Do You Have A Cracked Windscreen?
Your car windscreen is one of the most important parts of your car and needs to be kept in good working condition. A car windscreen does more than just act as protection from the weather, an undamaged windscreen is vital for proper vision which is necessary for safe driving. Here is what you need to know if you have a cracked windscreen.
How Serious Is A Cracked Windscreen?
A cracked windscreen can obscure your vision and cause difficulty when observing traffic and hazards on the road, which makes driving unsafe for yourself and others. Because of the dangers presented by lack of clear vision, driving with a cracked windscreen is a motoring offence. If you drive with a cracked windscreen and are stopped, it will result in points on your license and a hefty fine. If you cause an accident as a result of a cracked windscreen you can be charged with a serious driving offence that could lead to losing your driving license.
How Does A Cracked Windscreen Happen?
A crack in your windscreen often starts out as a chip which has been ignored and left to worsen. Chips are most often a result of stones on the road hitting the glass at speed as you drive, with cars driven on the motorway being more susceptible to damage. Chips can be so small they aren’t always visible at first but will quickly develop into a crack, which is why you should always inspect your windscreen if you believe a stone has hit your car while driving. Chips are easier, quicker and cheaper to fix than a crack, so it is in your best interests to get a chip fixed before it develops into a bigger problem.
Can I Repair A Cracked Windscreen?
A cracked windscreen cannot be repaired, but most chips can be. If the chip is smaller than a £2 coin it can be filled but must be at least 3cm away from the edge of the windscreen as not to jeopardize the integrity of the windscreen. If the chip occupies an area on your windscreen that falls within your eye line, it cannot be any bigger than 10mm. If a chip doesn’t fall within these parameters it cannot be repaired and the windscreen will need to be replaced. Because of how easy it is for a chip to turn into an unrepairable crack, it is always advised to get any kind of chip filled as soon as possible.
How Does A Windscreen Replacement Work?
If a crack develops in your windscreen you will have no option but to visit a garage as soon as possible and get an expert to replace the windscreen. A mechanic will cut out your damaged windscreen and remove the glue that held it in place. A primer is applied to the framework of your car and allowed to dry before applying a bonding glue and fitting your new windscreen. The glue will need at least an hour to dry to ensure it is safe and secure, and the car cannot be driven until the process is complete. Because of the time and skill that is needed to fix a cracked windscreen, it can be costly and inconvenient.
How Can I Prevent Another Cracked Windscreen?
There is no real way of preventing a stone hitting your windscreen and causing a chip or crack, it is one of the unlucky hazards of driving a car. However, there are some measures you can take to lessen other factors that contribute to chips and cracks. Windscreen wipers that aren’t operating correctly can drag across your windscreen and cause damage that eventually builds up to a crack. Getting your windscreen wipers checked and replaced when needed will ensure no damage is caused to your windscreen. If you suspect something has hit your windscreen, always look for signs of damage and don’t delay a repair, no matter how small the damage may be. Drive safely on the road, especially if the road surface appears damaged or loose. Drive at a safe distance from other drivers as their tyres can kick up debris on the road and throw it back towards your car. Driving at a sensible speed within the limit can reduce the momentum of a stone that hits your car.
It is also worth noting that pouring boiling water on a frozen windscreen in winter can cause cracks on your windscreen, which is why it is advised not to do this to defrost your windscreen.
Cracked Windscreen Repair At NMT Garages
If you have a chip or crack on your windscreen, it is important to get a repair or replacement as soon as possible. At NMT Garages, we understand the importance of maintaining the good condition of your vehicle and can offer chipped or cracked windscreen repair quickly. To book yourself in for a windscreen repair, or to find out more about our services, get in touch with the team at NMT Garage Services. You can fill out our online contact form or give us a call on 01234 355 888 and our highly skilled and professional mechanics can ensure you get the assistance you need.
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