Car Windshield: What Kind of Damage Can Be Repaired?

Damage to a car’s windscreen is not as frequent as the scratching or denting of the auto body. However, if such an event does come to pass, then it should be considered serious. A windshield is a hugely important part of any automobile, whether you have a Maruti Ertiga or a Honda Jazz. Not only does it provide protection to the driver and passengers of a Honda car, but also bolsters the structural integrity of the car, and houses the Honda Jazz wiper blades as well. Therefore, any crack, scratch or chip to its surface, however minor, must be treated with the utmost scrutiny.

According to various researches, if a crack on a windshield is left untreated, then it becomes highly dangerous within a short period of time. But, the question here is: can windshield cracks or chips be simply repaired, or will you have to get the entire windscreen replaced with a new one? This depends upon not only the size and location of the damage but also its type. Here are the different kinds of windshield damages that can be easily repaired:

Bull’s eye:

This kind of damage has a separated core in the outer layer that causes a dark circle. If its diameter is less than an inch and the head is dirt-free, then it can be repaired.

Half-moon:

Usually called the partial bullseye, this crack also has a separated core in the outer layer of the windshield with a half circle separation around the point of impact. Again, if the diameter is smaller than an inch, you will be saved from paying the car windshield price for a replacement.

Star break:

In this kind of crack, the damage spreads out from a central breakage in the form of stems or legs of varying lengths, thus giving it the shape of a star. If the diameter of the break does not exceed three inches, then such a crack is repairable.

Combination break:

As the name suggests, such a damage consists of multiple types of cracks at one location. The diameter of the main breakage body must not exceed two inches in diameter if such a windshield crack is to be repaired.

Surface pit:

A surface pit is a hollow damage to the windshield that does not penetrate into the plastic interlayer of the laminated windscreen. The diameter of the crack should be less than 1/8 inch.

Thus, you now know that a lot of different types of cracks and chips can actually be repaired. This is useful knowledge for those who must decide between a Honda Jazz windshield replacement cost or a simple repair job. However, do keep in mind that if the damage extends to the outer edge of the windshield, or is directly blocking the view of the driver, it’s recommended to get the windshield replaced.

6 Tips to Maintain Your Car's Bodywork

You are a proud owner of a brand-new car and you wish that it keeps looking brand new forever, don't you? The fact is that it's achievable provided you maintain your car's bodywork through a number of simple routine tasks in cleaning. Even the most obsessive car-owners make some basic mistakes when it comes to cleaning and maintaining their car's bodywork. Here are our tips for maintaining your car's bodywork:

Wash your car on a regular basis at least once a month

This will get rid of all the dust, salt, dirt and other debris from the surface of your car which can cause permanent stains, rusting and corrosion. Wash the areas underneath your car as well, including the insides of your car's wheel arches and underneath the bumper area to remove any dirt or salt hidden from view.

Don't let bird droppings dry and rust your car's surface

Bird droppings contain abrasive and acidic properties that can cause permanent damage to the paint surface and they get even worse under direct sunlight. Wash off bird droppings on your car as soon as possible with lukewarm warm water and soft cloth.

Wax your car at least thrice a year

Waxing provides a protective coating for your car's paintwork. It can check corrosion by blocking water that may seep into the chips and scratches on your car's surface. Buy a good quality 3M Car Care Products like the non-abrasive car wax and apply it to your car's surface in the shade with the help of a soft cloth. Apply the wax to the painted sections only. Then wipe it off with another clean, soft cloth until all the wax has been removed.

Apply a rustproofing agent to your car.

Rustproofing is necessary especially in humid climates. A rustproofing product will give extra protection to your car's bodywork and prevent corrosion. You can purchase a commercial rustproofing agent besides other car care product online and apply it to your car easily by following the directions provided by the product's manufacturer.

Apply paint on the small chips and deep scratches on the car surface

This will prevent the affected areas of your car's bodywork from corroding. Get a touch-up paint in the exact colour of your car from your car's manufacturer or dealer. Apply it slowly to the chipped or scratched area with the help of a toothpick. Refer to the directions of your touch-up paint manufacturer for instructions. Find out how long the paint needs to dry before applying the clear coating.

Polish the areas that contain minor scratches

This will cover and hide any small, shallow scratches on your car's surface. Apply a small amount of polish to the applicator and gently rub the affected area with it. After the scratches have been repaired, wash off the affected areas with mild soap and water to remove the polish. Following this, apply car wax to the areas treated with polish to wipe and shine those areas.