A car’s windscreen is a vital aerodynamic, structural and safety feature, and whilst they are typically very resilient, slight damage can intensify and compound much quicker than one might expect.

Driving with a damaged windscreen is not only exceptionally dangerous but potentially illegal, and it is unlikely that without repair such a car would pass an MOT test.

However, whilst a crack or chip is the most obvious sign of windscreen damage, it is far from the only one. Here are some other signs that your car’s glass may need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

Leaky Windscreens

A healthy car is watertight and aerodynamic, so if you start seeing water on the inside of the windscreen during a rainy drive or when using the washer, it may mean that the seal has been damaged.

This is not only potentially ruinous for the windscreen itself but could be a symptom of other fundamental damage such as electrical issues or internal rusting.

Fogging and condensation can also be a sign of moisture ingress.

Loud Wind Rushes

When you drive a car at relatively brisk speeds you will generally be able to tell how loud the outside world is meant to be when the windows are up.

If there is an unexpected increase in volume or particularly strong whistling or whooshing noises, it could be a sign of an improper installation or further seal damage.

Electronic Safety Failures

A lot of a car’s advanced equipment, such as lane detection, parking sensors, cruise control and various forms of self-driving technology rely on cameras or sensors that are attached to a windscreen.

If they are giving faulty readings or have shut off entirely, it may be worth checking the windscreen for damage that might be affecting these sensors, to ensure the continued safe operation of your car.