You may take it for granted, but a typical car windscreen really is an amazing feat of engineering. It's designed to help you see effectively under all weather conditions or light levels, and fits into the allocated space with high precision so that it can perform perfectly well at high speed. Some windscreens contain an internal electric filament so that they can maintain a uniform temperature, to avoid misting and other issues. Yet while you may take it for granted, you must pay attention to its upkeep, especially if it sustains any damage. Why is this?

Inevitability

Australian roads are bumpy and often potholed, so it's no surprise that tiny stones are a constant threat to the health of your windscreen. When they are flung into the air by a speeding tyre, they can travel a significant distance with a surprising amount of force and, when they come into contact with the windscreen, will invariably cause a chip of some kind.

Level of Damage

Damage caused by stone chips is inevitable, unfortunately, but it doesn't mean that you have to replace your windscreen every time this takes place. All will depend on the severity of the chip and its position in relation to the driver and the edge of the screen.

Types of Chip

Windscreen repair experts have seen it all when it comes to chip damage, and they may even have a different description for each type of event. For example, you may have scored a "bulls-eye" or have sustained a "star break," as these are just a couple of the descriptive names used to define the level of damage.

Repairing the Damage

Usually, a chip will not affect the structural integrity of the windscreen, and a repair specialist will be able to use a special type of resin with other materials in order to fix the issue and send you on your way. You may notice that there is a blemish in place of the original chip, but at least it will not get any worse.

Action Is Required

Unfortunately, if you don't repair a chip, it can start to spread and will become slightly bigger each time you drive over a pothole. Eventually, it will develop into a full crack, and in that case, you will have no choice but to replace the whole windscreen.

Getting Your Answer

Typically, you can always repair a chip, so long as it is not in the driver's line of sight or is not too close to the edge of the windscreen. To be sure, take your vehicle into a repair professional, and they can advise you of your course of action.