Summer is a popular time to get out on the road. Whether you’re heading away for the Christmas holidays, taking a weekend trip or simply spending more time driving around Melbourne, your vehicle deserves a quick check before the kilometres start adding up.
Tyres, oil and coolant usually get plenty of attention, but what about your windscreen?
Hot weather, existing stone chips, road debris and long-distance driving can all put additional demands on automotive glass. And with many modern vehicles now using cameras and sensors around the windscreen, there’s more to consider than simply whether you can see clearly through the glass.
Before your next summer drive, here are seven important windscreen checks worth making.
1. Check Small Stone Chips Before They Become Bigger Problems
That tiny chip you’ve been driving around with for the past few weeks may not look particularly concerning.
But windscreen damage doesn’t always stay the same size.
Changes in temperature, vibration from driving and everyday stresses on the glass can contribute to existing damage spreading.
Before heading away, take a close look at your windscreen for chips or small cracks. Having damage assessed early can determine whether a windscreen repair may be possible before replacement becomes necessary.
At NOVUS Glass Mitcham, we can assess the damage and advise whether repair or replacement is the appropriate option.
2. Don’t Ignore a Crack Because You Can Still See Through It
It’s easy to put off dealing with a windscreen crack when it isn’t directly in front of the driver.
However, the location of the damage isn’t the only consideration.
Cracks can spread, and damage may affect the integrity of the windscreen.
If you’re planning a long summer drive from Melbourne, having the windscreen checked beforehand can save you from worrying about whether that crack is going to become worse while you’re away.
3. Think About Sudden Temperature Changes
Melbourne’s summer weather can deliver some very hot days, and the temperature inside a parked vehicle can climb quickly.
Automotive glass is designed to cope with changing conditions, but existing chips and cracks can create weak points.
If the windscreen has been sitting in direct summer sun, avoid unnecessarily subjecting damaged glass to sudden, extreme temperature changes.
The better solution is to have existing damage assessed rather than hoping it will survive another summer.
4. Make Sure Your Windscreen Is Really Clean
Visibility isn’t only affected by cracks and chips.
Dust, insects, road grime and residue can quickly build up during summer driving, particularly on longer journeys.
Clean the inside and outside of the windscreen before heading away and check that your windscreen washers are working correctly.
It’s also worth inspecting your wiper blades.
Worn or damaged wipers can leave streaks across the glass, which can become particularly distracting when driving towards low morning or afternoon sunlight.
5. Check for Damage Around the Edges of the Glass
When inspecting your windscreen, don’t just look through the centre.
Take a look around the outer edges as well.
Damage close to the edge of a windscreen may require particular attention because this area contributes to the overall installation and structural performance of the glass.
If you spot damage and aren’t sure whether it can be repaired, have it professionally assessed.
6. Remember That Modern Windscreens Can Include Advanced Technology
The windscreen in a modern vehicle can do considerably more than keep the weather outside.
Many newer vehicles use Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, commonly referred to as ADAS.
Depending on your vehicle, these systems may support features such as:
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assistance
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Other camera-based driver assistance functions
A forward-facing camera may be mounted behind the windscreen near the rear-view mirror.
That becomes particularly important if the windscreen needs replacing.
7. Ask About ADAS Calibration After Windscreen Replacement
Replacing a windscreen on a vehicle equipped with ADAS may involve more than fitting a new piece of glass.
Depending on the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements and the technology installed, a camera or associated system may require calibration following windscreen replacement.
Calibration helps ensure applicable cameras and systems are correctly aligned and operating as intended.
If your vehicle has ADAS technology, let your windscreen technician know when arranging a replacement. The vehicle can then be assessed to determine the appropriate replacement and calibration requirements.
Don’t Wait Until the Day Before Your Road Trip
Discovering windscreen damage while you’re packing the car isn’t the ideal way to start a holiday.
If you’re planning a summer road trip, check your windscreen ahead of time.
Look for chips and cracks, clean the glass, check your wipers and washers and pay attention to any damage you’ve been meaning to have looked at.
Getting onto it early gives you time to find out whether the damage can be repaired or whether a windscreen replacement is required.
Get Your Windscreen Ready for Summer
A clear, undamaged windscreen is something most of us take for granted until there’s a problem.
Spending a few minutes checking it before summer travel can help identify small issues before you head away.
And if you do find damage, NOVUS Glass Mitcham can help with professional windscreen repairs and windscreen replacement for a wide range of vehicles.
For modern vehicles equipped with driver assistance technology, we can also help determine whether ADAS calibration needs to form part of the windscreen replacement process.
So before you pack the car and hit the road this summer, take another look through the glass in front of you. Your windscreen deserves a place on the pre-holiday vehicle checklist too.