Cracked Windscreens: Everything You Need to Know

Noticing a crack in your windscreen is incredibly frustrating, but while it might appear relatively small to begin with, it has the potential to spread considerably, which can be incredibly dangerous. In order to protect the safety of both yourself and other road users, we’ve presented you with everything you need to know about cracked windscreens.

Cracked Windscreens: Everything You Need to Know

What to do when you have a cracked windscreen

There are a couple of things you can do when your windscreen has cracked, these include:

  • Park your car in the shade – the heat of the summer sun can increase the pressure on your windscreen, meaning the crack could get even worse. Wind, rain and extreme cold can also have the same effect. Parking in the shade, or under some form of shelter while you wait for the experts will protect the crack from weathering. It is important to note, however, that even a short car journey can worsen the crack. So avoid driving until your windscreen has been replaced.

You can take advantage of our quick and reliable windscreen replacement mobile service. We’re able to travel to your place of work, your home or another location which suits you. Driving with a cracked windscreen, even for a short distance, is incredibly dangerous, so get a replacement as soon as possible.

  • Seek the help of an expert – it’s recommended that you ask a professional for their help and advice if you have a cracked windscreen. Our friendly and knowledgeable team are always on hand to help, so get in touch if you’re in need of some expert guidance.

We have a team of highly experienced, fully trained engineers who will carefully replace your windscreen quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your vehicle is roadworthy once again.

The dangers of a windscreen crack

Ideally, a windscreen replacement should be of the highest priority as soon as you spot a crack. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the crack will spread, thus making your vehicle a further hazard to other road users. Here’s why you should get a cracked windscreen replaced as soon as possible:

  • It can increase the amount of damage which can be done in an RTC (Road Traffic Collision). The windscreen is an important part of any vehicle, contributing to the structural integrity of your car. If, for example, one was involved in a rollover accident, the roof is more likely to cave in if your windscreen was cracked to begin with. This increases the risk of injury, or even fatalities.

Another thing to note is that if your windscreen is cracked and you’re involved in an accident, you could be deemed the one at fault, and you may be charged with a serious driving offence.

  • Windscreen wipers will be unable to operate to their full potential. A crack in your windscreen can often cause irritating dents and bumps, meaning that your windscreen wipers will be unable to clear your view efficiently. This could easily lead to an accident, especially if your view has been obscured by the wipers’ diminished functionality.
  • It can be distracting. Cracks that develop in the glass can cause sunlight to reflect awkwardly off it and into the eyes of either yourself or other motorists, presenting a further hazard. It could also obstruct your view.

Windscreen cracks and the law

  • Driving with a windscreen crack which is more than 4cm in length is illegal. Even if the crack is less than 4cm, it can be considered a motoring offence, constituting the use of a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition.
  • The Highway Code states that drivers must have full view of the road at all times. If a crack is present in your windscreen, then its condition is far from satisfactory and you could end up being pulled over by the police.
  • If you’re stopped as a result of having a cracked or damaged windscreen, you could receive a hefty fine and up to 3 points on your license.

 

Be a safe and responsible driver and get your cracked windscreen replaced as soon as possible. We have a team of skilled engineers who are expertly trained in both repairing and replacing windscreens. Whether you have a small chip or a large windscreen crack, Motorway Windscreens can help. As well as domestic repairs and replacements, we also specialise in van and commercial windscreen services, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We even have a full mobile service for your ultimate convenience. If you live in Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Doncaster, Barnsley, Rotherham, Sheffield or the surrounding area, and are in need of a windscreen repair or replacement, get in touch today – we’re always happy to help.