How to prevent a damaged windscreen

A damaged windscreen can occur at any time and can be costly if left untreated. But what causes a damaged windscreen and how can you prevent it? Our guide has you covered.

Is driving with a damaged windscreen illegal?

Driving with a damaged windscreen can be a motoring offence. If a crack or chip on the windscreen is large enough to obscure the driver's view, this could result in a fine as well as three points on your licence. According to the Highway Code,

?All glass or other transparent material fitted to a motor vehicle shall be maintained in such condition that it does not obscure the vision of the driver while the vehicle is being driven on a road.?

Should an accident or collision occur, the penalty could become a more serious driving offence.

What are the causes of a damaged windscreen?

A damaged windscreen can be caused by many factors, including:

• Quality of glass - if the quality of glass is poor or has been incorrectly fitted
• Temperature - sudden drops in temperature can cause a crack or chip to your windscreen as the glass can become more susceptible to damage
• Objects - debris or tree branches falling onto your windscreen during bad weather conditions
• Driving - though this is inevitable, gravel and rocks from the roads surface can hit and damage your windscreen

Tips for preventing a damaged windscreen

Whilst it may not always be possible to prevent a damaged windscreen from the effects of a drop in temperature or falling branches, there are some things drivers can do to help prevent a damaging their windscreen. These include:

• When driving, keep a sensible distance from the vehicle ahead of you - particularly on roads where the surface is uneven to prevent gravel or rocks hitting off your windscreen.
• Avoid using boiling water to clear your windscreen during colder months as this can cause a sudden change in temperature, leading to weakened glass.
• Aiming to replace windscreen wipers once a year, as this will ensure they are in optimal working order to remove any build-up of dirt and debris.
• Regularly inspecting your windscreen for any signs of damage, including small cracks or chips, can help to spot them early and prevent them from getting any bigger by having an expert technician repair them.

Is windscreen damage covered by car insurance?

Typically, minor repairs to your windscreen will be covered by your car insurance. Though we recommend checking your policy to be certain.

However, any cracks or chips that have been left untreated and have increased in size can be more costly. This is because the entire windscreen may need to be replaced, the replacement glass will be determined by the make and model of your vehicle.

How Setyres can help

A regular service can help to maintain your vehicle and spot any windscreen damage before it gets worse. Simply locate your nearest Setyres Garage or contact a member of our expert team today.