The windscreen, sometimes referred to as a windshield, is the big glass window running across the front part of a car. The windscreen protects the vehicle occupants from the wind as well as flying debris such as dust particles, rocks, birds and insects. It can even protect from the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Your windscreen is designed to take a beating on your behalf to ensure your protection. Sometimes, a piece of gravel that comes flying up or an errant bird that flies into the glass can result in your windscreen becoming chipped or cracked. If this happens, you might not know whether to opt for a simple repair or a complete windscreen replacement. Continue reading to find out more about each option.

Address the Damage

The most important thing to remember after your windscreen becomes damaged is to arrange to have it assessed by a professional promptly. You don’t want to be driving and then suddenly have the windscreen glass implode on your face. Getting it fixed ensures the problem will not worsen and pose a safety hazard. As a rule of thumb, if it looks like the chip can be easily fixed, opt for a simple repair. But if you wait too long and the chip turns into a larger crack, windscreen replacement may be necessary.

Repair

Tiny chips and small cracks can typically be fixed by a professional. To determine if repair is a possible solution for your windscreen, look at the size of it. If the damage to be covered is less than 10cm, a simple repair could suffice. The price for repairs will vary depending on your area and where you get it done.

Remember,don’t take your windscreen for granted, as it serves an important structural part of your car which protects you. Immediately address the damage, because if it worsens, it can be harder to fix the problem. If you can’t get to a windscreen repair specialist immediately, place tape over the damage until it can be fixed.

Why Professional Repairs Are Important

The repair process involves a special resin bring injected into the chipped area. Windscreens are comprised of three layers, with two sheets of glass sandwiching a middle layer of resin. Some people who aregood with their hands attempt to repair damage to their windscreen themselves using a do-it-yourself kit from an automotive shop. However, these repair kits don’t achieve the same results as a professional, making it important to ensure safety by getting the job done professionally.

Replacement

If the chip or crack is large, has occurred in the driver’s line of vision, or is at the windscreen’s edge, then windscreen replacement is the only option. Between replacement and repair, replacement is the more expensive option. But when your car does come back after windscreen replacement, you can trust that it will be as good as new. Getting your windscreen replaced protects the structural integrity of your car as well as protecting its most precious cargo: you.