Four seasons in one day is what they say, and it’s so true. Melbournians are accustomed to adding and shedding layers of clothing by the hour as the unpredictable Victorian temps fluctuate. Melbourne’s mother nature doesn’t just impact our outfits and general sanity, she is also very dangerous for our vehicles - particularly our windscreens. Why is Melbourne such an Aussie hotspot for cracked and damaged windscreens?
Often somewhere in the transition from Spring to Summer, Melbourne is known to endure temps in the teens following temps in the 30’s and vice versa. We’re victims of our temperate positioning being a tug of war between the arctic zone and the tropics. Wind speed and direction can make an incredible temperature difference from one hour to the next. Windscreen glass expands when warm and contracts when chilly. Over time these swift and Car Windscreen Replacement extreme changes can encourage cracks to form. There’s not a whole lot you can do about it; but try to park your car in a controlled environment whenever these temperature fluctuations are occuring.
Scorching summer temperatures can put your windscreen under a lot of pressure. If you already have a small crack or chip in your windscreen, it’s common for direct sunlight and extreme heat to make the damage significantly worse. If you shock your sizzling windscreen by blasting your air conditioner on the inside of the vehicle, this rapid temperature change can also lead to damage. Best to park in the shade during summer and cool the interior of your vehicle gradually.
Arctic cold snaps strike Melbourne regularly. Teeth-chattering temps of 4 and frosty nights can certainly challenge your windscreen health. Cracks commonly occur if you try to defrost your windscreen with very hot water, or even if you crank up your heater inside the vehicle. As chilly as it may be, try to protect your windscreen by gradually increasing the temperature of your defrosters.
If you car’s windscreen has been badly damaged and can’t be repaired
then the best available option is to opt for windscreen
replacement.
While new windscreens usually come at a premium price, it is still important to
replace the old one especially if its visibility has been compromised. It is
always a good idea to have your windscreen replaced by a certified auto glass
technician. This will ensure that the windshield has been replaced properly and
won’t come off in the event of an accident. Here is a look at the process used
by the experts for replacing a cracked windscreen.
Step
# 1: Covering Car Interior and Exterior
The first step of the windscreen replacement process is to cover the
interior of the car. This is done to ensure that any glass fragments don’t
damage the driver and passenger seats as well as the dashboard. Aside from the
car interior, the exterior part of the car is also covered to make sure that it
remains safe while the broken windshield is removed.
Step
# 2: Removing the Damaged Windscreen
Removal of the damaged windscreen is step number two of this process. It
involves cutting the seals which are holding the old windscreen in place regarding Car Windscreen Replacement.
Precision tools are used for this purpose to ensure a clean cut. If special
glue had been used for securing the windscreen then it needs to be dissolved
before you are able to take the windscreen out.
Step
# 3: Applying Glue
The third step is to apply glue.The first coat of paint is applied on
the areas of the car where the new windscreen is to be fitted while the second
coat is applied on the contact surfaces of the windscreen itself.
Step
# 4: Fit the Windscreen on the Car