Debunking concerns surrounding windscreen repair

Are you always looking for new products to sell? If you aren’t looking at windscreen repair kits, you’re missing out on a great source of extra income, according to Victoria Evans of Esprit Windscreen Repair Equipment. Here, she reveals what she believes to be the benefits of windscreen repair and the importance of safely repairing windscreens.

Victoria started: “Some people think that a repaired windscreen can’t be as safe and strong as a replacement, and this might put them off promoting repair, but the truth is, a repaired windscreen with a reputable and tested kit is just as safe as a new windscreen.

“The issues tend to arise when people try to cut corners with cheap repair kits or sub-standard, untested resin. In this scenario, there can be problems. The resin needs to penetrate through the whole break, including the tiny cracks, which are very hard to see.

“Additionally, the curing needs to ensure that resin is cured throughout the break, not just the superficial layer on top. A break can look great, but over time, you may have a weakness, or the repair may go cloudy”.

So, how can these pitfalls be avoided? She responded: “At Esprit we believe strongly in independent performance testing and the Esprit system has achieved TÜV certification, which means that several tests were carried out by an independent testing facility. These tests are the same tests that a new screen undertakes, such as clarity, torsion and strike testing. If repairers are using a tested system, they can be confident in the repairs that they carry out.”

Is cost forcing drivers to ‘leave it’?

We asked if, in these tight economic times, people might be put off repairing their windscreens, deciding to live with breaks or chips instead, Victoria told us: “I can totally understand why people would think that. It’s really tempting to put off repairing for another day. Unfortunately, if you leave a chip or break, over time three things can happen:

“Firstly, dirt and debris can get into the break, meaning that when you do get it repaired, you won’t get such a good result. This can cause the vehicle to fail its MOT. A chipped screen can also fail the MOT, which is a much bigger cost. Finally, an unrepaired break causes a weak spot on the screen. If you go over a pothole – and who doesn’t? – or just a normal bump in the road, this can cause the screen to crack.

“The Esprit system will repair cracks, but only up to 35cm long, and a lot of garages aren’t able to repair cracks. So that means a replacement windscreen is necessary, and that’s a much bigger financial outlay than a simple repair. So although I can understand the desire to put off repairing, especially if it’s only a small chip, in the long run it’s a better financial decision to repair early, rather than leaving it until it’s too late.”

Dispelling the misconception that windscreen repair is a ‘tough sell’

Reassuringly, Victoria told us that the process of windscreen repair is “actually very straightforward” because training is offered with its kits, whether at its factory in Stoke-on-Trent or, perhaps more favourably, Esprit can pay you a visit!

Victoria continued: “We’re happy to train a group, and we also offer train the trainer sessions as well. We even offer IMI accredited training sessions.”