What Happens During a Professional Windshield Damage Inspection?

A windshield plays a vital role in improving on-road visibility and enhancing the car’s structural integrity. So naturally, chips and cracks can seem like a cause for concern and prompt immediate windshield replacement.

However, that is not always the case, as windshield damage can be repaired in some situations. To know whether it can be repaired or replaced, have a professional inspect it before you decide on windshield repair or replacement.

What Does Our Initial Windshield Damage Assessment Process Involve?

Step 1: Inspecting the Damage Type and Location

Windshield damage generally occurs as chips or cracks. Our experts therefore check for the following types of damage:

After determining the damage type, they check its location. Generally, a crack can occur away from the edges, in your direct line of sight or near the edges. The crack's location tells them what to do.

For example, they might recommend windshield crack repair for the edges so they are not in your direct line of sight.

Step 2: Windshield Crack Severity Measurement

Here, our experts use a mix of visual inspection and appropriate industry-grade tools to measure the size and depth of chips or cracks. A general rule of thumb is to check whether the crack is larger than 40mm (or a ₹2 coin).

They also check the crack's depth, as our experts:

• Can easily fix a shallow crack smaller than 40mm.
• Might suggest replacement if the crack is too deep or larger than 40mm.

What Do We Check After The Initial Windshield Damage Assessment?

After the initial windshield damage assessment, we look for any other existing cracks and chips, as well as glass clarity and optical distortion. This is because existing cracks and chips may have worsened over time.

Our experts conduct a meticulous inspection for cracks along the windshield edges and other areas. Finally, we check the windshield’s specifications to prepare for repair or replacement.

What Additional Windshield Damage Checks Do We Carry Out For ADAS-Equipped Vehicles?

At AIS Windshield Experts, our professionals understand the importance of ADAS features in your vehicles and take the appropriate steps to inspect them thoroughly:

• Identify windshield-mounted cameras: We first identify your vehicle’s windshield-mounted cameras and their mounting locations to understand any possible damage they may have sustained.
• Check the camera's viewing area: After identifying the cameras, we check whether the windshield damage has affected their field of view (FOV) by driving the car in a controlled environment. If the camera is displaced, we calibrate it as needed.
• Calibrate the cameras after windshield replacement: Our ADAS calibration experts (currently only in Noida) use a mix of dynamic and static calibration techniques to recalibrate the windshield if and when replacement becomes necessary.

Conclusion

A professional windshield inspection helps you prepare for next steps like windshield replacement or repair. It also prevents damage from worsening with timely action. At AIS Windshield Experts, our experts follow a thorough, dedicated windshield damage examination procedure to recommend the best course of action.