How To Deal With Broken Or Cracked Windscreens? Causes, Risks, And Solutions

A car’s windscreen is crucial in ensuring your safety while driving. It protects you from the elements and provides structural support to the vehicle. However, windscreens are susceptible to damage from various sources such as flying debris, accidents, or extreme weather conditions. A cracked or damaged windscreen can compromise your visibility and safety, making it essential to address the issue promptly.

Spotting a crack in your car’s windscreen can be frustrating. However, as soon as you detect even a small spot, it's vital to fix it early to avoid safety risks. According to the UK Department for Transport, driving a car with a broken windscreen is considered an offence, as it can hamper the driver’s visibility and increase the likelihood of accidents.

In this blog, we will cover everything about broken windscreens, including the reasons why a windscreen gets chipped or cracked, the importance of timely repairs, and the legal implications of driving with a damaged windscreen in the UK. We will also discuss the causes, risks, and solutions to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive and in compliance with UK road laws.

Let’s get started!

Top Reasons for Cracked or Damaged Windscreen

A cracked windscreen is any damage that results in a visible fracture or break in the car's front glass. This can range from minor chips to significant cracks that may compromise the integrity of the windscreen and the safety of the vehicle's occupants. Several factors can contribute to a cracked or damaged car windscreen. Understanding these reasons can help you take preventive measures:

• Road Debris: Small stones and gravel kicked up by other vehicles can hit your windscreen with enough force to chip it, or even cause cracks. This occurs quite frequently on motorways and when building roads.
• Temperature Changes: Sudden temperature changes cause the glass to expand and contract quickly, hence leading to cracks. For example, pouring hot water on an icy windscreen would cause the glass to crack due to thermal shock.
• Poor Installation: If the windscreen is not properly installed on the frame, this would leave it more vulnerable to damage. This may also cause stress cracks that manifest with no direct impact.
• Structural Weakness: An aged windscreen catches weaknesses in the structure, which, coupled with wear, makes it further prone to cracking under any stress.
• Accidents and Collisions: Even minor fender benders may cause windscreen damage. Force from the impact can cause even minor cracks that are not immediately visible to one's eyesight but worsen with time.
• Climactic Conditions: Hail, strong winds that lift stones, and heavy snow can contribute to the breaking of windscreens. Secondly, parking your vehicle next to trees will increase the risk of branches or other materials falling on the windscreen.

How Serious Can a Windscreen Chip or Crack Be?

A windscreen chip or crack can be more serious than it initially appears. Here are the key reasons why addressing windscreen damage promptly is crucial:

• Size of the Damage: A small chip or a crack may appear minor but will spread rapidly if not attended to. If a chip is smaller than a coin, then probably it can be repaired, but larger cracks need windscreen replacement.
• Location of the Damage: Where it is chipped or cracked is important. Chips or cracks in front of the driver impede his vision and increase the risk of an accident. Moreover, cracks who's starting or termination points are at the corners of a windscreen may compromise the structural integrity of the whole glass and render it easy to shatter.
• Type of Damage: There is a variety of windshield damage, including bullseye, star break, and combination breaks. All these types have different bearings on the possibility of repair. For instance, unlike a star break, which is characterized by many random cracks potentially radiating from one central point of impact, a bullseye chip is easier to repair.
• Depth of the Crack: Cracks that cover many layers of a windshield tend to be deeper and more serious, hence harder to repair. The deeper the crack, the higher the chances that the windscreen might have to be replaced.

Even minor damage can become serious if ignored. Chips and cracks may well spread due to thermal variations, road vibrations, and other environmental conditions, thus transmogrifying what could have been an inexpensive repair into an expensive replacement. Regular windscreen checks for damage and acting on them promptly will help keep your vehicle safe and roadworthy.

Also Read: How to Demist Car Windscreen?

How to Stop a Crack in Windshield from Spreading?

Keeping the chips or cracks in your windscreen from spreading is important to prevent further damage and expensive repairs. Here are some of the best methods that will help you stop the damage from getting worse:

• Apply some clear nail polish or super glue: A small amount of either can be applied to the chip or crack as a temporary fix to prevent further spreading. It forms a seal that lets in fewer effects from the environment, such as moisture or temperature changes.
• Use a Windscreen Repair Kit: These are found in almost every auto shop. It is important to fix small chips and cracks. Most of these windscreen repair kits include resin that should fill the chipped or cracked area and a tool that is supposed to apply it. When done according to the instructions, the results should be standard.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Drastic temperature changes can cause the glass to expand and contract, thus further emphasizing the crack. Don't use hot water to defrost your windscreen or direct the air conditioner toward the crack. Alternatively, park in a shaded or sheltered area.
• Schedule a Professional Repair: Though temporary fixes can help you drive in emergency purposes; it is always better to get professional help. If the crack is not fixed quickly, it can lead to larger cracks. Getting professional repairs helps prevent further damage and expensive repairs.

Is It Illegal to Have a Cracked or Chipped Windscreen?

An Absolute "NO." It is illegal to drive a car with chipped windscreens in the UK. Some of the reasons why driving with a cracked windscreen is illegal.

• Driver's Line of Sight: In the case that the chip or crack is in the line of sight of the driver, it is majorly considered a safety hazard. The "A-zone," which is directly in front of the driver, should have no damage. Even a small chip in this zone can cause obstruction to the vision, hence, the possibility of accidents is high.
• MOT Test Requirements: During an MOT test, a windscreen with a crack or chip larger than 10mm (about 0.39 in) within the driver's line of sight-or more than 40mm (about 1.57 in) elsewhere on the screen-will result in failure. This means your vehicle is considered unworthy until the damage is repaired.
• Legal Penalties: In case of a damaged windscreen, driving can attract legal penalties, including fines and license points. Depending on whether the police decide that it is dangerous for you or others around, you could get a fine with points on your license.
• Insurance Implications: Most auto insurance policies tend to cover windscreen repairs or their replacement. But driving a vehicle with a cracked windscreen can impact your insurance claims, especially if the accident happens because of reduced visibility.

So, repair or replace the broken windscreens quickly to not only stay safe while driving but also comply with the UK regulations.

How Far Can You Drive with a Cracked Windscreen?

It does depend on how wide a windscreen crack is stretched across the glass. Here are some considerations to think about:

• Seriousness of the Crack: In most instances, minor chips and small cracks may not immediately compromise the structural integrity of the windscreen, thus allowing short distances to a repair facility. However, larger cracks can worsen quite quickly if stressed by driving.
• Damage Location: Cracks in the line of sight of the driver or near the edges of the windscreen are most critical. These areas have a higher propensity to spread and may noticeably affect visibility and safety. It's best not to drive with damage in these areas.
• Environmental Influences: Fluctuations in temperature, road vibrations, or even minor jolts may be enough to exacerbate a crack. The more a vehicle is driven in bad weather, on rough roads, or at high speed, the greater the risk of propagation around a crack.
• Repair Immediately: Provided the crack is minor and hasn't occurred in a critical area, you will be able to travel a little for a repair shop. However, delaying repairs can increase the risk of further damage and higher repair costs.
• Legal Implications: As above, driving with a significant crack in your windscreen can lead to legal penalties and failure of the MOT. The importance of repairing the irregularity or even replacing the screen cannot be stressed enough regarding avoiding fines and holding on to the roadworthiness of the vehicle. While it might be possible to drive this distance with a minor crack, for your peace of mind and for windscreen integrity, damage should always be assessed and repaired quickly.

Will Car Pass Mot with Cracked Windscreen?

The UK's Ministry of Transport (MOT) test has been designed to secure road safety and environmental standards. In this regard, a truly cracked windscreen can lead to failure in certain conditions. Here are the major points:

• Driver's Line of Sight: In case of a crack or chip is commonly known as Zone A it must be smaller than 10mm for an MOT pass. Any damage larger than that within Zone A will fail the test since it seriously affects the vision and safety of the driver.
• Other parts of the windscreen: Any crack or chip larger than 40 mm will result in an MOT failure windscreen crack. This includes areas that could fall outside immediate view directly in front of the driver but generally compromise the integrity of the windscreen.
• Structural Integrity: Cracks that are at the edges of the windscreen pose a greater risk. They could weaken the structural integrity of the glass and make it more probable to shatter if an accident does occur. A defect of this nature would constitute a failure in an MOT test.
• Inspection Points: During the MOT test, the tester will inspect the windscreens for any damage within these criteria. Any chips or cracks should be repaired before a test to avoid failure.
• Prevention: Keep checking your screen frequently and get any damage attended to quickly to avoid problems with the MOT. In most cases, chip and crack repairs from professional repairers can leave the windscreen in a condition that is acceptable for the MOT test.

Having no major damage on your windscreen is paramount to passing the test and for road safety. If you have any qualms over your windscreen, it's best that you have it inspected and repaired by a professional before your MOT appointment.

Is it Possible to Claim for a Windscreen Replacement on My Car Insurance?

Key things to understand regarding claims for windscreen damage on your car insurance include:

• Comprehensive Cover: Many comprehensive car insurance policies come with windscreen damage. This usually provides repair in the case of small chips and cracks, but sometimes, in cases of extensive damage, this might require full replacement.
• Excesses: Should you need to make a windscreen repair or replacement claim, an excess may be payable. The exact amount is policy dependent. Very often, though, the excess involved in windscreen claims is less than in other types of claims.
• Preferred Repairers: Many insurance companies have partnerships with providers of windscreen repairs and replacements. Their approved providers can make processing that claim easier, or the work could be covered without extra out-of-pocket costs.
• Claim Process: You can opt to claim once you realize the damage by contacting the insurance provider. They will guide one through the process, which involves giving details of the nature of the damage, booking an inspection officer, and then booking the repair or replacement service.
• Documentation: Keep all relevant documentation, including photographs of damage and receipts for temporary repairs. In most cases, this is very useful for the processing of your claim.
• Windscreen coverage limits: Be aware of any policy limits on this. Some policies put a cap on the amount they are required to pay for repairs or replacements, so it is crucial to know how this will go down before you make a claim.

Can the Cracked Windscreen Be Repaired?

Repairing the windscreen depends on the extent, nature, and position of the damage. Small cracks in windshields, usually less than 6 inches long, can generally be repaired. There are various kinds of cracks and chips, each with its own level of repair limitations.

For instance, when a small object causes a circular chip, also known as a bullseye, on a windshield, it is usually repairable if it is small in size. Star breaks can also often be repaired. However, in some cases, reWhen a small object causes a circular chip, also known as a bullseye, on a windshield, it is usually repairable if it is small in size. Star breaks can also often be repaired. However, in some cases, replacement may be necessary if a combination break, which is a mix of various crack types, is too extensive to be effectively repaired.placement may be necessary if a combination break, which is a mix of various crack types, is too extensive to be effectively repaired.

Cracks or chips in the driver's line of sight (Zone A) are considered critical and thus should be replaced to provide an unobstructed view of vision. Cracks close to the edges of the windscreen or smashed windscreen are likely to have a damaging impact on the structural integrity, and in this case, they are more likely to be replaced. It is important that a professional eye inspects the damage before taking further action. Clear nail polish and cover-up DIY repair kits might stop the break from spreading further, but they weren't made to specifically fix a broken windscreen effectively.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Windscreen Crack?

A windscreen chip repair cost is never specific because it depends on certain factors, such as size, location, type of vehicle, and whether you're going to do this through insurance or not. Smaller chips, as a rule, are inexpensive to repair windscreens, normally ranging from £50 to £100, while it might also cost from £150 to £400 or more for a full replacement. The cost also varies with the vehicle type because high-end or luxury ones are associated with a high cost of repair, relating to specialized materials, regluing, or embedded sensors.

FAQ’s – Crack Windscreens or Broken Windscreens

1. How soon should a chipped windscreen be repaired?

It's always worth repairing a chipped windscreen when you can. If you put off the repair, the chip may spread into a larger crack and culminate in a whole new windscreen.

2. Can one self-repair the chip on a windscreen?

DIY kits are available and work well for small chips. However, using a professional will yield the best results and ensure safety.

3. What if I just ignore a windscreen crack?

A cracked windscreen might lead to another crack, obscure the vision, or weaken the structural integrity of your vehicle. This could amount to failure in an MOT, which has legal implications apart from higher repair costs long term.

4. How does car windscreen crack repair work concern my car's resale value?

Repairs to a windscreen, if done correctly, should not affect your car's resale value. However, if it has developed a crack that hasn't been repaired, then there will be a depreciation in value because this poses a safety risk and could signal further systemic neglect in the maintenance of the vehicle.

5. How can windscreen cracks be prevented?

Skipping sudden changes in temperature, careful driving on gravel roads, and keeping a safe distance from vehicles in front can save the windscreen. Small chips can be noted and repaired before they spread if they are regularly checked.

6. How long does a professional windscreen repair take?

A pro windscreen repair will take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending, of course, upon the extent of the damage. The vehicle is OK to drive straight away after the repair is completed.

7. Can I drive with a cracked windscreen? is it safe to drive with a cracked windscreen?

No, you cannot drive if the windscreen has cracks or damage. If the crack is small, then you can drive the car, but it is better to get it fixed quickly to prevent further damage and your safety.

Conclusion

Maintaining a car's windscreen in good condition is vital for safety and compliance with UK laws, including passing the MOT test. Chips and cracks, while seemingly minor, can quickly escalate into serious hazards, compromising visibility and structural integrity. Prompt attention to even small damages can prevent costly repairs and ensure your vehicle remains roadworthy. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and understanding the legal implications of driving with a damaged windscreen are essential steps every car owner should take. Utilizing professional repair services and making informed decisions about insurance claims can further safeguard your investment. By addressing windscreen damage proactively, you enhance safety, avoid legal penalties, and maintain the value of your vehicle. Always prioritize quick action on any windscreen issues to ensure a safe, compliant, and smooth driving experience.