Windscreen Terminology
When it comes to your windscreen, explaining to a professional what needs to be done or trying to understand the terminology being used can cause communication to break down. Here, we will provide you with a detailed glossary of the most common terms used in the windscreen industry, so you can understand how your windscreen is constructed and the different types of damage it can suffer from.
Click on each letter to see the different terms
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- A
- B
- C
- E
- F
- H
- L
- O
- S
- W
A Pillar
The pillars are on the sides of the windscreen, helping to support the glass and also the roof of the vehicle.
B Pillar
Sometimes referred to as ‘posts’, the B Pillar is located behind the A Pillar and provides structural support for the roof; in the majority of cars, this is between the front and rear doors.
Budget Service
Our budget service is the cheapest replacement service we offer here at Motorway Windscreens. This is for the customer that is in no rush and is available any day to suit us within a 7 day timeframe, so we can tie the job in with others in the area.
Bullseye
This is the name for a crack in the glass that is caused by a rock or other circular object. A bull’s eye is typified with a cone on the outer layer of the glass.
C Pillar
These are typically the pillars on the side of the rear windscneen. If a car has more than three pillars on each side, the ‘C pillar’ is the third set.
Chip
Damage caused by a rock or other object that causes some of the glass to come off the windscreen.
Combination Break
This occurs when there are several types of breaks on one windscreen, such as a chip with multiple cracks coming off of it, causing extensive damage.
Cure
The curing process ensures that the adhesive used on the windscreen dries properly and holds everything in place as it should. Here at Motorway Windscreens, our Sika Powercure Adhesive is fully cured as it would be when the vehicle left the factory, after just 60 minutes. Normal adhesive, whilst is safe to drive after 90 minutes, can take up to 2 weeks to be fully cured.
Edge Crack
A crack starting within 2 inches of the edge of the windscreen, or reaching the edge of the windscreen. It normally forms instantly and reaches lengths of 25-30 centimetres.
Express Service
At Motorway Windscreens, our express service is the premium service for the distressed customer whose vehicle needs a replacement within a certain timescale, or for the customer who needs to drive their vehicle imminently. This service obviously incurs a premium price to match the premium service.
Floater Crack
This is a crack that starts anywhere on the windscreen that is more than 5cm from the edge of the windscreen.
Half Moon
Similar to a bull’s eye crack, in that it is caused by a rock or other object, but it is not completely circular.
Impact Point
Where an object hits the windscreen and causes damage. Usually identifiable by a small chip.
Long Crack
Any crack over 15cm long. Windscreen companies are often unable to repair these cracks.
Original Equipment Manufacturer
Original Equipment Manufacturer - often referred to as OEM - describes a car part that was either made or ordered by the manufacturer of the car. This ensures that any windscreen repairs or replacements are dealt with appropriately so that it is restored back to manufacturer specifications for full functionality.
Safe Drive-away Time
Also known simply as ‘drive-away time’, this is the amount of time that you need to wait after a windscreen has been replaced before it can be safely driven again; this usually depends on the adhesive used, as well as other factors such as weather conditions and humidity.
Safety Glass
This type of glass is manufactured with the purpose of making it more secure than normal glass. It is harder, which means it is more difficult to break, and in the event of breakage, the shards are less sharp.
Standard Service
The standard service is our everyday replacement service here at Motorway Windscreens. The work is completed the same day where possible, or by the end of the next day if necessary. Morning or afternoon appointments are available, with no specific times.
Star Break
This type of break is identified by its starburst pattern of cracks leading from the point of impact.
Stress Crack
These cracks occur without impact from any object - the most common cause is fluctuation in temperature. For example, if a windscreen has frosted over during the night, some car owners pour boiling water on the glass to melt the ice away quickly. However, the rapid change in temperature can cause the glass to crack. A stress crack always starts at the edge of the windscreen, and normally takes the shape of a straight or slightly bent line. Running a ballpoint pen along the crack can test if it is a stress crack or not: if the pen dips at any point, it is not a stress crack.
Windscreen Wiper Sweep
This term defines the area of the windscreen that the wipers clean.
A Pillar
The pillars are on the sides of the windscreen, helping to support the glass and also the roof of the vehicle.
B Pillar
Sometimes referred to as ‘posts’, the B Pillar is located behind the A Pillar and provides structural support for the roof; in the majority of cars, this is between the front and rear doors.
Budget Service
Our budget service is the cheapest replacement service we offer here at Motorway Windscreens. This is for the customer that is in no rush and is available any day to suit us within a 7 day timeframe, so we can tie the job in with others in the area.
Bullseye
This is the name for a crack in the glass that is caused by a rock or other circular object. A bull’s eye is typified with a cone on the outer layer of the glass.
C Pillar
These are typically the pillars on the side of the rear windscreen. If a car has more than three pillars on each side, the ‘C pillar’ is the third set.
Chip
Damage caused by a rock or other object that causes some of the glass to come off the windscreen.
Combination Break
This occurs when there are several types of breaks on one windscreen, such as a chip with multiple cracks coming off of it, causing extensive damage.
Cure
The curing process ensures that the adhesive used on the windscreen dries properly and holds everything in place as it should. Here at Motorway Windscreens, our Sika Powercure Adhesive is fully cured as it would be when the vehicle left the factory, after just 60 minutes. Normal adhesive, whilst is safe to drive after 90 minutes, can take up to 2 weeks to be fully cured.
Edge Crack
A crack starting within 2 inches of the edge of the windscreen, or reaching the edge of the windscreen. It normally forms instantly and reaches lengths of 25-30 centimetres.
Express Service
At Motorway Windscreens, our express service is the premium service for the distressed customer whose vehicle needs a replacement within a certain timescale, or for the customer who needs to drive their vehicle imminently. This service obviously incurs a premium price to match the premium service.
Floater Crack
This is a crack that starts anywhere on the windscreen that is more than 5cm from the edge of the windscreen.
Half Moon
Similar to a bull’s eye crack, in that it is caused by a rock or other object, but it is not completely circular.
Impact Point
Where an object hits the windscreen and causes damage. Usually identifiable by a small chip.
Long Crack
Any crack over 15cm long. Windscreen companies are often unable to repair these cracks.
Original Equipment Manufacturer
Original Equipment Manufacturer - often referred to as OEM - describes a car part that was either made or ordered by the manufacturer of the car. This ensures that any windscreen repairs or replacements are dealt with appropriately so that it is restored back to manufacturer specifications for full functionality.
Safe Drive-away Time
Also known simply as ‘drive-away time’, this is the amount of time that you need to wait after a windscreen has been replaced before it can be safely driven again; this usually depends on the adhesive used, as well as other factors such as weather conditions and humidity.
Safety Glass
This type of glass is manufactured with the purpose of making it more secure than normal glass. It is harder, which means it is more difficult to break, and in the event of breakage, the shards are less sharp.
Standard Service
The standard service is our everyday replacement service here at Motorway Windscreens. The work is completed the same day where possible, or by the end of the next day if necessary. Morning or afternoon appointments are available, with no specific times.
Star Break
This type of break is identified by its starburst pattern of cracks leading from the point of impact.
Stress Crack
These cracks occur without impact from any object - the most common cause is fluctuation in temperature. For example, if a windscreen has frosted over during the night, some car owners pour boiling water on the glass to melt the ice away quickly. However, the rapid change in temperature can cause the glass to crack. A stress crack always starts at the edge of the windscreen, and normally takes the shape of a straight or slightly bent line. Running a ballpoint pen along the crack can test if it is a stress crack or not: if the pen dips at any point, it is not a stress crack.
Windscreen Wiper Sweep
This term defines the area of the windscreen that the wipers clean.
At Motorway Windscreens, we understand that windscreen issues can occur without warning at any time, which is why we offer first class windscreen replacement and repair services for vehicles of all types. If you need our expert help, please feel free to get in touch with us today.