All About Car Stone Chips Repairs – Why They Happen And How To Avoid Them

Car stone chips to a windscreen can happen to any vehicle driving at any speed, but it is a very common occurrence for vehicle drivers who do a lot of motorway mileage. Even the tiniest of stones used in the construction process or dropped by a big truck in transit can bounce off the ground and hit the windscreen of a passing car. While the resulting damage may appear small, it’s important that you contact a reputable vehicle glass repair company for any car stone chips repairs that need doing before the condition of your windscreen deteriorates.

It’s worth noting that the same principles apply to the front side windows of your car or van. Chips and cracks here should be taken just as seriously, as they are likely to impact on visibility while you are driving.

The Dangers of Ignoring Small Chips

You should routinely check over your windscreen to ensure there hasn’t been any damage to the glass surface. Even the smallest of chips has the potential to cause a much larger fracture in the screen. This can happen suddenly, without warning, and especially if you’re driving at speed. That can distort your vision, as well as giving you a nasty shock, which can contribute towards an accident.

With chips on your windscreen, you’re also potentially laying yourself open to penalty points if you’re stopped by the authorities. And even if the damage is only moderate, but within the driver’s field of vision, it’s quite possible your car will fail its next MOT.

Small chips in a windscreen can often be repaired inexpensively and quickly, saving you the expense of full car window replacements. So for all these reasons, it’s worth asking a trusted windscreen repair company at an early stage if the damage can be rectified through stone chip repairs.

How to Minimise the Possibility of Stone Chip and Other Windscreen Damage

It’s not possible to completely eliminate the chances of needing car stone chip repairs. But there are some measures you can take to lessen the chances of suffering a chipped or cracked windscreen. Car window tinting, for instance, can offer a degree of protection to your windscreen as the film that’s applied in the process will help prevent damage from small flying stones.

Other measures include reducing your speed while driving if you are passed on the motorway by a larger vehicle. Avoid driving in extremely adverse weather conditions, as heavy rain and wind can blow debris up from the road and onto your windscreen.  And in winter, never pour hot water on your windscreen to defrost ice. The sudden change in temperature could exacerbate any existing small cracks or chips, causing a full scale fracture of the glass.

For stone chip repairs or full windscreen replacement where necessary, contact 1-2-1 Windscreen Services Ltd. We are based in Wrexham, but offer our services across North Wales and the North West of England generally, including Chester, Shrewsbury, the Wirral and Whitchurch.