Early windshields were made of ordinary window glass, but that could lead to serious injuries in the event of a crash. Later versions were made of toughened glass and were fitted in the frame using a rubber seal. This type of glass shattered into mostly harmless fragments when the windshield broke but was prone to shattering from a simple stone chip.

Modern windshields are generally made of two curved sheets of tempered glass, with a PVB plastic layer laminated between them for safety, and bonded into the window frame. If one layer of glass breaks, the laminate and the inside layer of glass hold the windshield together, keeping pieces of glass from injuring occupants of the car or falling on the road.

The laminated safety glass for windshield first became available in France from 1911, and some high-end American auto manufacturers began to use it in 1913. Henry Ford ordered the use of laminated glass on all of his vehicles from 1919.

Repair or Replacement?

You are driving on a highway, minding your own business, and …. POW! After you have recovered from the unexpected hit, you know that something hit the windshield and there may be a visible sign of damage, such as a pit or crack. It’s generally not dangerous to drive with a small crack in the windshield. But with time, as moisture, dirt and even windshield washer fluid can seep into the glass sandwich layers, windshield becomes discoloured and further decreases visibility.

Safety Tip

It’s important to avoid pressing on a broken windshield from the interior of the car. Because of its concave shape, a crack can severely weaken the windshield’s structural integrity, and the glass is likely to continue cracking if pressure is placed on it from the inside.

According to the U.S. National Windshield Repair Association (www. NWRASSN.org), a division of the Auto Glass Safety Council, many types of stone damage can be successfully repaired. Circular bullseyes, crack chips, dings, pits, star-shaped breaks and linear cracks up to six centimetres in length can be repaired without removing the glass, eliminating the risk of leaking or bonding problems sometimes associated with replacement.

Still, damaged glass is a serious issue and may render a car unsafe to drive. Therefore, it should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible for two important reasons:

Windshields weakened by damage provide less protection.

Cracked windshields decrease visibility.

Though not an immediate danger, if the crack is large or if it is near or touching the edge of the windshield, the glass may have to be replaced and driving the car is not recommended.

Buyer Be Aware!

Original equipment (OE) windshields have specified surface quality and built-in stress level. Many are solar-optimised to block UV, reduce interior heat buildup, and have better acoustic attenuation for a quieter ride.

The aftermarket windshields may be missing some or all of these qualities, and consumers may not be aware of these shortcomings.

Another difference between OE and aftermarket glass is residual stress levels around the perimeter called the ‘Weak Spot’ which causes windshield to crack from the edge.

A windshield repair costs much less than a replacement. A chip repair prevents a crack, and a crack repair prevents having to replace the windshield. Also, don’t be talked into ‘replacement’ if the damage could be ‘repaired.’ Just make sure, whether you have a chip or a crack and get it repaired ASAP.

The National Windshield Repair Association is recognised nationally and worldwide as a professional source of reliable information on the windshield repair industry. Their education and certification programme shows that those certified have successfully completed proficiency training to repair and replace laminated auto glass in compliance with ANSI/NWRA/ROLAGS 001-2014.

Whether you choose to drive to a glass shop or have a repair technician come to you, the choice is yours! Many companies offer mobile auto glass service at your home or office to perform needed windshield repair or replacement. It is especially convenient during the current pandemic lockdown.

Recycling Windshield Glass

In the US, about 13-14 million windshields are replaced each year, creating an environmental need for recycling. Although the composite nature of the windshield glass makes it difficult to recycle it, some patented technologies are available. Damaged windshields are processed through a crusher, which separates the glass from PVB interlayer.

Approximately 90 percent becomes ‘glass cullet,’ which can then be recycled into a number of new products including fibreglass insulation. Roughly seven percent becomes PVB plastic scrap, which is reprocessed into pellets and used for a number of new applications, such as carpet backing, paint and primer, and other plastic products. (MT)

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Shell Lubricants India has launched three new lubricant products, developed using technology, to serve customer needs across passenger cars, two-wheelers and pickup trucks. The new products reinforce Shell’s commitment to technical excellence.

The new products include:

• Shell Spirax S4 GX 75W90: This product is the only Shell Branded product globally in this viscosity and is India’s first Shell Branded synthetic gear oil under the Spirax category. It is designed for manual transmissions in passenger cars and LCVs. The company claims that it provides gearbox protection, smoother gear shifts and cost savings. It is approved under API GL-4 and ZF-TE-ML-08 standards and is compatible with OEMs including Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors. It comes in 1L (INR 540) and 2.5L (INR 1300) packaging.
• Shell Advance AX6 5W30: Targeted at the growing BS VI scooter market, this oil provides 360-degree protection for daily commuters. Formulated with synthetic technology, it offers performance under urban conditions, including traffic and frequent stop-start riding. The 600 ml bottle is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) material, is priced at INR 355 and is available nationwide.
• Shell Rimula Pick-Up: This is an engine oil crafted and tested specifically for pickup trucks navigating city traffic, offering performance and extended drain intervals. The range is available for both BS IV and BS VI engines in 5L and 7L packaging, launched nationwide.

Shell Lubricants recently launched the new Shell Helix Ultra, engineered to deliver performance and protection. It uses Shell’s PurePlus Technology – which converts natural gas into 99.5 percent pure base oil – to offer up to 1.8 percent more engine power, 3.4 percent improved responsiveness and 100 percent engine power retention.

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has inaugurated its 100th Green Workshop, signalling a major commitment to sustainable aftersales service. The milestone facility, located at Bright Kia in Kanpur, follows the first Green Workshop launched in Rohtak in 2023.

The company's Green Workshop initiative is a key part of its environmental efforts and aims to expand the network to over 150 workshops by 2026.

Kia's Green Workshops are fitted with advanced sustainability measures, including rainwater harvesting, natural lighting and motion-sensor systems for greater energy efficiency. They also utilise effluent treatment plants, steam wash systems to cut water usage and waterless urinals.

Crucially, the 100 workshops collectively generate 7.9 MW of solar power. This renewable energy capacity allows Kia India to prevent nearly 9,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year, which the company states is equivalent to the absorption power of 450,000 mature trees. Kia has also implemented a comprehensive recycling programme for automotive waste such as used batteries and oil.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “Achieving the milestone of 100 Green Workshops within a short span of two years underscores Kia India’s commitment to building a sustainable mobility ecosystem. Each workshop brings us closer to a world where progress doesn’t come at the planet’s cost. This initiative, alongside our portfolio of three EVs, is a significant reflection of our continued efforts to reduce environmental impact, enhance operational efficiency, and shape a cleaner, smarter mobility for our future generations.”

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Delhi-NCR-based CarXpert, a multi-brand car service network, is set to expand its footprint into the western Indian market, with a primary focus on Gujarat. The move aims to upgrade local, independent garages into professional service centres by providing them with modern tools, training and brand recognition.

The company's business model is designed to help local mechanics professionalise their operations. CarXpert provides standardised processes, diagnostic technology and skill development programs, allowing garages to offer more reliable service and build long-term customer trust.

Rachit Dhawan, Head of Department at CarXpert, said, “We are happy to announce our expansion plans to other parts of India. Gujarat is one of the growing markets for job creation. Many of these workshops operate without modern tools, standardised systems, or access to training. We are working to change this by giving these workshops an opportunity to become part of an organised, trusted network.”

With over 50 centres already operational in locations across northern India, the company's expansion into Gujarat will cater to the state's growing number of vehicle owners.

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Manav Kapur, Director of Steelbird International, an automotive component supplier, has been appointed Chairman of the Aftermarket pillar of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA).

Kapur takes on this new responsibility after completing his tenure as Chairman of ACMA’s Young Business Leaders Forum (YBLF), where he was leading initiatives to strengthen industry engagement and build future leadership. Akhilesh Rai, Director, Suprajit Engineering, has succeeded Kapur as Chairman of YBLF.

“The Indian aftermarket is at an inflection point. With rising vehicle ownership, a growing focus on safety, and India’s expanding role in global mobility value chains, there is a tremendous opportunity to transform this sector. Our priority will be to drive initiatives that not only make India self-reliant but also position our aftermarket industry as a trusted global partner,” said Kapur.

The announcement comes alongside the appointment of Vikrampati Singhania, Managing Director, JK Fenner (India), as the new President of ACMA for 2025–26 and Sriram Viji, Managing Director, Brakes India, as President Designate.

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