Despite their importance, car windscreens rarely get the looking after they deserve. They’re not just used to keep the wind out of our faces and flying bugs out of our eyes – windscreens play an integral part in the car’s safety mechanisms. Just like seatbelts and airbags, they’re equally important. So next time you decide to neglect that windscreen crack, here are some ways windscreens keep you safe.
1. Protection
Windscreens add an extra four inches to the front of your car, making it more difficult for an object to come into contact with you and your passengers whilst driving. That makes it harder for accidents to occur, and makes you safer as a driver. They act as a blocking device against debris and dust to keep you safe, but also from harmful UV rays. This is particularly important in Australia where our sun hits the hardest.
2. Supports the car’s structure
The windscreen is also a major part of the car’s structure. Attached to the roof of the car, it provides support to the car’s body. The structure acts as a safety barrier from harm in the event of an accident. Windscreen frames are also made from the same material as the rest of the car, which means that they’re strong and sturdy.
3. Those pesky bugs!
Windscreens act as a bug deflector. Dust, debris, insects and other annoying bugs can be easily kept away from the eyes of drivers and passengers due to this. When driving, it is important not to have any foreign objects in your eyes that will distract you while driving. When you break down, visibility is also limited. Windscreen glass provides clear visibility, so you know what’s going on around you.
4. Supports the airbags
Airbags are contained in the steering wheel and are used to reduce harm to the driver and front passengers in case of an accident. However, without a windscreen deflecting any debris away from the driver, airbags would be rendered useless – resulting in more harm being done to the driver! Windscreens keep out any foreign objects so there’s no harm done.
In conclusion, even a small crack in your windscreen can impact your safety. So if you’ve been putting off getting that windscreen chip or crack repaired, it’s time to call the professionals at Novus Mitcham.