Stone chips and the windscreen
How to deal with a stone chip in the windscreen before it turns into a crack and poor visibility.
A small stone chip in the windscreen often looks harmless, but heat, cold and vibrations can turn it into a long crack in a short time. That affects both visibility and safety.
What you need to know
- Damage in the driver’s field of view is more serious than damage farther out toward the edge.
- Cold weather and temperature differences can make the damage grow quickly.
- Early repair is often easier and cheaper than replacing the whole windscreen.
Typical situations
| Situation | What you should do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Small chip in the middle of the field of view | Follow it up quickly and assess repair as soon as possible. | Driving on for a long time because the damage is small. |
| Winter day with strong cabin heat | Be extra aware that temperature jumps can extend the crack. | Blowing very hot air directly onto the damage without thinking. |
| New damage before a long trip | Check visibility and plan action before driving far. | Hoping it will survive the whole trip without checking. |
Common mistakes
- Underestimating small damage in the glass.
- Ignoring that the damage lies in a critical field of view.
- Leaving moisture and dirt in the damage over time.
How to practice
Read this together with Headlight adjustment and front-light checks , Technical safety check for the car and Driving with dirty windows and reduced visibility .