windscreens and glasswear

Fig 30. This stone chip has a mirror placed behind it so it can more easily be seen prior to repair.

Advice
There isn't much you can do to avoid windscreen chips and cracks (although keeping your distance from the car in front will help), but if you do get a chip in your windscreen, it is important that you do something about it as soon as possible. If seen quickly, windscreen chips can be repaired with a process which involves injecting a special clear resin into the chip and drying in with ultraviolet light, it is much the same technology as used in dentistry for fillings (but without the need of an anesthetic). If you get a chip in your windscreen, it is a good idea to cover it with clear sticky tape until you can get it repaired, this will prevent dirt, dust and grit getting into the hole. Chip repairs can be almost invisible, but any dirt in the hole will show up if not done quickly.
Some sticky tape will also prevent water from getting into the hole, this is of vital importance in winter as water trapped in the cracks can freeze, then it will expand, acting like a wedge which can split your window and cause huge cracks which cannot be repaired.

Fig 30a. A typical windscreen chip, this can be repaired. photo courtesy of CM photography

As well as the implications to lease returns, stone chips which impair your field of vision will also cause your car to fail it's MOT. These are chips which fall into "zone A" which is illustrated in figure 30b (below).

Fig 30b. Cracks in Zone A will lead to an M.O.T. failure.

Cracks in your window are not acceptable to lease companies and cannot be repaired with resin, meaning that your windscreen will need to be replaced. Some insurance companies offer windscreen cover which may be a good option as windscreen on some models can cost many hundreds of pounds to replace.

Fig 30c. Because repair of cracks is not possible, a replacement window is the only solution. photo courtesy of CM photography

On those cold winter mornings when your windows are misted up, do not wipe them with your hands, especially if you wear rings. These will scratch the glass and so it is far better to keep a cloth in your car for the purpose.

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