December 18

How Windscreen Damage Can Ruin Your Festive Travel Plans

The holiday season is one of the busiest times for road travel in Australia. Whether you’re driving across Perth to visit family like we are at D& C Auto Glass, heading out of town for a coastal getaway, or taking a cross-country adventure, your car is essential to making the most of this festive time of year. As you plan your trip, ensuring that your car is road-ready is a must — and that includes your windscreen.

A damaged windscreen might seem like a small issue, but it can turn your holiday travel plans upside down if not addressed in time. From affecting your visibility to potentially compromising your safety, windscreen damage can lead to significant problems when you’re out on the road. In this blog, we’ll dive into the importance of road safety during the festive season, and how windscreen damage can ruin your plans if left unattended.

The Importance of Road Safety During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of increased road traffic, with millions of Australians taking to the highways for festive celebrations. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when road accidents tend to rise. According to road safety authorities, the combination of increased traffic, long driving hours, and driver fatigue can result in more accidents during this period.

While many drivers focus on packing their car, mapping out routes, and planning pit stops, it’s just as important to ensure that your vehicle is in top condition before you hit the road. One critical part of road safety that is often overlooked is the condition of your windscreen. A clear, undamaged windscreen is essential to maintaining good visibility and ensuring the overall structural integrity of your vehicle.

How Windscreen Damage Affects Your Festive Travel Plans

Windscreen damage — whether it’s a small chip or a large crack — might seem like an inconvenience that can be dealt with after the holidays. However, ignoring windscreen damage can lead to more serious problems that could disrupt your festive travel plans in multiple ways.

  • Reduced Visibility: During long drives, especially on sunny summer days, even a small chip in your windscreen can become a significant hazard. Sunlight reflecting off the chip can cause blinding glare, making it harder to see the road ahead. Driving in such conditions is not only uncomfortable but also dangerous, particularly in high-traffic areas during the holiday season.
  • Sudden Spread of Damage: What starts as a small chip can quickly turn into a large crack if left unattended. Changes in temperature, road vibrations, and even the stress of long-distance driving can cause the damage to spread suddenly. A crack spreading across your windscreen while you’re driving could force you to pull over and find an emergency repair service, which can delay your trip and cost you more.
  • Weakened Structural Integrity: Your windscreen is a critical part of your vehicle’s overall structure. It supports the roof and contributes to the structural strength in the event of a rollover or collision. A damaged windscreen is weaker and may not provide the necessary protection in an accident, putting you and your passengers at greater risk.

 

Increased Risk of Accidents During Holiday Travel

The holiday season is often a time when road conditions are more challenging due to increased traffic, unfamiliar routes, and longer distances. This can make it more likely for accidents to occur, and a compromised windscreen only increases that risk. Here’s how:

  • Night Driving and Glare: Many holiday travelers find themselves driving at night to avoid daytime traffic or reach their destinations in time for festive gatherings. A damaged windscreen, especially one with chips or cracks, can reflect streetlights and oncoming headlights, creating glare that reduces your ability to see clearly. This can make night driving even more dangerous.
  • Driver Fatigue: Holiday road trips often involve long hours behind the wheel, leading to driver fatigue. When you’re tired, even small distractions like a crack in your windscreen can make it harder to focus on the road. This increases the likelihood of accidents, as tired drivers are more prone to slower reaction times and mistakes.
  • Harsh Weather Conditions: While Australian summers are generally dry, sudden rain showers can reduce visibility and make driving conditions more dangerous. A damaged windscreen can fog up or distort your view during wet conditions, making it harder to navigate safely.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Windscreen Repairs

You may be tempted to put off repairing your windscreen until after the holidays, especially if the damage seems minor. However, delaying repairs can lead to even bigger problems:

  • Escalating Costs: What could be a quick, low-cost repair for a small chip or crack can turn into an expensive full windscreen replacement if the damage worsens during your holiday travels. Road vibrations, extreme heat, and changes in air pressure can all cause a small chip to spread, leading to more extensive damage.
  • Holiday Service Delays: The holiday season can be a busy time for car repair services, including windscreen repair technicians. If your windscreen damage worsens during your trip, finding a repair service that’s open and available during the holidays may be difficult, leading to long delays and unexpected costs.
  • Potential Fines: In some areas, driving with a significantly damaged windscreen is illegal. If a crack or chip obstructs your view or compromises the safety of your vehicle, you may be fined by local authorities. This is an unnecessary expense and hassle that can easily be avoided by addressing the damage before your trip.

How to Prepare Your Windscreen for Safe Holiday Travel

To avoid any windscreen-related mishaps on your holiday journey, it’s important to take proactive steps to ensure your windscreen is in top shape before you hit the road. Here are some key tips to follow:

  • Inspect for Damage: Before your trip, thoroughly inspect your windscreen for any chips, cracks, or scratches. Even minor damage can worsen during long-distance driving, so it’s essential to address it early.
  • Schedule Mobile Repairs: If you notice any damage, don’t wait to get it fixed. At D & C Auto Glass, we offer mobile windscreen repair services, which means we can come to you and fix the damage at your convenience. This saves you time and ensures your windscreen is in perfect condition before you leave for your holiday trip.
  • Check Your Wipers and Washer Fluid: In addition to inspecting your windscreen, make sure your wipers are in good condition and that your washer fluid is topped up. Bugs, dust, and road grime can quickly build up on your windscreen during long drives, and you’ll need fully functioning wipers to keep it clean.
  • Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes: If you’re driving in hot weather, try to avoid blasting your air conditioning on high right after getting into the car. Sudden temperature changes can stress your windscreen, especially if it’s already damaged, leading to cracks.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Windscreen Damage Derail Your Holiday Plans

The holiday season is a time to enjoy with family and friends, not to worry about car troubles. By taking a few simple steps to ensure your windscreen is in good condition, you can avoid unexpected delays and hazards on the road. Don’t let a small chip or crack ruin your festive travel plans — get your windscreen repaired before you head out on your adventure.

At D & C Auto Glass, we specialize in mobile windscreen repairs, providing you with a quick and convenient solution to any windscreen damage. We’ll come to you, whether at home or work, so you can focus on enjoying your holiday season with the peace of mind that your car is safe and road-ready.

Do you have any questions?

Please feel free to contact us.