Top 4 myths about windscreens replacement

A windscreen is one of those things that everyone who drives a car takes for granted. After all, it’s just another component of your car. Obviously, we think about them all the time, but they’re not really something that keep most people awake at night. However, as with most car parts, it’s only when things go wrong that they suddenly become very important. A windscreen that’s in perfect condition is never remarked on, but as soon as a crack or chip appears, and a windscreen repair is needed, it suddenly becomes a conversation starter. As with many things people are not overly familiar with, there are plenty of urban myths and misconceptions bandied about when it comes to windscreens and windscreen replacement.

1. Windscreens are made using safety glass and safety glass can’t shatter

All modern windscreens are made using laminated glass, also known as safety glass. The common belief is that this can’t shatter. This is very much a myth for the simple reason that flying debris, vandalism or even severe temperature changes can cause a windscreen to chip, crack, or shatter. Laminated glass will however hold together when shattered.

2. All chips are the same (a chip is a chip!)

Most car owners will at some point experience a ‘chip’ on their windscreen. The most common cause of a chip is road debris striking the windscreen when thrown up by other vehicles passing or travelling ahead of your car. However, not all chips are the same. In fact, there are several different types of chips each with their own characteristics. Bullseye, Half Moon, Star Break, Combination, Edge Crack, Stress Crack, Chip, Floater, are just a few of the exotic names given to the vast variety of chips/cracks we encounter.

3. I don’t need to fix a small chip because it doesn’t affect my vision

A small chip may not affect your vision but once it exists, regardless of whether it’s minuscule, it’s likely to expand and increase in size over time, eventually forming a crack. Once a crack forms, a windscreen replacement is required. So, even the smallest chip should be repaired as soon as you spot it.

4. Windscreen replacement is too costly and simply too much hassle

This is perhaps the biggest myth of all. Firstly, if your insurance policy includes glass cover, repairs are usually free – that’s the cost issue addressed. Regarding the question of inconvenience; there is a common misconception that the repairs process involves having to leave your car with a technician for a day or more. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Windscreen replacement typically takes an hour (we advise allowing an additional hour for the windscreen to set).