My Windscreen Is Chipped – What Should I Do?
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If your windscreen is chipped, the most sensible thing to do is get it repaired as quickly as possible. A small chip can quickly become a crack if left for too long, and this could prove costly if you end up needing a full replacement.
In this article, the 1st Call Windscreens team will be taking a look at some common questions surrounding chipped windscreens, ensuring you’re fully informed on the subject.
What causes chips in windscreens?
Your vehicle’s windscreen is constantly exposed to different weather conditions and road hazards, making it susceptible to chips and cracks. Here are some of the most common causes of windscreen chips:
- Road debris: Small stones, gravel and other debris kicked up by other vehicles on the road can hit your windscreen, causing chips.
- Temperature changes: Sudden changes in temperature, especially extreme cold or hot conditions, can stress the glass and lead to chips.
- Impact: Direct impacts from objects like branches, hail or minor accidents can result in chips and cracks.
- Stress from vibration: Continuous vibrations while driving, especially on uneven roads, can contribute to the development of chips over time, too.
How serious is a chip in a windscreen?
The severity of a chip in your windscreen depends on its size, location and how quickly it is addressed. Generally, small chips can be repaired, but if left unchecked, they may develop into larger cracks, obscuring your view and leaving the glass susceptible to further damage.
If the chip is in the driver’s line of sight, it can also impair visibility, which poses a serious safety risk and could even cause you to fail your MOT.
Can I still drive with a chip in my windscreen?
In most cases, driving with a small chip in your windscreen is OK. However, it’s crucial to assess the size and location of the chip, because if the chip is obstructing your vision or if it’s on the larger side, it’s best to avoid driving until the chip is addressed.
It’s worth remembering that temperature changes and vibrations from driving can cause the chip to expand. What starts as a minor inconvenience can quickly turn into a more significant problem if ignored, so play it safe and get it sorted!
Can you claim for a chipped windscreen?
Whether you can claim for a chipped windscreen depends on your insurance policy. Many insurance companies provide coverage for windscreen repair or replacement, often with no impact on your no-claims bonus. However, it’s essential to check your policy details and contact your insurance provider to understand the specific terms and conditions.
How to avoid getting chips in your windscreen
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to minimise the risk of windscreen chips:
Maintain a safe distance
Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to reduce the chances of being hit by debris kicked up by their tyres.
Avoid tailgating construction vehicles
Construction vehicles often carry loose gravel or other materials that can cause damage to your windscreen. Stay back and your windscreen will thank you.
Repair chips promptly
If you notice a chip, address it sooner rather than later. Timely repairs can prevent the chip from turning into a crack and burning a hole in your wallet.
Drive cautiously in bad weather
Be extra cautious in bad weather conditions, such as hailstorms or heavy winds, when the risk of windscreen damage is much higher.
If you’re in the Kent area and have a chip in your windscreen, do yourself a favour and give 1st Call Windscreens a call! We offer a fully mobile service so we can come to you. It’s quick and easy and will save you money in the long run.
1st Call Windscreens
Hello and welcome to 1st Call Windscreens. To put it simply, we offer the best windscreen repair and windscreen replacement services for customers in Sittingbourne, Maidstone and the rest of Kent.
- Reviews.io
I spoke to David today, he couldn’t be more helpful! He was VERY honest, HELPFUL & KNOWLEDGEABLE! What an amazing service, if anyone is looking to use 1st Call, I couldn’t recommend them more! ...
- 1 day ago
we are very happy with the repairs carried out and the speed of the response. Great job, would recommend !st Call Windscreens any time....
- 1 week ago
Excellent service. A niggling leak on the windscreen was fixed quickly and efficiently. The screen was removed without fuss or damage and resealed. It's a job that insurers won't touch,they only de...
- 3 weeks ago
Discovered my Volvo V50 was not sealing at the top. Autoglass wanted to replace it for £700, called 1st Call and they removed and resealed it for £100+vat and said that if it had broken it would only ...
- 1 month ago
Absolutely the best. From the first phone call to collecting my car with new side window that had been vandalised being replaced. next day service so my car was back on the road promptly. Extremely ...
- 1 month ago
Excellent Workmanship Good Value and Top Quality Customer Service: I recently had my Ford Fiesta ST heated windscreen replaced by 1st Call Windscreens, I couldn't be happier with the whole experienc...
- 2 months ago
Brilliant service. Would recommend 1st call windscreens to anyone looking for an efficient service. Friendly and helpful above and beyond ! 0...
- 2 months ago
Asked for a quote online which came through quickly. Just £48 inc vat for windscreen stone chip. Phoned to book a repair. I could either take the car to them or they would come out to me the next day....
- 3 months ago
Tom turned up on time, he was professional but friendly, he kept me informed on what he was doing and progress, and did a great job! Thanks Tom. Would highly recommend...
- 3 months ago
I needed my windscreen replaced due to a large crack; I was booked in straight away and I couldn’t be happier. They came to my house to fit the replacement, only took them about 20 minutes and they ev...
- 4 months ago
Couldn't be happier, had my Evoque windscreen re sealed as was leaking. Highly recommend 1st Call Windscreens. The guys were extremely helpful & friendly both on phone and doing the work. The work was...
- 4 months ago
Fantastic service, booked for a site visit to alleviate any disruption to the engineers day and it all went seamlessly. I would definitely recommend 1st Call Windscreens and will use them in the futu...
- 4 months ago
Customer service were great responded to my call out vey quickly and the guy that came out was very nice and helpful Thank you...
- 5 months ago
Had my chip fixed at my home this afternoon - cannot praise the service enough!!!! Lovely man who took 10-15 minutes - perfect job and no issues - very good price and highly recommend them Jo Seveno...
- 6 months ago
Very helpful and carried out a repair at very short notice on our way to catch a ferry. Very polite and stabilised the chip in our windscreen so that we could continue abroad for our holiday uninterru...
- 7 months ago
Made a call to 1st call windscreens as I was worried about a chip in my screen. The guys were very helpful, turned up on time and carried out a fantastic repair and was cheaperthan my insurance acce...
- 7 months ago
We had an emergency windscreen repair needed when travelling down from Oxfordshire to Kent. The Sittingbourne team went out of their way to help us at very short notice and allowing us to resume our j...
- 7 months ago
Jake was friendly, polite and helpful. He left no mess inside or outside the car and took away the boxes the seals came in even though they were supplied direct by the BMW dealer....
- 8 months ago
Arrived on time at my home address. Was very professional, polite and efficient. No hassle and no mess. Screen was replaced on my mini in no time at all and looks perfect. Thank you will highly recom...
- 8 months ago
So happy with Byron and Jake today very friendly and professional from 1st Call Windscreens Ltd. They come extremely well prepared with attention to detail. A great job was done on replacing my wind...
- 8 months ago
1st Call windscreens are absolutely 1st class. Spoke with David on the phone and he was so helpful and knowledgeable. Took our car up to them to advise on the correct windscreens which embarrassingl...
- 8 months ago
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