It could be a bolt from the blue- you are driving along merrily, and then a flying rock hits your windscreen such that it is cracked or shattered. This could leave you in shock but soon, you have to make a judgement – whether the damage is a chip or a crack. Whatever be the case, most of the time, it is good to seek professional help.
Chipped Wind Screen
A chipped windshield is a common and easy issue to be dealt with. In fact, the experts recommend that you must get it fixed as soon as possible to prevent it from developing into a crack. This is because, if that happens, it could burn a big hole in your pocket.
How to repair windscreen Damage
When your windscreen is chipped, it is almost always easier to complete a simple repair process instead of replacing a total windscreen.
If the chip can be repaired, the professionals will do the following:
- Remove any dirt from the point of impact to ensure that chip is clean
- Inject resin into the damaged area
- Cure resin with a UV lamp
Points to Ponder
Chip repair is typically carried out when weather is dry. It may take only half an hour. But on rainy days, the professionals who you hire for the job will use a van canopy to cover the vehicle such that it remains dry during the repair process. You can drive away from the vehicle as soon as the repair has been made.
How to deal with cracks
When your windscreen is cracked- whether because of an ignored chip or a huge impact- it will be required to be fully replaced, instead of being repaired. You must never ignore a cracked windscreen as it can pose a big risk to you and your passengers.
How to replace the windscreen
Never attempt replacing a cracked windscreen on your own. Instead, consult the experts for professional advice. You never know- maybe your windscreen crack can be repaired and not replaced. The financial impact of this advice is huge. So, always check with a reputed auto-glass repair company for windscreen replacement Brisbane.
The professionals will do the following work:
- Protection of the bodywork of your vehicle and inspect it before removing the glass.
- Application of a bonding agent to keep secure your new windscreen.
- Fit the replacement windscreen
- Clean away any dirt.
Other considerations
In case you have a fully comprehensive insurance policy for your vehicle, it will typically cover the cost of windscreen replacement. This way, you need not worry too much about the excessive financial burden. The insurer will pay the cost of replacing or repairing the glass in the windows, sunroof and windscreen of your car.
Top tips for windscreen maintenance
The windscreen is a crucial component of your car, so use the following tips to keep it in good condition:
- Even when there is a small chip, consult a professional company for windscreen repair. Most often, the cost of repairing a chip will be included in your car insurance policy.
- When driving on a freshly surfaced road, drive a bit slower than the speed limit to prevent stone chips and rocks from flying onto your windscreen, causing damage.
- Avoid using boiling water to treat the ice or snow on the car as the difference in temperature can cause cracks in the windscreen.
- Slow down while driving past or behind a lorry/ truck to escape from flying debris.
- Conduct frequent checks on the windscreen to ensure you spot any damage before it is too late.
Tips for after replacement care
Waiting for the right time
The replacement of windscreen uses adhesives to put the part in place. When you can drive the car back to your home after professional work, depends on the adhesives. The time adhesives take to dry is based on kind of adhesive, temperature and humidity. Typically, it takes only an hour to dry but, in some situations, it may take more than 24 hours, if special adhesives are needed or if humidity is high.
Leaving on the tape
In case tape was used as part of windscreen replacement cost, please allow it to stay on your vehicle for at least 24 hours after the repair was completed. This gives time for seals to dry without the chance of rain, dust, dirt or other debris to ruin the installation. The tape also helps keep the windscreen in the right position.
Getting a car wash
Car washes typically use high-pressure jets to remove dirt, grime, bugs from the vehicles. But if sealants and mouldings are not yet dry, such high-pressure water jets can ruin the entire process of windscreen replacement. Those car owners who are adamant about washing their cars within 24 hours after windscreen replacement must use hand washing and totally avoid any high-pressure water disseminators going anywhere near the windscreen. Rains are not an issue as the pressure of water is very low and cannot cause any damage. So, one need not worry about rain forecasts.
These are all some crucial aspects for dealing with chips and cracks on the windscreen of cars.