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)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Spinny, a used car platform, has launched Spinny Circle, an application designed for New Car Dealers (NCDs) to manage the exchange and liquidation of used vehicles.

The app provides a structured pathway for dealerships to handle vehicle inspections, valuations, sales and settlements. It is intended to increase the speed of price discovery and provide predictable timelines for liquidating inventory, which assists dealers in managing working capital and operational efficiency.

The company stated exchange-led transactions are a key factor in new car sales in India. However, the process is often fragmented, with delays in pricing and inspection affecting dealer cash flows. Spinny Circle aims to standardise these operations by connecting dealerships to a single management framework.

The app was introduced at the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) Vyapar Gujarat forum. Spinny is collaborating with FADA to engage with dealers and move the exchange ecosystem toward a more organised model.

Gurveen Bedi, Senior Vice-President, Spinny, said, “Over the years, Spinny has worked to bring greater transparency, consistency, and trust to India’s used car market. With Spinny Circle, we are now extending this approach to the exchange ecosystem for new car dealers, an area that has required structure and clarity. By enabling a reliable and efficient pathway to liquidate older vehicles, Spinny Circle helps dealers to improve working capital management while supporting the broader growth of car sales and a more organised automotive retail ecosystem.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Castrol India has expanded its auto care portfolio with the introduction of an Aesthetic Care range for motorcycles and cars. The new line includes Castrol Ultra Protect Shampoo, Castrol Ultra Protect Wax, Castrol Glass Cleaner and Castrol Dash & Leather Dresser.

The products are designed for vehicle maintenance at home without the requirement for specialised tools. This expansion follows previous additions to the company's range, such as chain cleaners, lubricants and helmet cleaners.

The range comprises four specific solutions for vehicle upkeep:

• Castrol Ultra Protect Shampoo: A pH-balanced formula containing Carnauba wax. It is designed to lift dirt and road grime while providing a water-repellent finish.
• Castrol Ultra Protect Wax: A liquid wax that creates a layer on the paint to protect against sun, dust, pollution and water marks.
• Castrol Glass Cleaner: A solution for removing smudges and fingerprints from glass, plastic and rubber components to maintain visibility.
• Castrol Dash & Leather Dresser: A conditioner for interior surfaces including vinyl, plastic, leather and rubber. It is intended to prevent fading and cracking caused by heat and sunlight.

Kedar Lele, Managing Director, Castrol India, said, “This update brings more depth to our Auto Care portfolio. Today’s vehicle owners demand solutions that clean and protect at the same time. With these products, we are keeping everyday maintenance simpler while staying true to the quality our customers expect from us. This expansion marks our deliberate step into the wider vehicle maintenance ecosystem.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

SMK, the premium brand of Studds Accessories Ltd, launched the SMK Cygnus helmet and a new collection of riding gear at India Bike Week 2025. The company, part of the world’s largest helmet manufacturer by volume, introduced several models and a complete riding jacket line-up following their debut at EICMA.

The SMK Cygnus features a 180deg rotating chin bar, a flip-back innovation that allows the helmet to convert between full-face and open-face modes. This mechanism enables the helmet to sit differently to suit various postures, such as an upright position for cruisers or a tucked position for sport riding.

The helmet is one of the few in India with P/J Certification, allowing it to be used safely in both open and closed positions. It is constructed with an Energy Impact Resistant Thermoplastic (EIRT) shell and a multi-density EPS liner. Features include a wide anti-scratch visor with Pinlock MaxVision @120, an integrated sun visor, a double D-ring fastener, and a removable hypoallergenic liner. The Cygnus is expected to retail between INR 17,000 and 20,000 in the coming months.

SMK also announced the arrival of the Ares and Nova models. The Ares includes a detachable sun peak and sun visor, while the Nova features an eyeglass-friendly harness and an optically corrected field of vision. These models will be priced at INR 6,350 and INR 3,900 respectively.

For urban and touring needs, the brand introduced the Delta City and Delta Tour demi-jet helmets:

Delta City: A lightweight helmet for commuting with an internal clear visor and moisture-wicking fabric.

Delta Tour: Designed for long distances with an external dual visor, contoured cheek pads, and pockets for Bluetooth communication systems. Prices for the Delta series start from INR 3,299.

The brand displayed its full riding jacket collection, all of which are CE Level A certified. The Infinity Rush and Gladiator models are designed for summer with mesh panels and waterproof liners. The Apex Adventura is a 3/4-length touring jacket with thermal liners and a hydration pack system. For women, the Athenova provides a winter solution with waterproofing and ergonomic styling.

Sidhartha Bhushan Khurana, Managing Director, STUDDS Accessories, said: “India Bike Week has always been about celebration of the evolving spirit of riding in India. As demand grows for premium motorcycles and high-quality riding gear, SMK has been at the forefront of leading this shift with our commitment to premium design, advanced safety and superior comfort, for diverse riding styles. We are proud to introduce our new helmet range, led by the Cygnus, along with refreshed graphics and an expanded jacket collection. The overwhelming response from riders today further validates SMK preference as a premium helmet Brand in India.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Dylect, a lifestyle tech brand, has launched Flow Prime, a new pressure washer designed to bring professional-grade cleaning power to everyday Indian households at INR 5,499.

The compact unit is driven by a 1800W copper-winding motor, which delivers 130 Bar pressure and a 6.5-litre a minute flow rate. This makes it ideal for a wide range of cleaning tasks, including washing cars, bikes and cleaning balconies, patios, storefronts and outdoor furniture.

A standout feature is the Flow Prime's ability to operate from either a tap or a bucket, offering flexibility to clean in virtually any location. It also boasts IPX5 waterproofing, automatic shut-off for motor safety, and built-in heat protection for longer cleaning sessions.

Anuj Bhatia, Founder, Dylect, said, “Responsible innovation has always shaped the way we build our products. With Flow Prime, our focus was to deliver powerful, high-quality cleaning while promoting more mindful water usage. Its optimised flow technology significantly reduces water consumption compared to conventional methods, enabling homes and small businesses to adopt cleaner, more sustainable practices without sacrificing performance.”

Dylect stated it has established community of over 100,000 customers. Every Flow Prime unit is shipped with a comprehensive accessory kit, including an 8-metre outlet hose pipe, a soap bottle and various connectors.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!