TÜV SÜD: Shattered? Three tips in the case of windscreen damage

Munich (Pressweb) - Damage to car windows is not a rare occurrence, particularly when drivers are en route to holiday destinations. Suddenly, far away from their familiar garage at home, they are faced with the decision of replacing, repairing – or simply driving on. It all depends on the damage, say the experts at TÜV SÜD, and provide tips on the right reaction.

On long journeys such as travel to holiday destinations, chipping damage to windscreens occurs relatively frequently; however, replacement of the entire windscreen is rarely necessary. When a flying stone hits the laminated glass of a windscreen it usually causes a small star-shaped crater which is easy to repair; modern repair methods deliver extremely high quality and safe results. Depending on availability, drivers may be able to summon mobile teams operated by windscreen repair companies. As an additional benefit, these small-scale repairs generally cost a maximum of EUR 100 – an expense that the majority of insurance companies cover without involving payment of an insurance excess. Eberhard Lang from TÜV SÜD comments, “Repairing small-scale damage is safe and secure. Thanks to this, replacement of the entire windscreen is becoming increasingly unnecessary.”

Not too large: When making repair decisions, apply our literal 'rule of thumb'. the damage should be no larger than a thumbnail and not too deep. But a more pressing issue is the exact location of the chip impact. If the damaged area impairs vision, complete windscreen replacement is the only solution. The area in which repairs are permitted is strictly defined, and the driver's primary vision area – the area covered by the windscreen wipers and within the driver's direct line of vision – is an absolute no-no. Chipping damage which is too close to the edge of the windscreen is also off limits for repairs; although the area is almost invisible once filled with special resin, it may refract and deflect light during night driving, and in extreme cases the repaired spot may even glow as brightly as a light diode. And, of course, there is no point in repairing a windscreen that is so scratched and worn that replacement would be on the cards anyway.

No dirt: A critical factor for successful repair is that the impact point is clean and dry. It is also important to ensure that no moisture, and especially no dirt, is allowed to penetrate into the fine cracks between the time of damage and repair.

For this reason, have the chipping damage repaired immediately or cover small areas of damage to prevent moisture from entering. The experts advise holiday drivers to cover the damage point immediately with a special sticker, supplied by windscreen repair services or insurance companies for drivers to keep at hand in the glove box just in case. A strip of clear adhesive tape will also do the job. This applies to all car windows including side and rear windows, which are affected far less often.

No DIY: Windscreen repair is a safety-relevant process and is not an area where DIY enthusiasts should venture. This warning also applies to the use of proprietary repair kits. Specific training and an array of specialist tools are necessary to produce a flawless result; for example, the damage point on the windscreen is covered by a vacuum cup and the repair resin is applied under high pressure to penetrate even the tiniest cracks. Professionally repaired windscreens will sail through their next routine roadworthiness inspection.

TÜV SÜD will premiere its entire portfolio of truck services at the IAA Commercial Vehicles exhibition in Hanover, under the motto "Think differently. Develop the future". At Stand F18 in Hall 13, TÜV SÜD Auto Service will showcase comprehensive solutions and innovative concepts for the commercial vehicle and logistics industries.

Further information at www.tuev-sued.de/presse.