Windscreen Chip Repairs in Tyne and Wear

A sharp crack, a stone off a lorry, and suddenly there is a star-shaped mark in your windscreen. Small chips are annoying, but they are also the easiest windscreen damage to put right.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we repair windscreen chips as part of our vehicle glass service. Quick action keeps your options open, because a chip left alone can turn into a crack that means replacing the whole screen.

Why not to wait

Windscreens flex with temperature changes, vibration and bumps. Any damage that has broken the glass surface is a weak point. Dirt and moisture get in, making a repair harder, and a cold snap or a pothole can run a chip into a crack overnight.

Until you can get in, a piece of clear tape over the chip can keep dirt out. Do not use the heater at full blast on a cold screen.

• Stone strike with a visible mark
• Star, bullseye or small crescent shaped damage
• A chip that is catching the light
• A short line starting to creep from the chip
• Damage you are unsure about

How the repair works

The chip is cleaned and checked. A special resin is introduced into the damaged area and then cured, which fills the break, restores strength and stops it spreading. The surface is then finished level.

The result is usually a much less noticeable mark, but it will not make the damage disappear completely. The aim is to stop it growing and to keep the glass sound.

What can and cannot be repaired

Whether a chip can be repaired depends on its type, size, depth and position. Damage directly in the driver's line of sight may be better replaced, as a repair can leave a slight distortion. Chips at the screen edge, or with long cracks, usually mean replacement.

Old chips that have collected dirt are harder to repair. We tell you honestly which route suits. If it cannot be repaired, we can talk through windscreen replacement.

MOT, insurance and what to ask

Damage in the driver's view can be an MOT failure. The detail depends on the size and location, so check the current rules or ask us about your screen.

If you are thinking of an insurance claim, check your own policy. When you call, ask what the damage type allows, how long the repair takes and what to do if it cannot be repaired.