Windscreen chip repair

In this service, the EV WINDSCREENS technical team would like to explain the repair and replacement of sensors used in the windscreens of modern vehicles.

With the rapid advancement of technology, the automotive industry is evolving continuously, introducing new features to cars. For example, vehicle bodies are being strengthened, cars are equipped with auto-drive systems, petrol and electric engines are becoming more powerful, and many other components are improving day by day.

Vehicle windscreens are no exception to this progress. From enhanced durability against external impacts to sensors attached to the windscreen that make driving easier for the driver, windscreens are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

In this service, we aim to explain these sensors and their types, detailing the specific features of each sensor, and how we can repair or replace a sensor if it stops working.

In modern car windscreen, various sensors are used that help improve the vehicle’s performance and safety. Let’s talk about the most commonly used sensors in everyday vehicles — meaning cars that people use for transportation, such as passenger cars or vehicles for carrying different loads like trucks and pickups. Some of these sensors include:

Rain Sensor:These sensors can detect rain and automatically activate the windscreen wipers. This helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle with both hands on the wheel without constantly needing to operate the wipers manually. As a result, the driver can concentrate better while driving.

Light Sensor:These sensors detect the ambient light level and can automatically switch the car’s headlights on or off. This feature prevents the driver from experiencing vision errors during early sunset hours or daylight, which are the times when visibility is typically poorest. Since the driver might forget to turn the lights on, manufacturers have designed this sensor so that the headlights operate automatically.

Temperature Sensor:Some windscreen panels have temperature sensors that can monitor the car’s interior temperature and adjust the ventilation system accordingly. Regulating the cabin temperature keeps it within a comfortable range for the human body, helping the driver feel more comfortable while driving. This way, the cabin air neither gets too hot nor too cold, and the driver does not have to constantly switch the air conditioning or heater on and off.

Collision Sensor:Some vehicles have sensors that detect collisions and can automatically deploy airbags. These sensors typically activate based on the impact felt on the bumper or the front windscreen. When triggered, they prevent the front passengers’ heads from hitting the windscreen. This sensor is among the most crucial for vehicle safety, as its correct operation can literally mean the difference between life and death for the driver and passengers.

Camera Sensors:On the front windscreen, there are cameras for driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and collision warning systems. These sensors directly affect the vehicle’s control and are designed to help the driver maintain control during critical moments when they might otherwise lose it, preventing accidents.

Motion Sensors:These sensors detect movement of objects around the vehicle and warn the driver. Sometimes another vehicle or an external object might collide with your car. Installing these sensors helps alert the driver, especially when they have limited visibility around or behind the car, so they can react in time to maintain control.

Pressure Sensors:Some front windscreens have pressure sensors that assist the car’s security systems by alerting the driver before an incident occurs.

Using these sensors inside vehicles, combined with advanced control technologies, makes the driving experience safer and more comfortable. But sensors are not only installed in the front windscreen; there are also sensors in the rear windscreen, such as parking sensors, explained below.

Parking Sensor:In some car models, parking sensors are installed on the rear windscreen or around the vehicle to help the driver detect nearby obstacles when parking. This sensor assists the driver in parking more easily and with less stress, even in tight spots. Imagine a multi-storey car park full of vehicles and narrow turns just slightly wider than the car itself. Many drivers risk scraping their car body on close obstacles when entering, exiting, or parking. This sensor emits a warning sound inside the car as the vehicle approaches an obstacle or another car, alerting the driver so they can proceed more cautiously while parking or manoeuvring.

These sensors contribute significantly to the safety, comfort, and efficiency of vehicles, and they play a crucial role in the overall performance of various automotive systems. The service provided by the technical team at EV WINDSCREENS in this regard is straightforward: whenever any of the sensors connected to your car’s windscreen stops working, you can inform us so that we can repair or replace it.

Modern vehicles are equipped with a wide range of sensors, and the windscreen in these cars also contains certain sensors designed to make driving easier and more comfortable for the driver. These sensors can fail for a variety of reasons, most commonly due to an issue with the electronic component. The technicians at EV WINDSCREENS continuously keep themselves up to date with the latest advancements. At present, there isn’t a single issue related to the windscreen or its sensors — whether on older or newer vehicles — that we’re unable to resolve.

On the vehicle dashboard, there are various indicators that light up and often emit a beeping sound to alert the driver when there is a fault in part of the vehicle’s system. Sensors fitted in the car’s windscreen also have specific warning lights on the dashboard, which illuminate when a fault occurs.

If you experience any issues with the electronic sensors in your car’s windscreen, you can get in touch with us and describe the problem. Our technicians will be dispatched to your location to inspect the issue. In some cases, it may simply be a matter of resetting the sensor settings, which can quickly resolve the problem. However, if the issue is due to a faulty part, we will repair it where possible. If the part needs replacing, we will order the correct component and install it in your vehicle.

In the following section, we will explain how sensors are installed and repaired.

1. Preparation of Tools and Equipment:The necessary tools include screwdrivers, pliers, a multimeter, and specialised tools for removing windscreen components. The technicians at EV WINDSCREENS use the latest equipment available for repairing and replacing car windscreen and sensors.

Additionally, gloves and safety windscreenes are required to protect yourself while working. Using safety equipment ensures that the job is done carefully and with higher quality. This is why EV WINDSCREENS guarantees the quality of their work.

2. Diagnosing the Problem:First of all, the sensor fault needs to be identified. This can involve checking error codes using a diagnostic device. You can also use a multimeter to check the sensor’s voltage and connection. If the issue is with the settings, the technician on-site can often resolve it immediately. However, if it’s a hardware fault, the sensor parts must be inspected at the workshop, the defective part replaced, and the final test carried out before re-installing it on the vehicle.

3. Accessing the Sensor:To repair or replace the sensor, it must be accessed. This may involve removing internal or external covers. Therefore, the person accessing the sensor needs to know exactly where it is located and how to detach it, then reattach all removed parts correctly. In some cases, the windscreen itself may need to be removed. In such instances, the technician must use specialised tools to carefully separate the windscreen from the vehicle body, then refit it after repairs. This process is very delicate, as the windscreen must be removed intact and reinstalled without cracks or gaps that would allow air or water to enter.

4. Connecting the Sensor:If you’ve purchased a new sensor, it must be connected correctly to the vehicle’s wiring. Incorrect connection can damage the entire vehicle’s electrical system and burn out many electronic components and circuit boards. Therefore, someone with full knowledge of the vehicle’s electrical system should carry out this connection.

Usually, sensors come with connectors that must be carefully attached. Ensure the connectors fit properly and are undamaged. If the connection is poor, the car’s warning system will continue to signal a fault, making you spend hours troubleshooting. However, a technician specialising in repairing and replacing car sensors will check all necessary parameters to resolve the fault quickly.

EV WINDSCREENS, based in London, has expert technicians capable of providing sensor repair and replacement services across the city. You can contact us to discuss how we can service your vehicle.

5. Testing the Sensor:After installing a new sensor or repairing the old one, its functionality must be tested. Once the sensor is installed and the vehicle started, the technician will check that it is operating correctly.

6. Reassembling Parts:Once the sensor’s proper function is confirmed, all covers and parts removed by the technician are carefully refitted. Since how parts are reassembled can greatly affect the vehicle’s performance, the technician must ensure that all screws and connections are tightly secured. At high speeds, the pressure on the vehicle is much greater than at normal speeds, so if any part is not fixed correctly, it could detach and cause serious issues. Caution and accuracy are paramount in vehicle repairs. This is why EV WINDSCREENS guarantees all repairs carried out by their on-site technicians, increasing your confidence in the quality of our service.

Final Adjustments:In some cases, software adjustments may be necessary. This is usually done using a diagnostic device. Think of it like rebooting the operating system after replacing a part. Similarly, when a sensor component is repaired or replaced, it must be re-registered with the vehicle’s software system. This is done via diagnostics, followed by a final test of the sensor.

Professional Advice:If you lack experience in sensor repair or installation, it’s best to seek help from a skilled technician. Modern vehicles have many sensors, each responsible for managing a specific function. Failure of one sensor can affect part of the vehicle’s operation, so prompt repair is crucial to avoid bigger problems. EV WINDSCREENS guarantees that sensor repairs are carried out thoroughly — not only solving your car’s issue but also testing other parts and informing you of any additional problems. We ensure no further issues arise from the repaired sensor.

These are general steps and may vary depending on the type of vehicle and sensor. The exact procedures are chosen by the technician based on the specific situation.