Ever spotted a small chip on your windscreen and thought, “It’s probably fine”?
You’re not alone. Most drivers do, until that tiny mark turns into a long crack that spreads across the glass overnight.
Knowing when your windscreen needs repair or replacement can save you time, money, and stress.
Let’s walk through the signs, and what to do before it gets worse.
Why Windscreen Damage Happens
Windscreens take more hits than we realise. Stone chips from passing cars, temperature changes, potholes, and even rough weather can all cause tiny fractures in the glass.
Modern windscreens are made from laminated safety glass, two layers of glass with a thin plastic layer in between.This design prevents shattering, but it doesn’t make your windscreen indestructible. Even a small chip can grow under the right (or wrong) conditions.
Spot the Signs Early
Before we talk about repairs or replacements, it helps to know what to look for. Most windscreen problems fall into a few main categories: chips, cracks, and cloudiness.
Windscreen Chips
These are small dents in the glass caused by flying stones or debris.
If a chip is smaller than a £2 coin and not directly in your line of vision, it’s often repairable.
You’ll usually notice:
- A small crater or pit on the glass surface
- Slight distortion when looking through that area
- Sometimes a white ring or speckled look around the impact point
Windscreen Cracks
Cracks happen when a chip expands or pressure builds up in the glass.
They can appear overnight, especially after a frosty morning or heatwave.
A few common types:
- Edge cracks: start at the glass edge, high risk of spreading quickly.
- Stress cracks: occur from sudden temperature changes (like defrosting too fast).
- Bullseye cracks: circular, caused by direct stone impact.
- Combination cracks: chips that have split in several directions.
Once a crack is longer than about 3cm, repairs become unreliable. At that point, it’s safer (and usually required) to go for a full replacement.
Also read: 5 Simple Tips to Protect Your Windscreen from Cracks
Cloudiness or Discolouration
If your windscreen looks foggy or milky around the edges, the laminate layer might be separating.
That’s called delamination and can weaken the glass over time.
You can’t repair it, so replacement is the only option.
Repair or Replace? Here’s the Rule of Thumb
It all comes down to three things: size, position, and type of damage.
| Damage Type | Repairable? | Replacement Needed? |
| Small chip (under £2 coin) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Multiple small chips | Sometimes | ✅ Yes |
| Crack over 3cm | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Crack in driver’s line of vision | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Edge crack | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Cloudy or delaminated glass | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Why Small Chips Shouldn’t Wait
A tiny chip might not seem urgent, but glass under tension behaves unpredictably.
Changes in temperature, road bumps, and even car door slams can make a small chip expand fast.
Once the damage spreads, repair isn’t possible and a replacement can cost up to 10 times more.
That’s why most insurance policies now encourage early repairs (often free under comprehensive cover).
So, if you spot a chip today, it’s worth sorting out before it turns into a bigger headache tomorrow.
How Windscreen Repairs Work
Windscreen repairs are quick, painless, and often done right on your driveway.
Here’s the usual process:
- The technician cleans the damaged area.
- A special resin is injected into the chip or crack.
- The resin is cured with UV light to harden.
- The surface is polished smooth, restoring clarity.
It usually takes less than half an hour, and once done, the glass is almost as strong as before. You’ll still see a faint mark, but it’s structurally sound and safe.
Also` read: The Windscreen Repair Process Explained
When Replacement Is the Only Option
If the crack is too large or deep, the windscreen must be replaced.
Modern replacements are far more advanced than a simple glass swap.
Most cars now have sensors, cameras, and heating elements built into the windscreen.
That means a proper calibration must be done afterwards, especially for systems like lane assist and automatic braking.
Replacement takes around 1–2 hours, depending on your car model.
A reputable company will handle everything, from removing the damaged glass to calibrating your sensors before handing it back.
Safety Matters More Than Looks
Even small cracks affect how light passes through your windscreen, and that can distort your view of the road.
A weakened windscreen also won’t hold up as well in a collision.
In fact, during an accident, your windscreen contributes up to 30% of the car’s structural strength. So keeping it in good condition isn’t just about visibility, it’s about safety for you and everyone in your car.
| Common Myths (and Truths)“It’s just a chip — I’ll wait until MOT.” → Not a good idea. Even small chips can fail an MOT if they’re in the driver’s view.“I can fix it myself with a kit.” → DIY kits rarely seal properly. A professional repair guarantees clarity and strength.“It’ll cost a fortune.” → Repairs are usually free with insurance, and replacements are covered under most policies. |
Need Your Windscreen Checked?
If you’ve spotted a chip or crack, don’t wait for it to spread.
Our team at Jay and Rob’s Windscreens can tell you in minutes whether you need a quick repair or a full replacement.
Get in touch today and keep your view (and your drive) crystal clear.
Contact Jay & Rob’s Windscreens
FAQs
1. How long can I drive with a chip in my windscreen?
You can drive short distances, but it’s best to get it fixed immediately. A chip can spread anytime.
2. Can I fail my MOT because of a crack?
Yes, if it’s in your line of vision or wider than 10mm, it can cause an MOT failure.
3. What if I ignore a crack for a few weeks?
It’ll likely spread. Once it does, you’ll need a full replacement instead of a quick repair.
4. Can bad weather make it worse?
Absolutely. Frost, sun, and sudden temperature changes can all expand small cracks.
5. Will a repair affect my insurance premium?
No. Most insurers encourage repairs because it’s cheaper than replacements.