Your car’s windscreen is more than just a piece of glass. It’s a crucial safety component that protects you from the elements and provides a clear view of the road ahead. Unfortunately, windscreen chips and cracks are a common occurrence for many drivers. However, timely windscreen chip repair can help maintain your safety and save you money in the long run.
In this blog, we will explore the importance of windscreen chip repair, the benefits it offers, and the steps to take when you encounter a chipped or cracked windscreen.
Why Windscreen Chip Repair Matters
- Safety First: A damaged windscreen compromises your safety on the road. Even a small chip can obstruct your vision and increase the risk of accidents. Repairing chips promptly ensures you have a clear view of the road.
- Cost-Effective: Ignoring a small chip can lead to a larger crack, requiring a costly windscreen replacement. Repairing chips early can save you money in the long term.
- Legal Compliance: In many places, driving with a damaged windscreen is illegal and can result in fines or penalties. Repairing chips ensures your compliance with the law.
- Environmentally Friendly: Windscreen replacement involves disposing of the old glass, which can be harmful to the environment. Repairing a chip reduces waste and is a more eco-friendly option.
Benefits of Windscreen Chip Repair
- Enhanced Visibility: Repairing a chip restores the clarity of your windscreen, ensuring a safer driving experience.
- Quick and Convenient: Windscreen chip repair is a relatively quick process and can often be completed within an hour, allowing you to get back on the road promptly.
- Cost Savings: Repairing a chip is significantly cheaper than replacing the entire windscreen, making it a cost-effective option for minor damage.
- Prevents Further Damage: Addressing a chip early prevents it from spreading into a larger crack, which would necessitate a full windscreen replacement.
Steps to Windscreen Chip Repair
- Assess the Damage: Examine the chip’s size, location, and depth. Chips smaller than a quarter and cracks shorter than six inches are generally repairable.
- Choose a Professional: Seek out a reputable windscreen repair specialist. They have the tools and expertise to assess and repair the damage effectively.
- Repair Process: The repair typically involves cleaning the damaged area, injecting resin into the chip or crack, and curing it with UV light. This process restores the structural integrity and clarity of the windscreen.
- Time and Cost: Windscreen chip repair usually takes about 30-60 minutes and costs significantly less than a full replacement. Many insurance policies cover chip repairs without impacting your premium.
- Post-Repair Care: After the repair, avoid washing your car for at least 24 hours and refrain from placing stress on the repaired area, such as parking in direct sunlight or slamming car doors.