Written by Paul
We offer a nationwide service for all your vehicle’s windscreen needs.
Is your windscreen in need of replacement from being badly cracked or damaged? Then you need to ask for car glass expert and get it replaced as soon as possible!
Here are at UK Car Glass, we are proud to carry out windscreen replacements in all areas of the UK. We supply and fit all types of windscreens and side windows for every car make and model.
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Why does a Windscreen Crack?
There are many different factors that can lead to windscreen damage:
Extreme Cold
Temperature changes can expand and contract your windscreen, so much so that cracks can appear on the glass. Another reason could be that the windscreen is icy and you decide to pour hot water onto the glass to defrost it (which is a big no-no). If there are extreme and sudden changes in the temperature then the windscreens will have a tendency to crack.
Stones can hit the windscreen
Try to avoid driving on newly-laid surfaces as these can hold loose stones, which will easily chip your windscreen from the vehicle driving in front of you.
Whilst this seems common sense, it is also illegal to drive too close to the vehicle in front of you as this increases the risk of your vehicle being hit by flying debris or small stones that will crack or chip your windscreen. Be wise, and compromise on that space!
Hot Sunlight
Although this is quite uncommon in the UK, the intense heat from direct sunlight can result in the shape of the glass of windscreens getting distorted. It is recommended that you park your car in the shade and not directly under the sun to avoid potential sunlight damage to your windscreen on very hot days.
Of course, there are many more reasons why your windscreen can crack. For an extreme example, hurricanes or heavy thunderstorms can damage your windscreen. It could also crack due to prolonged structural weakness or bad quality of the glass. Obviously, in case of an accident, your windscreen is likely to crack or get shattered from the vehicle impact. In fact, it would be an exception to the rule if it didn’t!
Why is it so important to get a windscreen replacement when it is damaged?
Even small stone chips or cracks on your windscreen can be distracting and thus impair your vision. It is essential that you inspect the damage immediately as it is highly likely that it will get worse over time, comprising the windscreen’s strength.
The size and position of the damage will determine whether the entire windscreen pane requires an entire replacement or a simple repair.
A broken windscreen can pop out any time during a collision. The windscreen supports the whole structure of the car, which means the roof of the car could collapse if the windscreen is not properly installed.
Even if the windscreen only has a very small crack, it ability to withstand impact is compromised and it cannot properly protect the driver and passengers. Small chips can be repaired but larger ones are likely to need replacement of the entire windscreen glass.
As a rule of thumb, the damage can possibly be repaired if it meets the following conditions:
- When the windscreen chip is smaller than a £2 coin.
- If the windscreen chip it is at least 3cm away from the pane edge.
- The windscreen chip is not in the driver’s line of sight. However, the chip/crack may be repaired in this instance if the diameter is smaller than 10mm. The diameter of the chip/crack is measured from the longest edge to the other side.
Need a windscreen replacement?
Whether you need to repair or replace your windscreen, you can read much more including tips and advice. Note that there are many websites offering windscreen replacements but be wary about those that sell poor quality or even second-hand windscreens, offer overly-inflated prices and give poor customer service.
Here at UK Car Glass, we pride ourselves in high quality service and products at low prices. We supply and fit all types of windscreens. We carry out all windscreen replacements across all areas within mainland UK.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly expert team today who can respond and ensure your windscreen needs are suitably met and get you safely back on the road!
#1 WINDSCREEN EXPERTS
Paul
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