Shatterprufe and Road Safety
In South Africa, most locally manufactured vehicles are fitted with an OE windscreen. The legislation also states that vehicle repairs should return the vehicle to its original state.
Shatterprufe windscreens exceed SABS standards and are manufactured according to OE specifications. Shatterprufe also passes the drop ball test - any windscreen failing this test is illegal and may not be used.
OE Standard
OE (original equipment) standards are over and above SABS standards. OE windscreens are used by new vehicle manufacturers and are of world-class quality.
Inferior windscreens have kinks in the windscreen caused by contaminated glass or bubbles in the vinyl - this can cause distortion and impaired vision.
If the cross curvature of a windscreen is out of specification, it will result in the windscreen not fitting correctly as well as giving the driver impaired vision due to distortion.
Some inferior windscreens have excessive draw lines which also causes distortion, eye fatigue and impaired vision. Substandard windscreens are either too thick or too thin which results in an unsafe fitment.
Be Aware
Some inferior windscreens come without mouldings and are fitted by reusing the old moulding. This practice is very dangerous as the safe fitment of the windscreen is compromised. Certain inferior windscreens do not have rain sensors or mirror bosses fitted. Ensure you are replacing apples with apples.
Safety Tips
A chip or a crack on your windscreen compromises the strength of your windscreen and impacts the strength of your vehicle. A windscreen typically contributes up to 30% of the strength of the vehicle.
The Impact on Humans
Distortion and impaired vision can result in eye fatigue and headaches, which is not safe when travelling long distances. In the event of an accident, passengers can be flung from the vehicle if the windscreen is not fitted correctly. The windscreen contributes up to 30% of the strength of the vehicle and prevents the roof from caving in when rolling the vehicle.
Six Shatterprufe® facts that could save your life
1. Shatterprufe® enables the airbag system to function effectively
Inferior, ill-fitting windscreens pop out on impact. This results in the airbag flying out of the window resulting in the passenger being crushed against the dashboard. Shatterprufe® provides a solid area for the airbag to deploy effectively thus protecting the occupants of the vehicle from serious injury.
2. Shatterprufe® prevents projectile objects from penetrating the windscreen
Shatterprufe® uses original equipment specifications when it comes to glass thickness and quality. Shatterprufe® also only uses virgin vinyl - beware of windscreens containing recycled vinyl. Recycling and using recycled goods may be the “green” thing to do - but not when your life is at risk.
3. Shatterprufe® prevents the roof of the vehicle from caving in
Inferior windscreens will pop out in an accident situation. Shatterprufe® windscreens are designed to say in place, which prevents the roof from caving in. This safety feature assists in preventing occupants in the vehicle from being crushed. Shatterprufe® provides up to 30% of the vehicle’s strength.
4. Shatterprufe® keeps passengers in the vehicle in the event of an accident
Inferior, ill-fitting windscreens will pop out in an accident situation. Passengers are then at risk of being flung out of the vehicle, having the vehicle roll over them and crushing them in the process.
5. Shatterprufe® prevents your head from going through the windscreen
Inferior, non-Shatterprufe® windscreens will shatter, resulting in sharp shards of glass flying through the air or remaining jiggered on the windscreen. Some non-OE manufacturers use recycled vinyl. This is a lethal combination. In an accident situation, occupants’ heads can penetrate the windscreen resulting in severe lacerations to the face and head. Severe blood loss can be fatal.
6. Distortion can damage your eyes
Inferior, non-OE windscreens often are distorted, which causes eye fatigue whilst driving. Driving with a distorted windscreen during the day or night can cause optical distortion - causing objects to look closer or farther away from you.
