Crucial to both your visibility and your safety, chips and cracks to your windscreen can’t be ignored. Depending on the size of the crack, and where it’s located on your windscreen, you'll likely need to repair it or have it replaced in full. Our guide will show you how to repair a cracked windscreen, as well as recognise the kind of damage that’s been caused.
Whether it has a damaged windshield or not, we’ll be able to accept your second-hand car. Get in touch to find out how much your car could be worth.
What causes chips or cracks in your windscreen?
Whilst your windscreen is designed to withstand regular wear and tear, general driving can put your car at risk from chips and cracks. One of the most common causes of windscreen chips is debris from the road, such as small stones or twigs, making contact with your windscreen as you drive.
Often, longer cracks in your windscreen are caused by chips which have been left untreated. However, bad weather, sudden changes in temperature or poorly installed glass can also leave your windscreen more vulnerable to cracks.
Can a chipped windscreen be repaired?
It’s always best to seek a professional opinion, but some DIY methods can help you stop the chip from getting any bigger before you can get your vehicle to a garage. Apply epoxy or an acrylic adhesive to the chip to stop any moisture or debris getting in, and weakening the windscreen further.
Extreme heat, cold spells or a change in temperature can also cause the chip or crack to widen, so try to leave your vehicle in a covered car park or shady spot to avoid any further damage.
Can a cracked windscreen be repaired?
Small cracks can be repaired by your local garage, but more serious damage might mean your entire windscreen needs replacing. It's always best to get a professional opinion if the crack is directly in your line of vision or has grown in size. Some of the most common types of cracks include:
- Star break: a common kind of crack caused by debris hitting the windscreen, with break lines extending from the centre chip
- Bull’s eye: this crack looks like a chip, but penetrates further into the glass of your windscreen and causes a circular crack
- Non-impact damage: a crack with no clear centre point, usually caused by changes in temperature or pressure
- Edge crack: similarly, this kind of fracture starts at the edge of your windscreen, with no clear centre point
How big of a crack can be fixed without replacing your windscreen?
It’s always best to get an expert opinion when it comes to fixing a cracked windscreen. Generally speaking, hairline cracks can be left untreated as long as they’re not impacting your direct line of sight.
If the crack is longer than 60mm, or penetrates deeper into the glass, your local garage is likely to recommend that your entire windscreen be replaced.
Will your car insurance cover a damaged windscreen?
Most car insurance policies cover both windscreen repairs and replacement costs: while your windscreen is a key component of your vehicle, repairing it isn’t as expensive as you might think. In most cases, you’ll have to pay a small excess fee, but your no-claims bonus won’t be affected.
What size crack in your windscreen is illegal?
Your vehicle will fail its MOT if the windscreen has a crack bigger than 40mm, or if it’s bigger than 10mm within your line of vision. Even small cracks can dazzle you or cause glare in brighter conditions, so it’s important to monitor any chips and make sure they don’t grow.
Find out more about getting your car MOT ready or speak to a member of our team about valuing your damaged vehicle.
