A windscreen is one of the most important components that protect passengers from being injured or killed in a car accident. It maintains the structural integrity o your vehicle in the event of a collision, which prevents the occupants from being crushed and suffering devastating injuries. Aside from that, it protects you from external elements such as bugs, debris, dust, rain, rocks, and so on.
Since it is an absolutely necessary component of automobiles, it becomes crucial to take good care of cars’ windshields. The importance of regular cleaning and driving with caution cannot be overstated when it comes to extending the life of a windshield.
However, we cannot deny that the car’s windshield suffers from constant wear and tears as well as structural instability as a result of chips and cracks that may have developed throughout its existence. And, even if you take the finest possible care of it, once it has reached the end of its useful life, it is time for you to replace the windshield.
Why is it crucial to invest in a High-Quality Windshield?
A windshield is seen as merely an automobile accessory by a number of people. However, a windshield is an extremely important component of every car since it protects the occupants from being injured or killed.
Believe it or not, spending on a genuine OEM windshield is indispensable. According to research, OEM windshields can maintain 60% of the vehicle’s structural integrity and can act as an additional cushion to protect passengers from being pushed out of the car and injuring themselves. In addition, in the event of a head-on collision, it can absorb 50% of the impact force.
OEM windshields are incredibly durable and prevent passengers from being injured or killed during severe accidents. An Original Equipment Manufacturer’s Windshield is manufactured by the same company that installed the glass in your vehicle when it was first driven off the assembly line. This glass meets or exceeds the same safety standards as those that were in place when your car was brand new.
However, its one-of-a-kind design and ruggedness are only effective if the windshield is in excellent shape. A damaged or cracked windshield will not be able to withstand high pressure and will immediately crumble, resulting in fatal incidents. That’s why it is important to maintain your windshield in good shape at all times.
But how will you spot the difference between a low and a high-quality windshield?
When Should You Have Your Windshield Repaired or Replaced?
A windshield comprises of three layers:
- The outside layer of glass
- The inside layer of glass
- A unique PVB (Poly Vinyl Butrayl) layer sandwiched between the two layers for optimum strength
There are different situations and scenarios when you should have your windshields repaired or replaced, such as:
Situation No. 1: When you notice a crack or chip on your windshield, you must take your car to a reputable auto repair shop to have it repaired. A technician would be able to evaluate how deep the crack is, and accordingly, he can tell you to get it repaired or replaced.
Situation No. 2: When your car collides with another vehicle or tree, and the windshield shatters or gets cracks, take your car to the mechanic immediately. Many people often drive back their homes in such a situation, which is not safe. In such a situation, you can always call for a reputable mobile mechanic or take your car to a reputable auto repair shop.
Situation No. 3: If your car’s windshield has reached its prime, it’s time to get it replaced. Of course, the wear and tear it has gone through all these years must have weakened your car’s windshield. Driving with a weak windshield is not a good idea.
So these are the situations when you need to take your car for windshield repair or replacement. Aside from that, to know whether your windshield needs to be repaired or requires a complete replacement, it’s advised to run a basic quarter test on your windshield in order to determine this.
Keep in mind that only minor dings and scratches on the vehicle’s exterior are eligible for restoration. If the damage is limited to the external layer of the glass, it can be repaired. However, if the damage is major or has reached the internal layer of the glass, it’s advised to get it replaced. Also, keep in mind that you should never postpone the procedure.
Know that only a maximum of two chips can be fixed at a time. Anything beyond that, including cracks, will necessitate the replacement of the windshield.
What is the Average Amount of Time it takes to Replace a Windshield?
Windshield replacement may appear taxing at first; however, doing it on time is critical. Know that cracked windshields pose a significant safety concern to the driver and passengers; delaying the process can be fatal.
It will increase the likelihood of you and your loved ones getting into trouble. Undoubtedly, windshield replacement is a time-consuming procedure. But you cannot deny the fact that the time spent on windshield replacement is worth it.
Typically, it takes around 45 and 60 minutes to replace a windshield. However, after replacement, you need to wait for an hour or so to ensure that the windshield is fixed properly.
It is because adhesives used to fix the new windshield need time to sit properly with the windshield frame. So, you have to be patient when you are at the repair center for windshield replacement. Driving the vehicle immediately after replacement can cause the windshield to become displaced and result in the poor fitment of the new windshield.
To Conclude
Now that you know how important your car’s windshield is, it’s crucial to take very good care of them and avoid doing things that can pose a threat to your windshield.
And if you see any damage or crack on your vehicle’s windshield, just take your car to a reputable repair service provider. We are a leading windshield repair and replacement service provider in the industry. We deal only in high-quality OEM windshields. Moreover, we offer one year warranty on our OEM windshields to make your experience special with us.
We have a team of expert technicians who can help you with the highest-quality windshield installation services. We also offer mobile windshield repair services for the convenience of our customers.
Contact us, we are just a call away!!