Seven tips for windscreen care

No matter the season, it’s always important to keep your vehicle in tip top condition. Rain, hail or shine, make sure you take some time out to double check your car is road ready. Have a read of our tips for taking care of your windscreen:

1. If your windscreen has any chips, get them repaired immediately. They can quickly become cracks, resulting in the windscreen needing to be replaced when it could otherwise have been repaired. Many chips can easily be filled with a special resin to prevent them from spreading. It is a quick, convenient repair method and often provides a near invisible result. It is also better for our environment, saving a windscreen from ending up in landfill.

2. If the affected windscreen is equipped with an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), the camera mounted to the windscreen of your car often needs to be recalibrated when the windscreen is replaced. This will lengthen the time needed to replace your windscreen. The major glass companies can recalibrate the majority of ADAS cameras, although there are certain makes and models that may need to go to a dealership for the calibration to be carried out. Please contact your insurance company to discuss who would be best to carry out the replacement, which, if you have a glass extension on your policy, may be covered.

3. Take care and go easy - vibrations caused by driving, hitting a pothole or even slamming your car doors will encourage a chip to expand.

4. If there’s more of a crack than a chip in your windscreen, you’ll need it replaced for your own driving safety. Talk to your insurer as this may be covered under your policy.

5. If there’s any rust on the surround of your windscreen or it’s looking worn or cracked, this may weaken its integrity or prevent it from remaining watertight, so get it repaired or replaced.

6. If you notice arc shaped scratches on the glass, then consider cleaning or replacing your windscreen wipers. Chances are they’re either worn out or have something trapped under them like dirt or sand that is being pulled across the glass. Don’t forget the rear wiper as well.

7. For maximum visibility, clean your windscreen and windows, inside and out, with the right fluid like water and vinegar, or special car window cleaner. Avoid ammonia-based household window cleaners, especially if your windows are tinted. We all know there's nothing worse than trying to drive with a foggy windscreen.

Any questions?

Now’s a great time to review your insurance. We recommend checking your details are up to date and ensuring the policy and cover you’ve chosen is right for you and your insurance needs.

If you have any questions about your insurance, need to update your AA Insurance policies or would like a quote, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re open from 8am to 8pm weekdays and from 8am to 6pm weekends and public holidays.

This blog provides general information only and is not intended to be a recommendation or personalised financial advice. Excesses, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply to AA Insurance Limited’s policies. Please check the policy wording for details of cover. The provision of cover is subject to the underwriting criteria that apply at the time.

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