The importance of a windscreen cannot be underestimated, far more than just a sh eet of glass sheltering the occupants from

wind and rain; it is a vital piece of safety equipment. Accounting for up to 30% of a vehicle s structural strength, a w indscreen is an imperative safety addition. Essential for visibility, the scree n is an incredibly important component of the safety restraint system which also includes air bags and seatbelts. To safeguard the driver, passengers and other road users, it is enormously important to realise the significance of a secure windscreen and the countless protective functions it provides. Visibility is of course a primary function of a windscreen and whilst drivers no longer have to wear goggles to protect their eyes from insects and debris, the clarity of the screen can still be affected by such things. Trees, leaves, sap, bugs and dirt, all can mar the glass and impair vision as much as a chip, crack , scratch or abrasion. The combination of scratches, smears, dirt and damage wil l invariably increase dazzle and glare when the sun is low in the sky, no matter how insignificant the marks may seem. Therefore clean, clear and flawless auto glass is fundamental. All vehicles should maintain the appropriate level of a good quality screen wash and be topped up regularly. Screen wash not only helps to remove dirt and dust , it helps keep the glass clean, reduce smears and also lessen freezing in the w inter. Furthermore, annually replacing windscreen wiper blades will similarly h elp to clear the glass more efficiently. Whilst some windscreen wipers may last longer, renewing once a year will guarantee an unblemished windscreen as new bl ades glide across the glass effortlessly. However if the windscreen is chipped or cracked, the glass will be rough, eliminating the smooth surface wiper blades are specifically made to travel across. Chipped or cracked glass can scratch a nd damage the blades decreasing their effectiveness considerably. As a result, the vehicle may not pass its MOT. If wipers are deemed not to clear the glass s atisfactorily, it will fail an MOT test. Therefore, if the glass sustains damag e it is prudent to contact a comprehensive auto glass company and organise a saf e and convenient windscreen chip repair. A stone or rock chip, no matter how small it appears, can damage a screen more t han first appears or is realised. Not only is a chip abrasive to windscreen wip er blades, it can also obscure vision, fail an MOT, develop a crack and weaken t he glass drastically. If the glass is subjected to frost, moisture, dirt, debri s or a change in temperature, the chance of the chip spreading into a crack is f ar more likely. Once a windscreen has a crack, it is a probable that the glass will need to be replaced. Whilst a windscreen chip repair can often be fixed fo r free, a windscreen replacement is a more costly and time consuming procedure. Due to the ease of mending a chip compared with a full auto glass replacement, the cost of a chip repair is often covered by the insurer. Contacting a special ist company that provides free windscreen chip repairs, along with a fully mobil e, 24 hour service is therefore ideal. Windscreen chips and cracks are unfortunate and inconvenient. But what many veh icle owners may not realise is the effect such glass damage can have on safety. A windscreen is fundamental in the safety of both passengers and driver, as it works in conjunction with both airbags and seatbelts. Once the glass has been c ompromised, even in slightest way, neither will work as effectually. The three safety components are designed to work together and keep the occupants inside th e vehicle in the event of an accident, rollover or head on collision. A windscr een is intended to keep driver and passengers inside the vehicle and as over 30% of motor fatalities occur when someone is either injured in a rollover or eject ed from the vehicle, its importance cannot be ignored. Not only supporting air bag deployment, a windscreen reinforces the roof which maintains structure and s trength. If a vehicle with a damaged screen rolls in an accident, the roof no l onger has its strength maintained risking collapse and crushing both driver and passengers. Hence all motorists, drivers and vehicle owners must take responsib

ility in ensuring any windscreen damage is fixed properly, promptly and professi onally. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to certify that all auto glass is m anufactured to the highest possible safety standards, meeting the necessary regu lations. Nonetheless the vehicle owner must take responsibility for the glass m aintenance, carefully selecting a reputable windscreen company that will repair or replace the glass safely, securely and skilfully. If a windscreen is fitted badly or incorrectly it can mean the difference between life and death. If the glass is fitted improperly, it will no longer support airbag deployment which ca n result in it becoming detached from the vehicle in the case of an accident. O nce detached, the air bag will either not deploy correctly or at all. It is for that reason that a specially qualified windscreen company is chosen. A firm th at has access to a stock of thousands of different sizes, makes and types of gla ss suitable for every make and model of car, van or lorry is essential. Accident, misadventure, car crime, flying debris, there are numerous ways a wind screen can sustain damage and whether the glass chips, cracks, shatters or break s the glass will need to be attended to. A repair or replacement will solve any auto glass concern yet wherever possible avoiding windscreen treatment is favou rable. One of the most common causes of windscreen damage is also one of the mo st preventable. When auto glass is frozen and needs de-icing, many vehicle owne rs are guilty of melting, chipping or scraping the ice with anything at hand, no t realising what risks the methods employed pose to the glass. Pouring vinegar, hot or boiling water on to the glass poses the very serious risk of cracking or breaking the glass. Using anything other than a specialist scraper is also lik ely to cause harm. Scraping with a CD, CD case, pen knife or credit card can al l effortlessly scratch or chip the glass. It is essential therefore to only use de-icer fluid and / or a specialist windscreen ice scraper. Vehicle safety is vital and the importance of a dependable windscreen can never be underestimated. It is paramount to follow all of the basic vehicle glass rul es, from ensuring the windscreen is de-iced properly to keeping it clean and cle ar, so all road users, driver and passengers are safe. Furthermore, if a windsc reen is unfortunate enough to sustain damage, contacting trusted auto glass expe rts to repair or replace the glass as soon as possible is advisable. A windscre en company who has countless years of experience, employs only the highest quali fied engineers and continues to train their team to guarantee exceptional servic e is ideal. A leading windscreen company that covers the surrounding region and will travel on the same day to any vehicle wherever it may be located is perfec t. A company that offers reassurance over and above incomparable repair and rep lacement packages, affordable prices and the dedication to getting every vehicle back on the road in no time at all, is a rare but comforting service every cust omer has appreciated.