5 Ways to Make Your Windscreen Last Longer

1. Repair Chips Immediately

A stone chip can be repaired for a fraction of a full replacement — and your insurer often covers it with no excess. Temperature changes and vibration can cause a chip to crack across the entire windscreen within days. Act within 24–48 hours.

2. Keep a Safe Following Distance

Most chips come from stones kicked up by vehicles ahead. The further back you drive, the less force any debris carries by the time it reaches your windscreen — especially important behind trucks on motorways.

3. Park in the Shade

Extreme heat causes thermal cycling that can stress existing micro-cracks. Parking in shade or a garage protects chips from temperature extremes that might cause them to spread.

4. Use Air Conditioning to Defrost — Not Hot Water

Pouring hot water on a frosted windscreen causes thermal shock that can crack the glass, especially around existing chips. Use your vehicle's demister gradually instead.

5. Don't Use Wipers on a Dry Windscreen

Running wipers on dry glass scratches the surface and wears blades faster. Scratched glass causes severe glare in bright sunlight and can weaken over time. Only use wipers when the glass is wet.