Windscreen chips or cracks can happen for a variety of reasons. Gravel, sand or flying pebbles might be flicked up by trucks on a highway and hit your windscreen. You might encounter debris on the road, or you may run into a bird or a large bug. Whatever the cause, driving with a chipped or cracked windscreen is risky, as that small bit of damage can soon turn into a bigger problem. Not only is a damaged windscreen unsightly, but it can also be a safety issue.
What could happen if you don’t repair a windscreen?
If you don’t repair a crack or a chip, it could soon spread into a larger one. A small crack can spread if you hit a pothole or drive on an unfinished road. Similarly, a chip can spread into a crack if it’s exposed to extreme heat or cold, or any sort of impact. Larger cracks can reflect glare from the sun, reducing visibility for the driver. If you delay repairing a crack, dirt or moisture might work its way into the space and affect the structural integrity of the glass. Studies show that you’re more likely to have an accident if you drive with a damaged windscreen, because your visibility may be reduced.
Should you repair or replace a windscreen?
There are some circumstances where you should always consider replacing the windscreen, rather than repairing it. If the chip or crack is in the driver’s line of sight, sometimes it’s not advisable to repair it, as it’s impossible to restore the full clarity to the glass. The only way to recover full optical clarity is to replace the windscreen. This will improve your visibility, making it easier to see the road while you’re driving.
If the crack or chip is positioned on the edge of the windscreen, this is also a situation where replacement might be better than repair. This is because cracks at the edge of a windscreen can spread very quickly and compromise the structural integrity of the windscreen.
You should also replace, rather than repair, a windscreen if there are multiple cracks or chips, or if the windscreen is particularly old. If you’re not sure whether your windscreen needs to be replaced, it’s best to ask for an expert opinion.
Why it’s dangerous to delay
The windscreen is a structural part of your vehicle and it contributes towards the overall strength of your car. In the event of an accident, the windscreen helps protect the car’s passengers, especially if the car rolls over. Most windscreens are made from two pieces of transparent glass, glued to a vinyl resin in the middle. The vinyl is what holds the glass in place during a collision, preventing small pieces of glass from flying everywhere. If this middle vinyl resin layer gets cracked or chipped, the windscreen may not be able to adequately protect the driver and passengers. If a crack compromises the structural integrity of your windscreen and you have a collision, the windscreen might pop out.
Chips or cracks can be repaired relatively cheaply. But if the chip is too big to repair, you should get the windscreen replaced by a qualified professional. This is a quick job once you find the right person with the expertise and tools to do it. Get any chips or cracks in your windscreen fixed before they grow and become irreparable.
Autoscreens is a family-run business in Perth that offers high quality windscreen repairs and windscreen replacement services. Autoscreens owner, Jason Squire, has over 25 years automotive experience, and he holds the highest qualification in the industry. To get a free quote on a windscreen replacement job, call Autoscreens on 0400 200 086
Jason Squire started Autoscreens in 2010. With over 35 years of experience gained in both the UK and Australia, the company is well established as a leading provider of windscreen replacement and autoglass repairs in Perth.
His journey to becoming a certified repairer license holder status with DMIRS (and business repair license MRB3703) began many years ago. He was born and brought up in the UK – the country where his long career in the automotive industry began. In common with many of the world’s best tradespeople it all started with an apprenticeship. For Jason, this was in vehicle bodybuilding and a specialisation in vehicle conversions.
He followed that up with several additional professional qualifications, including a Grade A Vehicle Body Building Certificate from the Road Transport Industry, a GQA level 2 in NVQ Automotive Glazing and a Level 2 qualification in Joining Materials by Welding from the UK Engineer Training Authority.
During his studies, Jason was also a part-time volunteer in the Royals signals with the Reserve Territorial Army. Between 1991 and 1995, Jason completed his Phase One Signallers Course with the Royal Armoured Corps and was awarded a Certificate of Trade Proficiency as a Territorial Army Driver Electrician Class 3. Training exercises took him all over Europe. He also represented the Signals in Rugby.
From there, he joined the armed forces on a full-time basis with the Queens Royal Lancers and continued to impress with his leadership skills and willingness to broaden his skillset, during which he lived in Germany. In 1996, he graduated from the Queens Royal Lancer Leadership Academy where he was named best recruit. His time with the Queens Royal Lancers he qualified as Tank Driver, Crew Medic and Gunner.
In 1999, Jason left the armed forces to join RAC Auto Windscreens. His skillset enabled him to fast-track his career to base supervisor and lead technician working with premiere dealerships in Crewe, Cheshire.
He also continued to volunteer in a number of different areas, including as a first responder with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and a scout leader with the Scout Association.
He relocated to Australia in 2008 with his young family and spent his first two years down under as a head technician for a national windscreen company.
However, with all his experience, extensive qualifications and his abiding passion for the automotive industry, it was inevitable that he would start his own company and make his mark as an industry leader.
He started Autoscreens in 2010 and has grown the business into the leading windscreen repair and replacement company in Perth, servicing both domestic and commercial customers. Autoscreens has a certified Motor Vehicle Repairers Licence MRB3703 issued by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.