As the previously clear, bright and sunny days start to disappear in favour of rain, snow and ice, the importance of having a clear, intact windscreen becomes more important than ever.

It is a legal requirement to have a windscreen clear of obstructions, and drivers dealing with cracks in their windscreen can risk fines and prosecution if their windscreen is in a state that could cause them to be unable to drive with due care and attention.

This makes a windscreen replacement essential, and specialists can ensure that your car is easily and quickly fixed wherever you are, using the highest quality parts and a competitive price matching service.

A question we are often asked is how long you have to wait before you can drive your car away after the windscreen is replaced. The reality is that it often depends on your car, the damage that has been fixed and the types of adhesives and components used.

Generally, an engineer will tell you the windscreen’s Safe Drive-Away Time (SDAT), which is how long the car needs to stay in place, typically with the windows and doors closed if possible.

How long this can take can vary from 30 minutes to up to 24 hours, although it tends to be an hour or two on average.

This allows the adhesive to cure completely, the windscreen to set and settle in place and for it to become a structural component that keeps the driver and any passengers safe.

Ignoring the minimum SDAT is not recommended, as the movement and speed can cause the adhesive to fail if the car is driven too early.

This means that in the event of an accident, the windscreen may fall out, which not only creates additional dangers in the event of a collision, but also means that airbags are less supported and the car loses some of its structural rigidity in a rollover situation.