Oct 21, 2020
The windscreen of our cars is a shield between you and the element and plays a vital role in the structural design, integrity and overall safety of your entire vehicle. The windscreen is paramount in preventing the roof of your car from collapsing in an accident and even a minor compromise to your windscreen’s health can pose serious risks.
How do windscreens get chipped or cracked?
Even though they are very sturdy, windscreens are made of glass and can be damaged. Here are some of the common reasons why your windscreen may get cracked:
Stones and other road debris
Rocks, stones and gravel can be thrown up by other cars or from falling off the back of a lorry are amongst the common causes for a chipped or cracked windscreen. These small, hard pieces of debris are travelling at a speed that can easily impact the windscreen. While you can’t necessarily avoid being hit by a random stone, you can reduce the risk of impact by keeping a safe distance from you and the vehicle in front.
Weather conditions
The UK has ever changing weather conditions and can also be a common cause of windscreen damage. Trees and branches blown around by high winds can cause the same type of damage. If you have a garage, it’s a good idea to store it off the roads!
Poor glass quality
Cracks can affect a windscreen if they stem from the structural weakness in the glass itself. These fractures are likely to appear around the edges which is the area most prone to cracking and has been caused by incorrect installation. Windscreens need to be fitted by professionals to ensure that in the event of a collision it will provide the structural protection it is designed to.
Collisions
The final common cause of windscreen damage is accidents and collisions and these can range from traffic accidents to drivers accidentally hitting something on the road. The best way to prevent this is to be vigilant on the road and stay aware of your surroundings at all times!
If your windscreen has been chipped, find a professional to repair it with MyCarNeedsA.com, the easiest and quickest way to get quotes from local mechanics in your area. Get your quote!
