When to Change Car Windows? Why?

When to change car windows? Why?

The moons of the car are a vital piece. Without them, driving would be downright dangerous, and you would also be eating lots of bugs. Windshields protect you from the wind, rain, rocks, and all other debris that can fly into the cabin, so it is not recommended to play with a windshield that is damaged. By doing so, you risk your safety and that of everyone else on board.

But what do you know about the difference between needing to install a new windshield and a simple repair? When such a riddle comes up, it is always ideal for showing the damage to a car glass expert, as they are the ones who are qualified to advise you when you need to repair or replace your windshield. Have you noticed any damage to yours?

What are car windows made of?

First of all, it helps to know what a moon is made of. Automotive glass, or windshield, or front glass, is also sometimes called "safety glass." It is not one piece, but two pieces with a layer of laminated plastic in between. If an object hits the windshield, this design causes it to break into much smaller pieces and prevents it from breaking down into much larger and more dangerous pieces.

It was shortly after the invention of the automobile that tempered glass windows were used. Compared to traditional glass, they considerably reduced the risk of breakage and allowed greater visibility. However, it was not until the 80s when manufacturers were forced to equip their vehicles with the current laminated front windows, manufactured as we have said by alternating glass and polyvinyl butyral layers to multiply the resistance by 10 times. Of tempered glass and make it much safer.

The rest of the car glass is much thinner and more fragile ( tempered glass ). However, there are many other types with multiple applications depending on the critical needs, such as tinted, electrochromic glass (it lightens or darkens depending on the intensity of light), thermal (heated), athermic (absorbs solar radiation and reduces the consumption of air conditioning), with head-up display (presents information to the driver), acoustic (several layers of glass and plastic that isolate noise), etc.

What signs indicate that we must or repair change the car windows?

Damage to a vehicle's windshield can come from various sources, but not all damage is created equal. The one caused by something like a small stone or something like colliding with an animal can have a very different impact (no pun intended) on the windshield. But for this case, we can distinguish between four types of damage:

Fissures: A small imperfection occurs when an object hits and breaks a part of the first layer of glass, also known as "chinazo." It can usually be repaired if it is small. However, if the crack is deep enough to penetrate the inner plastic layer, you may need a replacement. While tiny chips alone may not be a big concern, they can often be the seed that cracks grow out of.

Cracks: Unlike a crack, a crack is distinguished because it is a line where a single piece of glass has started to separate. While these may start small, they can (and usually do) grow more significant over time. Whether the windshield is exposed to the sun's rays or driving through the frigid air, sudden temperature changes can cause it to expand and contract, causing it to spread out gradually. The same goes for road bumps combined with speed.

Scratches: Many times, with intensive or continuous use of the car, some minor marks end up appearing that, when they come together, hinder and limit visibility, something incredibly annoying on rainy days or when the sun's reflections directly affect these areas of MoonMoon. The most graphic example can be found on the screens of mobile phones when they see that they are already somewhat more suffered. In this case, it is best to go to a reputable workshop to repair the Moon.

Peeled laminate: This is not usually a common failure, but it is not impossible either. Look at the edges of the MoonMoon. If you see moisture, the windshield laminate is not fixed correctly, causing the glass to fog up and quickly spread over the entire surface.

In any case, it should be noted that a car in good condition would not necessarily need a window change during its useful life, as they do not suffer from programmed wear of other components such as the tires, the battery, the oil, or the clutch. , among many other vehicle components. On the contrary, at the slightest sign of damage, it is essential to act to prevent a small crack from becoming irreparable and forcing us to replace the MoonMoon.

What is the difference between a slight crack and a significant impact?

Minor windshield damage typically comes in the form of cracks and cracks. When damage is minor, it is usually marked on the windshield. This point of impact can be in the shape of a star (small cracks that form outward from the center), a bullseye (multiple circles), a partial bullseye (crescent shape), a crack (less than 16mm), or a hole (like a gouge). The cracks create a distinctive line in the glass that can vary from a few millimeters to the entire width of the MoonMoon.

In general, differentiating between a minor blow that can be repaired and a significant impact is determined by the damage caused. Specialists consider that a crack of fewer than 16 millimeters or an impact below the diameter of a two-euro coin - outside the driver's direct field of vision - can be repaired without the need to replace the window. To do this, the fissure or crack is filled with specific adhesive materials and ultraviolet light, achieving a result as it has just left the factory.

If these levels are exceeded, the most recommended and simple solution is the total replacement of the MoonMoon. Also, if you have several blows to the glass and cracks less than six centimeters from the edges, you should not repair it either. In any case, it is best to go to a specialized workshop so that a professional can assess the situation and offer the optimal solution.

Can you pass the ITV with damaged windows?

Regardless of the type, damage to a windshield is severe and should be addressed as soon as possible. Car windows may seem like a mundane safety feature, but they are essential. A damaged windshield loses its ability to withstand the impact of an object and can become a significant visual obstruction. You can even err on the ITV if the installation is judged that the damage obstruction is bad enough.

This is the case when the glass has some scratches, porosity, a bull's eye (round indentation), detached from the laminate, or a crescent-shaped mark. The ITV will issue a favorable verdict if it does not interrupt the direct field of vision of the driver. Because while a small crack or crack may not seem like a big deal at first, they rarely stay that way. The more they spread, the weaker the MoonMoon becomes, increasing the likelihood that it will ultimately fail and become a natural driving hazard.

Thanks, RCC Auto Transport, for the valuable information.