Small chip in windscreen driver's side advice needed

AliceBanned

I have had a quote via my insurance - £10 excess for a windscreen chip repair and £60 excess for replacement.


The chip is in my line of vision when driving but is only a maximum of 3mm - a small round one. When the company phoned me re the repair they suggested (without seeing it) that if I don't get it replaced (rather than repaired) now it may fail the MOT even if it is repaired by them, as it is on the driver's side in line of vision.


not sure what to do but I don't see how it can be a problem if repaired?

heatherw_01

"Even a small windscreen chip within a driver's line of vision could cause a windscreen to fail an MOT test" from https://www.autoglass.co.uk/glass-repair-and-replacement/windscreen-repair/mot-windscreen-rules-and-regulations/

"Damage larger than 10mm across will normally result in a failure if it’s in the ‘A-zone’, a 290mm wide band centred on the steering column and bounded top and bottom by the windscreen wiper swept area" from https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/safety/windscreen-safety

I would probably get it replaced if it was my car seeing as you say it is in drivers line of sight

comeandgo

For £50 I’d get my screen replaced.

facade

If any damage is contained within a 10mm circle it is a pass, even if right in front of your eyes

If they fix it with any degree of competence then this would apply-

Repaired windscreens must be inspected to the same test criteria as unrepaired windscreens. Repairs must be judged solely on the basis of whether they interfere with vision. An ‘invisible’ or barely detectable repair, finished flush with the surrounding glass, does not count as damage even if it exceeds the limit on damage allowed in the test. If these criteria are met, the positionand size of repairs is not relevant for the purposes of the test

Section 8.3 of the MOT Test Handbook
https://www.mot-testing.service.gov.uk/documents/manuals/m4s08000302.htm


I wouldn't go replacing the screen unless you have to, they sometimes leak, or damage the trim when fitting. (Yes they will rectify if you make a fuss, and wait, but better not to have to)

AliceBanned

Thanks everyone. It's such a small chip so I've decided to try having it repaired. They said they will bring the replacement windscreen in case the repair isn't possible.

Jackmydad

AliceBanned wrote: »

Thanks everyone. It's such a small chip so I've decided to try having it repaired. They said they will bring the replacement windscreen in case the repair isn't possible.

Sounds sensible. I'd rather have a repair than a replacement if possible. last replacement I had started rusting where they had scratched the paint.

AliceBanned

I got the feeling they were trying to push for a replacement as it is better business for them! I'm not having it done unnecessarily.

Joshua_Nkomo

comeandgo wrote: »

For £50 I’d get my screen replaced.

For a 3mm chip that is not an MOT failure? Really!

As my granny used to say a fool and his money.........

elle_may

AliceBanned wrote: »

I have had a quote via my insurance - £10 excess for a windscreen chip repair and £60 excess for replacement.


The chip is in my line of vision when driving but is only a maximum of 3mm - a small round one. When the company phoned me re the repair they suggested (without seeing it) that if I don't get it replaced (rather than repaired) now it may fail the MOT even if it is repaired by them, as it is on the driver's side in line of vision.


not sure what to do but I don't see how it can be a problem if repaired?

Don't forget even if you get a repair you have to declare this on any renewal.

AliceBanned

elle_may wrote: »

Don't forget even if you get a repair you have to declare this on any renewal.

Yes, thanks for the reminder.

BeenThroughItAll

Definitely go for a repair, unless the fitter is going to use a proper manufacturer's seal (if required) and trim, a replacement may be more harm than good.