Most modern windscreens are made from safety glass which is heavily laminated to prevent shattering in the event of a sudden impact. The glass is a specially constructed glass made from two thinner layers, with a layer of laminate in between them—the safety factor—and generally they are bonded into the window frame of the specific car they are made for. The windscreens on earlier models were generally made from ordinary glass which was highly dangerous because of its shattering capabilities in the event of a crash. The industry needed to come up with a tougher glass because in 1917 Ford was sued by a reckless driver but he lost the case. When toughened glass, which had a neoprene or rubber seal, was used it did shatter, but it broke into millions are harmless pieces. The only downside was that it could be caused to shatter by the tiniest of stones hitting the windscreen. Nowadays, windscreens can chip or crack but they can still hold firm without shattering and it is possible to drive with them in that condition—although it is not advisable and it is an MOT failure. Companies who offer windscreen repair in Gloucester will probably cover a large metropolitan area and be able to send out a glass technician with a few miles of your home.
Keeping the integrity of your Windscreen
The idea of a windscreen is to protect the passengers and driver inside the vehicle from flying projectiles, both large and small. They also stop dust and road debris from getting inside the vehicle and they reduce noise production. In the event that you are hit by a stone or pebble that bounces up and smacks your windscreen the strength of the glass should hold to the point whereby the worst thing that could happen would be what is known as a ‘spider web’ crack—because of its similarity to a spider web. You might also have a small chip which can be easily fixed using a resin mix. Alternatively, if the crack is long, thick and large enough to be a potential hazard, you would be best advised to have the entire windscreen replaced. Most fully comprehensive insurance policies will have free windscreen replacement as part of the policy without financial penalty, so if you do need your windscreen replaced just get in touch with your insurer.
At UK Autoglaze, our experienced team will visit your offices or any commercial premises to replace or repair the windscreen in your vehicles in Gloucester & surrounded areas.
