Your vehicle’s windscreen is probably one of the most important safety restraint system in the vehicle, and the incorrect installation of a windscreen can cost you your life – or those of your passengers.
The windscreen plays an important role in the protection of the occupants of a vehicle in case of an accident.
Firstly, your car is designed in such a way that the windscreen helps to prevent the roof of the vehicle from caving in when it rolls. Up to 60% of the vehicle’s roof crush protection can depend on the windscreen. If it is fitted incorrectly, it may pop out and the protection is lost.
Airbags are also reliant on the windscreen for backstop support in order for the bags to function properly. If the windscreen flies out, the airbags on the passenger side is useless.
The correct primer need to be applied to enable the urethane adhesive to bond better to the body of the vehicle. Without the primer the windscreen is not secure.
A common error made by installers that are not properly trained is to carry the windscreen with their bare hands touching the sides of the windscreen. This will impair the ability of the glass to adhere to the urethane used to bond the windscreen to the body of the vehicle due to the body fat residue left behind on the glass.
These are enough reasons not to attempt to replace the windscreen yourself.
The fitters at PG Glass service centres are properly trained to install windscreens in such a way that it provides maximum protection in case of an accident. Also, they only fit Shatterprufe® original manufacturer-approved windscreens.
Depending on the grade of difficulty, which differs from vehicle to vehicle, it can take up to three hours to install a new windscreen.
Mostly it would take about an hour. Be weary of anybody claiming to do it quicker. Your life and that of your passengers could be at stake.
After the installation of the windscreen at least three hours should be allowed for curing before you drive away. It is also recommended that you wait 24 hours after the installation before you wash the car.
Visit www.pgglass.co.za or call 0860 03 03 03 to find the PG Glass service centre closest to you.
Also view:
Road Safety and Your Windscreen
Don’t underestimate role of windscreen in road safety
Check the safety of your windscreen when planning your trip
Damaged windscreen? Repair today to stop cracks in their tracks!