts for your cover.
How long can you leave chips and cracks unattended
You can stay for a few days with a car having damaged windscreen as long as the risks are repairable. Otherwise, you should either stop driving the car or drive it to the mechanic for a replacement of the windscreen.
Most small chips are not easy to detect, and you can pass traffic police stops without any issues. However, their potential to grow and affect the whole windscreen is very high, hence the need to act immediately. Repair costs are also significantly low compared to actual costs of buying a new windscreen and fitting it on your car.
Finding the right service center
You should look at the reputation of the center before taking your car for windscreen replacement or repair. You want the job done by professionals who understand the technology used for your car. Therefore, ensure that you are relying on a qualified mechanic who uses the right equipment for the job.…