A windscreen is an integral part of a car because it protects you and the car’s interior from dust, rain, wind, debris, and bugs. It has two sheets of glass with polyvinyl butyrate (PVB) interlayer in between them. In the event of a collision, the PVB layer prevents the windshield from shattering like ordinary glass. It blocks the harmful UV rays and keeps you completely safe. Windscreen repair should be done immediately to ensure the safety of people travelling in the vehicle. As a windscreen plays an integral part in keeping you and your loved ones safe, it is essential to keep it in top-notch condition.

Windscreen damage

Chips

Windscreen chips are caused when an impact breaks away a portion of a glass layer. Chips usually occur when a hard object hits the screen at high speed. They are the most common damage to the windscreen where a small chunk of glass is missing.

Cracks

A crack looks like a line and happens when a piece of glass gets separated. Mostly it happens due to changes in the weather which causes the glass to expand and contract. A crack can spread gradually, and dust can settle in the gap and worsen the condition.

Types of cracks

Star break: The crack is in the shape of a starburst and has a series of short radial cracks that spread outwards. It weakens the glass if it is left unattended.

Bull’s eye: This is the most common type of crack that happens due to the impact of the debris. It is small and looks like a circle with a cone in the outer layer of the glass.

Half-moon: The half-moon crack is similar to a bull’s eye crack, but it is not a complete circle. It looks like a half-moon because blunt debris causes it.

Combination break: This type of damage has a combination of bull’s eye and star cracks. These are caused by an impact made by a rock or stone.

Floater cracks: This crack starts at the centre of the glass and spreads very fast. It is caused by exposure to extremely high temperatures.

Stress crack: It happens when the glass becomes very old. It is also known as edge crack because it starts at the edge of the screen.

Protecting your windscreen

Avoid parking your vehicle under direct sunlight because extreme temperatures can cause cracks on your windscreen. Existing cracks can spread further due to high temperatures and damage the entire windscreen. Parking in a shaded spot can prevent damage and keep it in good condition.

The condition of the wiper can also affect the windscreen. The inside of a wiper is a metal structure with a rubber coating on the outside. The rubber coating wears out slowly, and the metal structure is exposed. Each time you run the wiper, the metal scrapes against the windscreen glass. Protect your windscreen by replacing your wiper blades regularly.

The windscreen should be cleaned using quality cleaning products. Avoid using ammonia-based glass cleaners, abrasive household sponges, and paper towels that can cause damage to the windshield. You can use a soft cloth with quality cleaners specifically designed for the windshield.

Slamming the doors causes vibrations that can damage the windscreen. The vibrations inside the car worsen the small chips or cracks, and the windshield can even come off the track. It is best to close the doors gently.

Though windshield repair is a cost-effective solution it can be done only after considering the crack’s size, depth and location. The repair can hide the damage and prevent it from spreading. Chips can be repaired easily but larger cracks are difficult to repair. It is best to get the glass fixed as soon as you spot the damage.