It is the last thing any driver wants to see; they are driving comfortably down a lane and they notice a sizable chip in the windscreen, large enough for any experienced driver to know that the screen will need to be replaced.

Damage to the windscreen, however minor, should be taken seriously, as either windscreen replacement services will be needed to get a new, clear front window, or a small crack or chip can be seamlessly repaired before it gets to that.

However, as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and so the best way to avoid surprising and expensive automotive repairs is to know what the common causes of windscreen damage so substantial that it requires replacing.

Poor Installation

If you have had your windscreen replaced in the past, it is important to leave it in the hands of the professionals. Despite primarily being a large plate of glass, it needs to be from the same manufacturer, line up perfectly and look as good as new.

Bad sealing, a poor fitting windscreen or a poor installation in general, will allow wind and rain to get in, and poor glass quality can cause stress cracks that can lead to needing another replacement.

Typically these sorts of cracks are distinguished by appearing on the edge of the windscreen.

Temperature Change

Glass can expand and contract when exposed to rapid temperature changes, caused by direct sunlight as well as substantial cold. This can cause the seal keeping the windscreen on your car to crack.

As this can magnify the more exposure your car has to temperature change, make sure to cover your car in winter and try to park out of direct sunlight during the summer months.

Extreme Weather

More directly, the elements can be particularly rough on your car’s windscreen. Hail can cause persistent damage, wind can attack the seal around your windscreen and in particularly strong gales can even send tree limbs and debris into the glass.

For many reasons, make sure you do not drive during dangerous storms and keep an eye on weather reports to ensure you are not caught out. Otherwise, if you feel like it is unsafe to drive, find a sheltered location and park your car until the weather passes.

Road Debris

Stones, pebbles, rocks and gravel can easily be kicked up by other cars, and especially by heavy goods and construction vehicles. Whilst a windscreen is designed to deflect and withstand these small impacts, the problem comes with accumulation.

With enough chips or a really big hunk of debris, the integrity of the windscreen can be completely compromised, so it is important to stay a safe distance away from heavy vehicles.

Accidents And Collisions

In some respects, this is the most obvious cause, as a collision can cause major damage to every part of a car, not just a windscreen. However, minor collisions or more innocuous accidents can cause greater damage than it may initially appear.

If you have a crack or chip that looks deep, make sure to take it to a windscreen specialist for an examination.