What Happens If You Don't Repair a Stone Chip on Your Laminated Windscreen?

2/24/20242 min read

Have you ever experienced a stone chip on your car's windscreen? It's a common occurrence and can happen unexpectedly while driving on the road. Many people wonder what will happen if they don't repair a stone chip, especially when it's on a laminated windscreen. Will it shatter or just crack? Let's find out.

First, let's understand what a laminated windscreen is. A laminated windscreen consists of two layers of glass with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) in between. This sandwiched construction makes the windscreen more durable and less prone to shattering upon impact.

When a stone chip occurs on a laminated windscreen, it creates a small hole or crack in the glass. If left unrepaired, several things can happen:

  1. Crack Expansion: The stone chip can gradually expand into a crack due to temperature changes, vibrations from driving, or further impacts. The crack may start small, but over time, it can spread across the windscreen, impairing visibility and compromising the structural integrity of the glass.

  2. Reduced Visibility: Even if the stone chip doesn't immediately crack, it can still obstruct your view while driving. The damaged area may create glares or distortions, making it harder to see the road clearly, especially in bright sunlight or at night.

  3. Compromised Safety: A stone chip weakens the overall strength of the windscreen. In the event of a collision or sudden impact, the damaged area is more likely to shatter, increasing the risk of injury to the driver and passengers.

  4. Failed WOF Test: In many countries, including NZ, a damaged windscreen can result in a failed WOF (Warrant of Fitness) test. It is illegal to drive with a cracked windscreen that obstructs the driver's view or compromises the structural integrity of the vehicle.

  5. Higher Repair Costs: Ignoring a stone chip can lead to more extensive damage, requiring a full windscreen replacement instead of a simple repair. The cost of replacing a windscreen is significantly higher than repairing a small chip.

Considering these potential consequences, it's advisable to repair a stone chip on your laminated windscreen as soon as possible. Fortunately, repairing a stone chip is relatively quick and affordable, especially if done early when the damage is minimal.

To prevent stone chips in the first place, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, especially on gravel roads or construction sites. Additionally, using mud flaps and avoiding tailgating can help minimize the chances of stones or debris hitting your windscreen.

In conclusion, neglecting to repair a stone chip on your laminated windscreen can lead to crack expansion, reduced visibility, compromised safety, failed MOT tests, and higher repair costs. It's best to address the issue promptly to ensure your safety on the road and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Home
Location

Auckland-Wide Mobile Service

Hours

I-V 8:00-18:00
VI 8:00 - 14:00

VII Closed

Contacts

0800 762 743

sales@directautoglass.co.nz

Home