Advice on Chipped windscreen

el_gringo_3

I recieved a pretty bad chip last night whilst driving along the M18.

On inspection it is, in total diameter, around the size of a five pence piece, but comprises of two smaller chips nearly a matched in size, near the centre of the windscreen.

I spoke to my insurers choice of repairer, who can't repair till tuesday. I then spoke to their 'second choice' who fitted me in monday, not much better but an improvement.

Basically as I'm aware this chip is probably borderline replacement rather than repair I want to do my utmost to insure it doesn't get any bigger.

Any advice? I'm aware not to use the heated windscreen function or have the heater blowing at the windscreen, but would some sticky tape help? Or gaffa tape? I'm not planning on using the car until its repaired/replaced, so I'm happy to cover the whole windscreen if it helps!

hartcjhart

If you are not having frost at the moment just leave it as is, if frosty,cover the whole screen with an old blanket

vikingaero

Just cover it with some tape to keep the dirt out. When they repair the chip they'll clean and dry it anyway.

Jit_2

if you have fully comp insurance it shouldn't cost you a penny and usually not effect your ncb.

you can find windscreen chip stands at most large superstore carparks and they will fix it while you wait.

have a look at the Autoglass website

rev_henry

On the autoglass advert they show a chip suddenly getting bigger when the car is driven quite quickly over a speed hump (or pothole?), so try to avoid such things and drive carefully?

Rolandtheroadie

rev_henry wrote: »

On the autoglass advert they show a chip suddenly getting bigger when the car is driven quite quickly over a speed hump (or pothole?), so try to avoid such things and drive carefully?

lo, and dont put your heater on or speak with a dodgy accent.

Glassman

Depending on who you are insured with, you do not have to go with a company that your insurer is steering you towards. There are some very good independent companies up and down the country who are more than capable of carrying out this kind of work. Furthermore, the smaller companies are usually family / owner managed, so the service tends to be very good.

Sticking a small, clear piece of sticky tape is a good idea; it will keep moisture out of the damaged area (but it will not reduce the risk of the chip developing into a crack). A windscreen is a sandwich construction of two sheets of glass which are bonded together by a vinyl interlayer. If water comes into contact with that interlayer, it will cause a reaction and very soon after, you will see a cloudy 'milky' appearance rendering the damage irrepairable.

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has introduced a voluntary scheme for businesses and technicians involved in the aftermarket vehicle repair industry. The Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) is designed to help you make an informed decision when searching for someone (other than a company chosen for you by your insurance company, for example) to work on your vehicle. It applies to all motor trades and you can even find a business (or technician) closest to you via their own search facility here.

Please note, a stonechip repair will always be visible somewhat. They will never become completely invisible, no matter how good the repair (or repairer) is. A good repairer will explain the risks of attempting the repair and if you are not entirely happy with the finished repair, do not sign to say you are; there are plenty of 'blaggers' who will try and get away with half a repair.

Hope this helps.

cyclonebri1

Jit wrote: »

if you have fully comp insurance it shouldn't cost you a penny and usually not effect your ncb.

you can find windscreen chip stands at most large superstore carparks and they will fix it while you wait.

have a look at the Autoglass website

Unfortunately more insurance companies are starting to charge for chip repairs. Usually a tenner (missus works for one of the bigger screen companies and deals with all the insurance outfits)

Glassman

Insurance companies are not charging... the repairers are. Some ins-co's have introduced an excess which is the policyholder's contrbution towards the claim. The ins co in fact, pay for the repair.

cyclonebri1

Glassman wrote: »

Insurance companies are not charging... the repairers are. Some ins-co's have introduced an excess which is the policyholder's contrbution towards the claim. The ins co in fact, pay for the repair.

Well a technical issue to say the least, BUT, who pays and who do they pay????.

The end result is that the insured pays to get the job done, to whom? it matters little. The end result is a charge for the service not a freebie as it once was.

roddydogs

A 5p piece is about 18mm, maximum allowed for MOT is 10mm, so if its within "Drivers Vision" a repair is no good.