The MOT test has certain regulations of its own when it comes to cracks and chips. If the damage is bigger than 40mm in size anywhere on the windscreen, the car will fail its MOT and the crack would need to be repaired before you take it for a re-test.
However, you should imagine that your windscreen is cut into two zones - Zone A in front of the driver and Zone B in front of the passenger. Try to get the chip fixed as soon as possible and only drive the car for emergencies until the repair has been completed.
Should the cracked windscreen be the cause of a car accident, you may be charged with driving without due care and attention. A cracked windscreen should be replaced altogether. This is because even a small chip or crack can quickly deteriorate into a large one, which could be dangerous.
A windscreen with a crack or chip, no matter how small, could weaken the overall structure of the vehicle. The only thing you may be able to do is avoid large potholes in the road, as the impact could make the crack worse. Ensure that you have time to drive around it slowly and that there aren't any other vehicles or pedestrians around you.
Though a windscreen crack might appear small, it can quickly spread and drastically obstruct your view from the vehicle. Cracks cannot be repaired unfortunately and a windscreen replacement is the only means to deal with them. If you notice a crack, for the safety of you and other road users, it is essential to get it looked at asap by a professional.
A windscreen chip is less severe than a crack and can in most cases be repaired. At Allglass Autoglass our philosophy is to repair first rather than replace, however the location and severity of the chip can often rule out repair as an option. If you have a chip on your windscreen, this guide will help you determine whether it is repairable. Chips are repaired using our revolutionary resin repair system. In some cases a blemish will be visible in place of the chip, but following a chip repair the structural integrity of the windscreen will be fully restored, making your vehicle safe to drive again.
As a rule of thumb, you should always tend to chips large or small as soon as they appear. Road vibrations and changes in temperature will turn these chips into cracks, making what could have been a repair into a more expensive replacement.
A little issue can quickly snowball, especially at this time of year when your windscreen is exposed to more extreme conditions. Another consideration is the potential effect a damaged windscreen can have on your insurance coverage. If your insurer can establish that you failed to rectify a damaged windscreen in advance of an accident, it may impede your claim. Allglass Autoglass offer a nationwide, fully mobile service, meaning we can carry out the work at a time and place that suits you.
We hope you found this article informative. Windscreens are also often damaged by poorly loaded items falling from other vehicles — which is another good reason to avoid tailgating lorries and any other vehicles! The weather can impact your windscreen in a whole host of different ways.
For example, stormy, windy weather can lead to pressure on any weak points or chips and can cause things like branches and debris to hit your windscreen, which may lead to cracks. On the flip side, leaving your car in direct sunlight on a very hot day can also be damaging. All of these actions cause a sudden change in temperature, making one side of glass expand whilst the other side contracts.
This results in stress and tension — ultimately causing a crack, or even shattering. This can also be very dangerous, as both situations can cause not only a crack, but potentially a serious shatter which could be without warning — which would be especially catastrophic with passengers or if you are driving at a high speed. In fact, if there is damage anywhere on the windscreen which is 40mm in size or bigger, your car will fail its MOT.
Your windscreen also plays a special role in an accident. If your car rolled over due to a collision or accident, over half of the strength provided to stop the roof caving in is provided by your windscreen.
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