Windscreen Repair Service
Why is your car windscreen important?
Before we get into your car windscreen damage and the types of windscreen cracks, it’s important to understand more about the importance of your car windscreen.
Automotive safety glass is often overlooked by most vehicle owners. Although car manufacturers often emphasize the safety features of their vehicles in advertisements, the introduction of windscreens and their functions is somewhat limited!
The traditional perception is only to prevent wind, rain, and flying debris (such as insects and stones) from entering the cabin. In fact, with advances in automotive technology, windscreens have a variety of functions.
It’s a crucial component that plays a vital role in safety. Beyond providing a clear view of the road, the windscreen strengthens the car’s structure, supporting the roof and airbags. In a crash, its laminated glass absorbs impact, protecting passengers from injury. Additionally, it ensures the airbags deploy correctly, preventing occupants from being ejected from the vehicle, especially if they’re not wearing a seatbelt.
Source: Auto Glass Safety Council
Types of Windscreen Damage
Bull’s Eye Chip
Damage marked by a detached cone on the outer glass layer resulting in a dark circle with an impact point.
This type of windscreen damage is commonly circular in shape. The bullseye name of the crack makes the shape of its impact apparent – the center of the target.
When a bull’s eye crack is not dealt with in due time, excessive dirt, oil, and other debris can accumulate in the damaged area.
This makes the damage more extensive, and repairing the crack becomes notably difficult.
If repaired timely and by expert technicians, no trace of crack will be left, and your windscreen will go back to looking smooth as new.
Half-Moon Chip
A half-moon crack is similar to a bullseye crack but with a key difference the damage isn’t a complete circle. Unlike bullseye cracks, which are caused by a more forceful impact.
Half-moon cracks are typically caused by a blunt object. This irregular shape gives technicians more flexibility when cleaning and repairing the windscreen.
Star Break Chip
The damage of a star break chip comes off as a series of short yet radical cracks from the impact point.
The damage incurred by the impact resembles a star to an extent. It usually starts as a minor crack when the windscreen in a car is struck by debris or another object.
Combination Chip
When a windscreen in a car sustains a chip, it can be a blend of both a star break and a bull’s eye.
This type of windscreen chip damage is called a combination crack. These sorts of cracks are incredibly difficult to tend to.
What causes a combination crack? Rock chips or stone chips are the primary footings of any damage to the windscreen in a car, and combination cracks are no exceptions.
It should be noted that a highly-skilled technician is required to repair a combination chip. Anything less than that can cause further damage to the windscreen.
Edge Cracks
Edge cracks are commonly due to exposure to high heat — not an uncommon scenario in Malaysia as the sun heats the metal and materials surrounding the glass.
With that, the edges of the windscreen is warmed much more than the middle. This difference in temperature can cause cracks to appear at the edges of the glass.
While initially small, it can grow much larger, up to 25-30 centimetres in length. This will then be a serious issue, and the windscreen will need to be replaced entirely.
Floater Cracks
A crack that’s similar to edge cracks mentioned above, floater cracks start at the middle part of the windscreen.
They appear in different shapes, and are similarly caused by temperature fluctuations.
Floater cracks can then spread across your windscreen, starting from the middle to the edge. If you noticed a crack that appears as a floater crack, it would be best to approach a windscreen repair specialist as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading across your windscreen!
Surface Pit
A small scratch related to normal wear and tear that does not penetrate the plastic interlayer.
natural wear and tear on your windshield often caused by sand, dust, small stones and other debris from the road. These particles are much smaller than objects that cause cracks and chips, yet they can accumulate and cause damage over time.
Windscreen Repair Process
Let’s check how bad the damage to your car’s windshield is. If it’s just a small crack or chip, you might still be able to drive with it, but it’s best to fix it soon at a glass shop with price as low as RM80. But if the windshield is really cracked or broken, you need to replace it right away. Don’t worry, our experts will check it for you and tell you what to do.
For minor damage such as small cracks, repairs can be done using the resin injection method. This process involves injecting a special resin into the crack or fracture, then curing it with ultraviolet light. Repairs using this method can restore the glass strength to up to 90% and prevent further damage.”
If a trained technician assesses that the windshield crack can be repaired, they will prepare the area around the damage for repair. This includes protecting the car bonnet and cleaning glass fragments around the cracked area of the windshield.
First, a Vacuum Pump is used to remove air from the crack in the glass. Then, a Clear Adhesive is used to fill the crack. This adhesive is cured under UV light. After repair, the windshield will have about 90-95% of its original strength.
Although minor repairs can be done, there are some conditions that require you to completely replace the windshield, namely;
- Too long or wide cracks: Cracks that extend over a large area can obstruct visibility and are difficult to repair.
- Too many chips: If there are too many small chips, repairs will not be effective and can cause further damage.
- Severe damage to the coating layer: Damage to the coating layer can cause distortion in vision and reduce visibility.
Professional Windscreen Repair Tools and High Strength Resin from Ultra-Bond Inc
Windscreen Repair: Before and After
How to take care of your windscreen
Car windows should be cleaned regularly to ensure they are always clear and free of dirt such as dust, grime, and fingerprints. Use a soft microfiber cloth and a little water to clean the windows. Make sure the cloth used is clean and does not contain any substances that could damage the car windows.
- Avoid using unsuitable chemicals such as harsh or highly alkaline cleaners as they can damage the glass surface. Use a suitable car window cleaner and ensure it does not contain any substances that can damage the glass.
- Store your vehicle in a safe place that is protected from extreme weather conditions. Prolonged exposure to the elements can damage the surface of the car’s windshield.
- By following the easy tips and guides above, you can properly service and repair your car windshield. Make sure to always maintain your windshield in good condition so that it functions properly and provides a clear view while driving. Please contact us, Windscreen2U, if you need any assistance with windshield repair and maintenance.
- Avoid driving too closely behind the vehicle in front that`s mean keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you. Why? Because when the vehicle in front of you drives over rough or rocky roads, small debris can be kicked up and hit your windshield. A safe distance will minimize the risk of your windshield being hit by these particles.
- Regular cleaning of your windshield is crucial for maintaining clear visibility while driving. Use a dedicated glass cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth to clean your windshield. Avoid using abrasive materials like newspaper or rough cloths, as they can scratch the glass.
- Regularly checking your windshield for any signs of damage will help you detect problems early. The sooner you find a crack or chip, the easier and cheaper it will be to repair. If left unattended, damage can worsen and require more expensive repairs.
Windshield care and repair are crucial for maintaining driving safety and comfort. By understanding the types of damage, repair processes, and maintenance tips, you can keep your vehicle’s windshield in optimal condition. If you want to get service with us, please press the button below to contact us.