What are the consequences of self-repairing a windshield?
Repairing scratches and cracks on the surface of automotive glass requires the highest level of skill and the right technique. After all, safety and the basic comfort of using a car are at stake. Using the services of professional service centers, we are sure that we entrust the repair to experienced specialists, thanks to which more than 90% of the glasses will be able to return to their original properties. However, there are still many drivers who are trying to fix the breakdown on their own. What could be the consequences of this?
By itself - to your own detriment
Repairing a car windshield on your own can bring more problems than expected benefits. The belief that defects, scratches and cracks on the windshield can be repaired by one's own hands often leads to serious structural damage to the entire windshield and, as a result, to the need to replace it with a new one. Unfortunately, these arguments do not convince everyone. Some drivers estimate that, especially if the damage is small, they will be able to protect or repair it themselves. As the NordGlass expert warns - "Don't underestimate small scratches and cracks - they are the source of extensive and difficult to repair line damage" - and adds - When the load is transferred, the glass in the poured area will not break. Therefore, under the influence of blows, poorly fixed damage will begin to increase. This process will proceed much faster in the case of large daily temperature fluctuations.
Professional service - guaranteed effect
Repairs in professional service centers may include defects that are at least 10 cm away from the glass mounting edge, and their diameter does not exceed 24 mm, i.e. the size of a 5 zloty coin. However, this procedure requires the use of appropriate tools and professional installation chemicals.
“It happens that lovers of home needlework decide on their own, using adhesive tape or products of dubious quality, to seal or fill in a defect visible on the glass surface. However, in such a situation, it is better to use the services of highly specialized service networks. Keep in mind that the technicians working there perform hundreds of glass repairs and replacements daily in various vehicles, working from materials sourced only from suppliers who have the appropriate recommendations and properly documented technical specifications of the proposed installation solutions. Do not forget about the durability of the repair. An improper cavity restoration means that the glass will not form a level plane and will be highly susceptible to wear from damage. In the event of a traffic accident, such glass not only breaks faster, but also significantly affects the structural rigidity of the entire vehicle and, as a result, the safety of the driver and passengers.” — NordGlass specialist warns.
Responsible decision
Effective glass repair requires a specific procedure and the use of appropriate technology. The term for repairing damage in a professional workshop depends on the location of the damage and its size. As the NordGlass expert points out, “Standardly, this procedure takes no more than half an hour. The whole process is preceded by proper cleaning of the damaged area using specialized products and chemicals. Only after that, the cavity can be filled with a special resin, which hardens under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Then all excess is removed, and finally, the repaired area is polished. It is important that processing is carried out in appropriate workshop conditions, where glass and air temperatures are similar.”
Each driver takes responsibility for the technical serviceability of his car. So instead of deciding to fix defects on the windshield yourself, it is better to contact professional service centers. Without proper knowledge, training, technology and special measures, we can increase the damage. Remember that we focus primarily on safety - both for ourselves and for passengers and other road users.
