Art of glass

Below is a brief press release from my UK rounds. It’s from Auto Windscreens and explains how the latest car designs are using more and more glass in manufacturing. In turn this is having an effect on replacement costs and insurance premiums.

Nigel Davies, Auto Windscreens Sales and Marketing Director, explains, “Windscreens of standard production cars are becoming increasingly sophisticated as designers seek to improve aerodynamic efficiency, driving comfort and safety, as well as appearance which, unfortunately, is hitting the pocket of the modern motorist.”

For example, according to Auto Windscreens the costs of windscreens in three popular models has increased by an average of 59%; BMW 5 Series up 50%, Ford Mondeo up 59%, Volkswagen Golf as much as 68%.

It might pay to look into the cost of your car’s windscreen replacement next time you’re assessing your insurance options.

INCREASE IN WINDSCREEN SIZE AND TECHNOLOGY HITS DRIVERS’ POCKETS

The introduction of tints, heating, solar reflection and GPS technology into the windscreens of modern production cars as standard has led to replacement costs increasing by as much as 68% in only 10 years, reports Auto Windscreens. Added to this, the overall size of windscreens has increased dramatically making them more susceptible to stone chip damage.

The net result is that drivers are having to foot the growing bill for more frequent glass repair and replacement jobs than ever before, according to automotive glazing services provider Auto Windscreens. The findings follow news that the *price of car insurance has risen by 4.3% during the first quarter of 2010.

More glass overall is being used in the car body by designers. The windscreen of the new Citroen C4 Picasso is 20% larger than that of the older model alone. Similarly, the cost of a new model Ford Mondeo windscreen is 59% more than previous models; a VW Golf windscreen has risen by as much as 68% and a BMW 5 Series screen by 50%.

Nigel Davies, Auto Windscreens Sales and Marketing Director, explained: “Windscreens of standard production cars are becoming increasingly sophisticated as designers seek to improve aerodynamic efficiency, driving comfort and safety, as well as appearance which, unfortunately, is hitting the pocket of the modern motorist.”

To help manage your glass costs, Auto Windscreens is advising motorists to look after their windscreen by following five simple action points:

• Get chips repaired immediately before they become a costly crack
• Replace wiper blades every six months, to avoid damage blades scratching your screen
• Top up your windscreen wash bottle regularly using screen wash not washing up liquid – It could damage your windscreen wipers and leave a potentially dangerous film on your windscreen.
• Always use a purpose-made ice scraper; anything else could scratch your windscreen.
• Never pour boiling water or apply heat directly to frosted glass, it could cause it to crack.