Chipped windscreen may not appear to be a serious matter, but it can soon become a more costly and serious problem if it is left untouched. A small scratch caused by a stone or piece of road surface debris can develop into a crack that impedes your vision and weakens the strength of the glass. A change in temperature, a pothole, or even simply closing the car door a little too hard can spread that chip.
Driving a cracked windscreen is also a safety hazard. The windscreen forms part of your car’s strength and supports the roof during a rollover. It also assists in the deployment of airbags in a crash. A weak point that results from a chip may mean the glass will break more easily when you need it most. Repairing it early will keep your vehicle safe and can also be done quickly, without having to replace the entire windscreen.
What the Repair Process Entails
Fixing a chipped windscreen is a relatively simple task when noticed in time. The chip will be inspected by a technician to determine if it’s repairable. Most small chips that are not as big as a pound coin and are not in the direct sight of the driver can be easily repaired. The technician will clean out the chip and then fill the damaged area with a special resin. The resin is then cured with the help of ultraviolet light, which turns it into a hard, bondable material.
After the resin has hardened, the surface is then polished to smooth out the area and enhance visibility. The chip will not be gone entirely, but it will be much less visible, and most importantly, the repair will prevent it from propagating. The glass’s strength is restored, and the windscreen chip repair typically takes under thirty minutes. In a lot of instances, you can drive the vehicle immediately with no need to wait.
Saving Money and Time
Among the most significant advantages of chip repair is saving money. Repairing a whole windscreen is costly, particularly on newer cars equipped with sensors and integrated technology. A basic repair, however, is significantly less expensive and is usually insured by your car insurance without affecting your no-claims bonus. There are even some insurance companies that offer it for free.
Many repair services are mobile, which means the work can be done at your home, workplace, or even at the roadside if needed. This is particularly helpful if you’ve noticed a chip while checking your car before a long journey or MOT. Having the option to deal with it quickly and conveniently means you’re less likely to put it off.
Passing an MOT only because the windscreen is not chipped is also a very real risk. If the chip is in the area that is immediately in front of the driver and is interfering with your view, this can result in a failed test. Having it dealt with before it causes any panic at the last minute saves stress and further repair bills later.
Peace of Mind for the Road Ahead
Handling a chipped windscreen may not be the most thrilling aspect of car ownership, but it is one of those little jobs that can make a lot of difference. It keeps your car secure, you save money in the long term, and you’ll avoid more serious problems down the line. With mobile repair and quick turnaround times, there really is no excuse to put it off.
Acting early not only safeguards your windscreen but also gives you peace of mind each time you drive. It’s a quick fix that makes you safer to drive, regardless of the weather or road conditions.