How technology is changing windscreen repairs

Once just a piece of laminated glass, with the rise of ADAS, head-up displays and augmented reality technology, today’s windscreens are much more sophisticated. As such, the approach to their repair and replacement has changed too – and Esprit believes this can form part of a sales strategy. 

ADAS, in particular, has “changed the game”; Esprit’s Victoria Evans tells PMF how savvy technicians can adapt to boost their profits while providing a better service – and how you can benefit too: “Back in the 1980s, when Esprit began offering screen repairs, it was a simple job. By the 1990s, British Standards dictated where and how repairs could be made, based on size and location. But in 2022, those standards were updated again, this time with ADAS in mind.

“ADAS has made windscreen replacement far more complex and expensive. Recalibration takes time, requires specialist equipment, and adds to the customer’s bill. That’s why repair is becoming the go-to solution wherever possible.”

Not every chip can be fixed!

The rules surrounding windscreen repair and ADAS are clear:

• Avoid repairing in the hatched area around cameras or sensors
• Avoid the direct field of view if the damage is larger than 20mm
• Any other area? No problem – and ADAS won’t be affected

Victoria told PMF that there needn’t be any concerns about how a repair impacts safety systems: “ADAS is designed to handle slight distortions, like a raindrop or smudge. A quality repair using a tested kit won’t interfere with the system.”

Victoria added that Esprit’s kit is certified by TÜV Rheinland to the ECE R43 standard – the same standard as a brand-new screen.

Repair means revenue

Windscreen replacements used to be the more profitable route, Victoria acknowledged, but not anymore! She reported that a typical screen repair costs only around £2-£3 in materials, yet a technician can charge £35-£40 for the job. The process itself takes roughly 20 minutes to complete, requires no recalibration or specialist tools. Once finished, the customer can simply be sent away quickly, with minimal downtime and a straightforward service experience.

That is an excellent profit margin for a job that can be undertaken while the car’s already on the ramp! Victoria said: “Once garages realise they don’t need to remove or recalibrate anything, and the customer gets a cheaper, faster fix, it’s a no-brainer.”

A sustainable sell

Victoria believes the “rising interest in sustainability” means end-users are more open to repair options – after-all, a repaired windscreen keeps waste out of landfills and lowers the overall carbon footprint of the job. What’s more, early repairs prevent full replacements, which saves that customer time and money, likely keeping them loyal to your workshop or garage customer.

Victoria concluded: “If you’re not already offering windscreen repair kits to your customers, you’re missing a quick, profitable and customer-friendly opportunity. Screen repair is cost-effective, quick, low-risk, compatible with modern technology and good for both the bottom line and planet.”