What To Do If Your Windscreen Breaks While Driving

Now, picture this: you're cruisin' down the M4 on a hot Sydney summer arvo, perhaps on your way to the cricket at the SCG or making a dash for it on the beach at Bondi, windows down, tunes cranked. Then, on your windscreen, with that horrific crack, rock flicks up from the road. Your heart skips a beat. What do you do? A shattered windscreen during a drive is the most intimidating experience anyone gets to face, and a slight knowledge of how one acts in such a scenario is essential from an angle of your safety and others travelling. The article gives realistic, practical advice on steps to take if you find yourself in this situation. Also very important, one will seek to know that all these services, including windshield replacement for all makes and models, can be facilitated depending on your need for a quick replacement against any make or model required.

Obviously, safe driving requires a clear view of the road; a damaged windscreen will seriously compromise this. It not only obstructs your view but also weakens the structural integrity of your vehicle. This is extremely important during the summer months in Sydney because the extreme heat can allow existing cracks to worsen and cause further damage.

Stay calm and assess the situation

The impact of the windscreen is quite shocking at the instant it happens. The sudden noise and the effect it produced may flurry anyone easily. But at that moment, one needs to be very calm. Take a deep breath and avoid making jolting movements, as it will increase your vulnerability and threat to others around you.

• Keep control over your vehicle: Hold tightly onto your steering wheel, and do not jerk.
• Check your mirrors: A glance through them gives you a quick look at the traffic around you.
• Avoid hard braking: Gentle car braking is much safer, especially at higher speeds.

Once you have composed yourself, determine the extent of the damage. Is it a tiny chip, a crack, or a complete shatter? This will determine what you do next.

Pull over to a safe location

Once you can judge the situation, pull over to a safe location; it is crucial not to continue driving in poor visibility.

• Look for a designated rest area or shoulder of the road: Avoid stopping in the middle of traffic flow or on a blind corner.
• Switch on your hazard lights: In this case, this will alert others to your situation.
• Move your car as far away from the road as possible: This decreases the risk of being hit by oncoming traffic.

If the damages are minor and you can make your way safely to a service station or a safe location, then drive carefully at a reasonably reduced speed. If it's serious and your view is highly obscured, then don't move any further.

Contact your insurance company

When you are in a safe place off the road, call your insurance company as soon as possible. They will direct you through the process of filing a claim and let you know what your next steps should be.

• Have your policy details with you: This will make it much more manageable.
• Describe the damage in detail: The more you can relay about the incident and how bad the damage is, the better.
• Enquire about the preferred repairers: The insurance company may have a list of the approved windshield repairers.

It's worth noting that many comprehensive car insurance policies in Australia cover windscreen damage. However, it's always best to check your specific policy details to understand your coverage.

Cover the windscreen to prevent further damage

If the windscreen has a crack or hole, covering it can prevent further damage, especially if it's raining or dusty.

Using clear packing tape or a rigid adhesive plastic sheet: Apply carefully over the fractured area.

• Do not use sticking tape: As this is too weak and also leaves residue.
• Avoid sticky tape: It may not be strong enough and may leave residue.
• Do not press on the broken area: This may further damage the fractured area.

This is a stopgap measure in protecting the car's interior while preventing the spread of the crack. This doesn't replace a professional repair or replacement. It is essential since Sydney's summer may be extremely hot, which leads to widespread cracks due to heat.

Schedule a windscreen replacement

The only way to fix this, depending on the extent of the damage, is likely a windscreen replacement. It is actually illegal to drive around with a windscreen that can hamper your view.

• Find a reputable windscreen repair and replacement service: Many have mobile services for added convenience and often provide a warranty for their windshield repair, giving you peace of mind.
• Supply them with your vehicle details: This will make sure that they bring the proper windscreen along.
• Set a time and location that suits you: Many services offer mobile repairs to come to your house or work and other locations convenient for you.

A professional windscreen replacement is vital to your car's structural integrity and your safety on the road. Avoid trying to fix a badly damaged windscreen yourself.

Conclusion

It can be frustrating when the windscreen breaks down while driving, but your calm consideration of these steps will mean your safety and minimal discomfort. Remember, your safety and the safety of other road users are utmost. First, pull over to safety, then call your insurance company, and lastly, schedule a professional replacement of the windscreen. Having prepared for this, knowing what exactly to be done would ensure confidence when facing the situation and put you back on the road safely. More importantly, during peak summer time in Sydney, when the event and holiday seasons cause heavy traffic, a clear, blemish-free windscreen would be crucial for safe navigation.