|
The most obvious and easily overlooked safety component in a vehicle is right in front of the driver’s face. Windshields not only keep insects and rain out, they are vital for seatbelts and airbags to properly function. Chips should be repaired before they turn into cracks that compromise vehicle safety. Cracks and chips impair driving visibility. Also, if the windshield is not repaired or replaced properly, it could affect airbag deployment effectiveness during an accident. The seatbelts, airbags and windshield are what automotive engineers refer to as a vehicle’s safety restraint system (SRS). “Most drivers don’t realize that a properly installed windshield is designed to be strong enough to keep the airbag inside the vehicle in case of a crash. The windshield also is considered to be part of the roof support. If there is a rollover, the windshield helps to keep the roof from crushing the occupants. Windshields are made from two pieces of glass that sandwich a laminate film. If the glass cracks, the laminate film will be damaged as well. A crack could weaken the windshield to the point that in a collision the windshield could break and fly out of the vehicle instead of shattering but staying in place for the SRS to work correctly. “Now is the time for drivers to look at their vehicles for any winter damage, such as chips, cracks and bad seals “Simple upkeep can save drivers money, time and possibly their lives or the lives of their loved ones later down the road.” Drivers can follow these preventive maintenance tips to help keep themselves and their passengers safe. • Repair chipped windshield glass immediately. Chips can block driver visibility. Thermal shock (the stress caused by drastic differences in outdoor and indoor temperatures) can turn a ding into a crack when the air conditioning or heating is activated. • Replace worn windshield wipers. Bad wipers can impair vision in rainy conditions and scratch windshield glass. • Refill windshield washer solvent to keep the glass free from dirt, insects and glare. • Clean windshields with a proper glass cleaner, not a strong abrasive that could scratch the glass. • Apply a glass protectant to repel water and dirt, which improves visibility “We encourage drivers to repair a chip early rather than wait for it to turn into a crack,” “Repairing the chip restores the structural integrity of the windshield and it’s much less expensive than replacing a windshield. The repair takes 30 minutes or less, and once it’s done the vehicle is ready to drive. Windshield repair is a permanent solution,because it will not damage the laminate. Plus windshield repair is good for the environment, it’s one less windshield in our landfills. Because nine out of 10 motorists pump their own gas, under-hood checks are rarely performed and vital maintenance and repairs often get overlooked or just plainly left in the belief thay it will either fix itself or it will "just be ok" as it is.!!!!.. A vehicle that’s been well cared for, as opposed to one that’s been neglected, is safer, more dependable and more economical to operate. In addition, emissions are reduced, Whilst we have been in the area we have noticed a number of vehicle owners driving with there beloved pets on there laps, Sadly this is not only very dangerous it is a potential killer!!!! Not just for your pet but also the driver,If you are invloved in an accident and your vehicle is fitted with a drivers airbag and this is deployed, your pet will die immediately and its body will be thrust into the driver with devastating results!!!! This is not placed here to scare people but the distance between driver and the steering wheel airbag is calculated to work efficiently to save the life of the driver. Please drive safely and remember you love your pet , they love you too..!!!...Please note this is for information only we do not install windshield glass: at Almovi, please check your local phonebook for your nearest installer. We place these articles for advisory purposes only.. nothing is intended or implied ... copyright 2008 ..
|
Road Safety