You may notice a mark on your windscreen after a journey and not be sure what caused it. Damage often happens when stones, grit, or debris hit the glass at speed. Temperature changes, road vibration, and minor impacts can also stress the screen over time. When this happens, the result is usually a chip or a crack.
Knowing the difference matters. It helps you understand your windscreen chip repair options, when a windscreen crack repair is needed, and how the damage affects your road safety. It also helps you decide whether you can get a simple repair or whether your windscreen needs a full replacement.
Chip vs. Crack
A chip happens when something hits the glass and removes a small piece from the surface. The shape varies. You might see a bullseye, a star, or a small pit. Chips stay local at first. They look minor, but they can spread.
A crack is a line that runs across the glass. It can be short or long. Some cracks start at the edge and move inward. Others start from a chip that has grown. Cracks weaken the windscreen faster than chips.
Why the Difference Matters for Safety
Both chips and cracks reduce the strength of your windscreen. Chips affect a small area but can turn into cracks. Cracks reduce stability across a wider area. Your windscreen supports the car’s structure, especially during a collision. Damage also affects your view. A small issue can become a hazard quickly.
Can You Repair Windscreen Damage?
You can repair many types of windscreen damage, but it depends on the size, location, and how quickly you act. Chips are often fixable when they’re small and not in your direct line of sight. A technician injects resin to restore the strength of the glass and stop the damage from spreading.
Cracks are more limited. Very small cracks may be repairable, but longer ones are not. Cracks near the edge of the windscreen spread faster because that area carries more stress. Once a crack reaches a certain length or affects the structural support of the glass, you will need a full replacement rather than a repair.
Repair vs. Replacement
When you spot damage on your windscreen, you need to work out whether a repair will do the job or if a full replacement is the safer choice. A trained technician from Advanced Autoglazing can assess the glass and give you clear advice, but you can get an early idea by checking a few key points yourself:
- Check the size
Small chips are usually repairable. Larger chips and long cracks often are not. - Check the location
Damage close to the edge weakens the screen faster and often needs a replacement. - Check whether the damage blocks your view
If it sits in your line of sight, repair may not meet safety standards. - Check whether the crack is growing
A crack that spreads, even slowly, will almost always lead to a replacement.
If the damage fails any of these checks, replacement is the safer option. When you’re unsure, contacting a trained technician ensures you get the right solution and keep your vehicle safe on the road.
Stay Road Legal and Safe
Your windscreen plays a major role in keeping you safe on the road. Even small damage can affect your view and weaken the structure of your car. It also matters for your MOT as chips larger than 10mm in the driver’s line of sight and cracks over 40mm can lead to an instant fail.
If you spot a chip or a crack, deal with it before it grows. Early repair is quicker, cheaper, and keeps you on the right side of MOT rules. When replacement is the safer option, getting it done promptly protects you and keeps your vehicle road legal.
If you want clear guidance or need someone to take a look, reach out to us at Advanced Autoglazing. We work with all types of windscreen damage, from small chips to full replacements. Our trained technicians handle every repair with care, using the right tools and methods to keep your windscreen strong and clear. We give you straightforward advice, quick repair times, and support with ADAS calibration when your vehicle needs it.
We also work with most insurers and handle the process for you, which saves you time. Whether you need a simple repair or a full replacement, we make sure your windscreen meets safety and MOT standards.
If you’re unsure what your car needs, we can assess the damage and guide you towards the safest option so you stay road legal and safe.
Contact us today to book your repair or replacement and get your windscreen sorted without delay.
