| You can prevent windscreen cracks by keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, avoiding sudden temperature changes, parking in sheltered spots, cleaning your glass regularly, and repairing small chips quickly. These simple habits reduce stress on the glass and stop small damage from turning into costly cracks or replacements. |
A windscreen seems solid enough, but it doesn’t take much to damage it. One small stone, a cold night, or even an old wiper blade can turn a tiny chip into a long, ugly crack. Once that happens, repair isn’t always possible and you could be looking at a full windscreen replacement.
However, most windscreen damage can be avoided with a few simple habits. Here’s how to protect your glass and keep your view of the road clear and safe.
How to Prevent Windscreen Cracks and Chips – the 5 Simple Tips to Protect Your Windscreen from Cracks
1. Keep your distance when driving
Most chips happen on the road when stones or grit get flicked up by another car’s tyres. It’s especially common behind lorries or vans, which tend to throw up more debris. The best thing you can do is leave a good gap between you and the vehicle in front.
It’s an easy habit to forget, but distance makes a big difference. Three seconds of space is a safe rule of thumb, and even more if the road is being resurfaced or looks loose and dusty. Hanging back gives any flying stones time to drop before reaching your windscreen.
On rural or unsealed roads, slow down slightly. It might add a minute to your trip, but it will save you from the frustration of discovering a chip later.
2. Be gentle with your glass in hot or cold weather
Windscreens expand when they get warm and contract when they cool down. If that happens too fast, the surface can crack. It’s called thermal shock, and it’s one of the most common reasons tiny chips suddenly grow.
On freezing mornings, warm your car slowly. Use lukewarm air on a low setting and let the glass adjust gradually. Never pour boiling water on the windscreen, even if you’re in a rush. The sudden temperature difference can cause an instant crack.
In summer, direct sunlight can also stress the glass. Try to park in the shade or use a windscreen cover if you can. Even a simple sunshade can help keep the temperature consistent and protect the seals around the glass.
3. Choose your parking spots carefully
Not all cracks happen while driving. Sometimes they start when the car’s parked. A falling branch, a football, or even a burst of heat from the sun can damage your windscreen while you’re not there.
Whenever possible, park in a garage or under cover. If that’s not an option, try to find shaded, open spaces away from trees, building work, or playgrounds. Avoid parking under branches where sap, twigs, or bird droppings might fall as they can weaken the surface and make it more likely to crack later.
If you live near a busy road, turn your car away from the traffic when you park. That way, the windscreen is less exposed to grit or stones thrown up by passing vehicles.
4. Keep your windscreen clean and your wipers in good shape
Dirt and tiny particles on the glass can act like sandpaper when you use your wipers. Over time, that creates fine scratches that weaken the surface. The more scratches, the easier it becomes for a crack to start when stress builds up.
Clean your windscreen regularly with proper glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or washing-up liquid, which can leave streaks and residues. Keep your washer fluid topped up so you’re never wiping a dry screen.
Check your wipers every few months. If they squeak, leave streaks, or feel rough to the touch, it’s time to replace them. Fresh wipers are a small investment that can extend the life of your windscreen by years.
5. Repair small chips straight away
A tiny chip might not look serious, but it weakens the glass and can turn into a crack at any time. Temperature changes, pressure, or even closing the car door too hard can make it spread.
If you notice a chip, cover it with clear tape to keep moisture out and get it checked as soon as possible. Many small chips can be repaired in under an hour. It’s quick, affordable, and usually far cheaper than replacing the whole windscreen.
At Jay & Robs, we always check whether a windscreen can be repaired before recommending replacement. Most of the time, if you act early, a repair is all that’s needed.
Read: The Windscreen Repair Process Explained
Is it safe to drive with a small chip in the windscreen?
It might seem harmless, but even a small chip weakens your windscreen. The chip creates a weak point in the glass where stress builds up, especially when you hit bumps or potholes. Over time, vibration, temperature changes, or even washing your car can make it crack further.
It’s best not to ignore it. A professional can usually repair small chips quickly and restore the glass’s strength. If you keep driving with it, there’s a real risk it will spread and once it reaches the edge of the screen, repair isn’t an option anymore.
So yes, you can drive for a short while, but get it checked as soon as possible to stay safe and avoid higher costs later.
What causes a windscreen to crack on its own?
Windscreens don’t just crack from direct hits. Sometimes, they develop what’s known as stress cracks. These can appear suddenly, without anything hitting the glass.
The most common reason is rapid temperature change. For example, if your car sits in the sun all day, the glass expands. Then you start the air conditioning and cool the inside quickly. That uneven change can cause tension between the inner and outer layers, and the glass splits.
Other causes include poor installation, frame pressure, or even manufacturing flaws. But in most cases, it comes down to stress from heat and cold. Keeping temperatures stable helps prevent this kind of hidden damage.
Also read: Is it illegal to drive with a cracked windscreen?
How can I stop a crack from spreading before repair?
If you can’t get to a repair centre right away, there are a few things you can do to keep the crack from getting worse.
Start by cleaning the area gently and covering it with clear tape to keep out dirt and water. Avoid washing the car or using the demister on high heat, since temperature changes make the glass flex. Drive carefully and try not to hit bumps or slam your doors as the vibrations can extend the crack.
These steps only buy you time. They don’t fix the problem, but they do help you get to a specialist before the damage spreads beyond repair.
You might be interested in: Will a Windscreen Claim Affect Your No-Claims Bonus? Everything You Need to Know
Can a cracked windscreen fail an MOT?
Yes, it can. The MOT test checks whether the windscreen gives you a clear, unobstructed view of the road. Any crack or chip larger than 10mm in the driver’s line of sight, or 40mm anywhere else, can cause a failure.
Even if it doesn’t fail, driving with a damaged windscreen is risky. It can weaken the structure of your car and interfere with airbag deployment in a crash. It’s better to deal with it early and keep your car safe and roadworthy.
How much does it cost to repair a windscreen chip?
The cost depends on the size, depth, and position of the chip, but repairs are usually much cheaper than replacement. In many cases, it’s less than your insurance excess.
A small repair takes about 30–60 minutes and restores the glass’s strength so the damage won’t spread. If the chip is too large or close to the edge, replacement may be the only safe option. At Jay & Robs, we’ll always give you an honest opinion before any work is done.
What to do if you spot a chip or crack
A small chip might not seem urgent, but it can turn into a full crack faster than you expect. Once it spreads, repair isn’t an option and replacement costs much more.
At Jay & Rob’s Windscreens, we make it easy to stay ahead of it. Get in touch today for a free, no obligation quote!