03-08-2025
Oh crack! Will your windscreen pass a roadworthy?
The chairperson of the Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association (TEPA), Johann van de Merwe, says a windscreen is no longer just a pane of glass; it's an essential structural component that plays a critical role in passenger safety.
Beyond providing visibility, a windscreen also ensures correct airbag deployment, protects occupants from ejection during an accident and supports the roof during rollovers.
'Laminated glass, which came to the fore in the 1990s, was a turning point for windscreen quality because it doesn't shatter upon impact. Instead, the inner layer holds the fragments in place, dramatically improving crash safety,' van de Merwe said.
'With the influx of affordable imported vehicles, we can expect to see an increase in ADAS, augmented reality HUDs (head-up displays), biometric sensors and even electrochromic glass that adjusts tint automatically. Some manufacturers are also exploring windscreen-integrated solar panels.'
ALSO READ: Repair those pesky windscreen chips
Van de Merwe warned that even a small chip can weaken the structural integrity of a windscreen.
'It may seem cosmetic, but under pressure, like from a pothole or speed bump, that chip can suddenly spread and shatter the windscreen.'
He added that South African law prohibits driving with a windscreen that impairs visibility.
'You can be fined or even fail a roadworthy test. Cracks larger than 150mm or within the driver's vision won't pass a roadworthy.'
TEPA'S top eight windscreen tips:
• Don't blow hot air on a cold windscreen.
• Avoid slamming doors with windows closed.
• Use gentle wipers and top-up washer fluid.
• If a chip is smaller than a 10c coin and not in the driver's line of sight, a repair may be possible. Cracks or damage near the screen's edge almost always require full replacement.
• Always use an accredited glass fitment centre where SABS-approved glass is used and there are trained technicians doing the work.
• ADAS cameras rely on precise angles. When the windscreen is replaced, the system must be recalibrated; otherwise, it can misread distances or lane markings, leading to increased crash risk for drivers and possible liability claims for insurers.
'What's important is that a lot rides on the integrity of your windscreen. Incorrect fitment, poor-quality glass and a lack of calibration could render all the safety tech in your vehicle useless.'
ALSO READ: How road-ready is your 'mom's taxi'?
