Windscreens and Auto Glass in South Africa

A chip smaller than a five rand coin and outside the driver's line of sight can usually be resin repaired in under an hour, which is far cheaper than a replacement and keeps the factory seal intact. Once a crack spreads past about 150mm, or reaches the edge of the glass, the windscreen must be replaced because it no longer contributes the structural strength the roof relies on in a rollover. Replacement price depends on the vehicle, whether the glass is original equipment or aftermarket, and whether the screen carries a rain sensor, heating elements, an antenna or a camera bracket. Newer cars with lane keeping and adaptive cruise have a forward camera bonded to the screen, and that camera must be recalibrated after the fit or the safety systems will read the road incorrectly. Most South African insurers cover glass with a lower excess than a normal claim. Ask the fitter about cure time before driving, and confirm recalibration is included in writing.