MOTORING NEWS - If your windscreen needs replacing, it can be tempting to go for one of the many cheap windscreen alternatives now available. Think about it first, because your life could be at stake.

In modern vehicles, a lot of the strength needed for the passenger compartment to resist a rollover is supplied by the windscreen. Fitting an inferior screen could lead to fatal crushing of the superstructure during a crash.

Inferior quality screens may also contain visual distortions which can increase eye fatigue and night-time driving risk. They may also have been made from lower-quality materials, or have thinner layers, meaning they may not have the strength to prevent a rock or other object from penetrating the passenger compartment. Or they may not shatter into small, harmless pieces on impact.

The safety benefits of a reputable brand of windscreen are well worth the extra cost.

Tip courtesy of Bridgestone

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