Clear Vision, Safe Journey: The Vital Importance of Maintaining Your Windscreen

Maintaining your windscreen and regularly checking it is crucial for road safety. A clear, undamaged windscreen ensures optimal visibility, helping you to spot hazards and react promptly. Regular inspections can catch small chips or cracks early, preventing them from worsening and compromising the structural integrity of your vehicle. Remember, a well-maintained windscreen is key to a safe and smooth driving experience.

IAM RoadSmart has some top tips for maintaining your windscreen:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean your windscreen regularly, both inside and out, using a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the glass.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as concentrated windshield washer fluid or abrasive cleaning agents, as they can damage the glass.
• Check for Chips and Cracks: A damaged or cracked windscreen could result in an MOT fail. If there is windscreen damage of 40mm or more in size, anywhere on the windscreen, your vehicle will fail its MOT, and it will have to be fixed before being re-tested. Even 10mm-sized damage on a cracked windscreen results in MOT failure if it falls within what is known as windscreen Zone A. This zone is the section of the windscreen that is 290mm wide and centred on the steering wheel - in other words, directly in the driver's line of vision. If your vehicle is not of MOT age as it is less than 3 tears old, or MOT except as it was built or first registered more than 40 years ago, it must still be in a legally roadworthy condition.
• Repair Promptly: If you find a chip or crack, have it repaired as soon as possible. Professional repair can prevent the damage from spreading and may be covered by your insurance.
• Protect Against Sun Damage: Consider using a windshield sunshade to protect your windscreen from harmful UV rays, which can cause discoloration and weaken the glass.
• Check Your Insurance: Many insurance policies include cover for windscreen damage, often with a low or no excess. Review your policy to see if you're covered and understand the terms and conditions. Cornmarket’s Car Insurance cover includes glass damage for your windscreen when you select their comprehensive cover option*

IAM RoadSmart’s Area Service Delivery Manager Pete Doherty says, “Your windscreen is your first line of defence, keep it clean, both inside and out, keep it legal, and it will help to keep you safe”.

*Cornmarket’s panel of comprehensive insurance policies will cover repair or replacement of damaged windscreens, an excess will apply, approved windscreen providers only. If you have a damaged windscreen contact your insurer glass claims line or Cornmarket directly. Acceptance criteria, terms and conditions apply.