Car windscreen replacement and repair

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Driving in the Rain

How are car windscreens replaced?

Chips or cracks in your car’s windscreen can happen easily, often because of small bits of debris that hit when driving at speed. Minor damage may only need a windscreen repair. However, damage can quickly spread, and if you notice a chip or crack wider than 10mm, your car windscreen must be replaced.

Luckily, a car windscreen replacement is a simple service that includes just a few steps and will probably take around 2 hours to complete, including drying time.

  • A protective material is placed around your windscreen to protect the body of your car.

  • The mechanic will cut the seals and remove the old windscreen from your car.

  • A primer agent will be applied to the framework and left to dry.

  • Bonding glue is then applied, and the new windscreen is fitted into place.

  • The glue is left to dry for at least an hour before you can drive away safely.

A windscreen replacement is a permanent repair that fully restores the area to perfect condition.

Windscreen replacement average costs

The amount it costs to replace a car windscreen depends on the type of car you have, and therefore the type and price of the glass to be fitted. The average cost of a windscreen replacement booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £343.83.

The cost table below helps give you an idea of average windscreen replacement costs for a range of popular car makes.

Car MakeAverage Price
Audi£344.71
BMW£353.22
Citroen£322.05
Ford£349.73
Mercedes£405.29
MINI£293.87
Nissan£340.46
Peugeot£324.18
Renault£323.89
Toyota£312.06
Vauxhall£308.44
Volkswagen£316.60
Volvo£420.43

  • Car windscreen repair

    The average cost of a car windscreen repair booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £215.43.

    Can include
    • Windscreen repair
  • Car windscreen replacement

    The average cost of a car windscreen replacement booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £343.83

    Can include
    • Car windscreen replacement
  • I don't know

    If you’re not sure whether damage to your windscreen can be repaired, a professional can assess your vehicle and tell you what service you need.

    Can include
    • Diagnostic

Common problems requiring a windscreen repair or replacement

The most common problems affecting your windscreen are chips and cracks in the glass. The size and the position of the damage will determine whether you need a repair or a replacement.

If you notice a minor chip in your windscreen that doesn’t fall within the driver’s line of sight, you can book in for a repair. If, on the other hand, you have a large crack in your windscreen, you will need to book in for a replacement.

Other issues that require repair include loose windscreen seals. If you notice water leaking into your car or hear a whistling noise while you drive, you will usually require a repair to seal or refit the glass properly.

Replacing a cracked windscreen

Replacing e a cracked windscreen

fixed car windscreen thumpnail

Top warning signs you need a windscreen replacement

For a chipped windscreen to be repaired, the damage must meet specific characteristics. If not, the entire windscreen will need to be replaced to deal with the damage effectively. If the damage fits the description of any of the points below, a replacement is necessary:

  • Chips or cracks larger than 10mm or the size of a £2 coin

  • Damage that falls in the area of the driver’s line of sight

  • Chips or cracks closer than 3cm from the edge of the windscreen

When do I need to repair my windscreen?

Chips and cracks to your windscreen can spread easily. They also have the potential to obstruct the driver’s view of the road. For both of these reasons, it’s urgent to deal with windscreen damage as soon as it occurs to remain road safe.

Driving with a chipped or cracked windscreen can also be an offence if it falls within the driver’s line of sight. So, make sure to book in for a fix as soon as you notice damage and before it spreads. Otherwise, you’ll be driving an unsafe vehicle and could be fined.

You should check your windscreen every time you get in the car to ensure there are no new issues. You will not pass your annual MOT if there’s damage to the glass.

What impacts the cost of a windscreen repair or replacement?

There are several factors that can impact the price you pay for work to your car windscreen, including: 

  • The size and placement of the damage 

  • The type of glass fitted

  • The make and model of the car you have 

  • The size of your vehicle 

  • Whether any other work needs to be done in addition to the windscreen repair

Comparing windscreen replacement and repair costs

The need for a windscreen repair versus a replacement depends on the nature of the damage. Typically, repairs will be much quicker and cheaper than a complete replacement due to the cost of the new glass you’ll need. 

A minor chip repair can cost as little as £40, whereas a windscreen replacement is more likely to cost around £343.83. 

A professional will be able to determine whether you need a windscreen repair or replacement, but it’s always worth getting a few quotes so that you know you’re paying the best price for the work.

Get your car windscreen repaired or replaced at home

If you’d rather, it’s possible to get a trained professional to visit your home to perform your windscreen repair. Minor chips and cracks can be easily repaired by a mobile mechanic who will come to you with their equipment and carry out the work. 

However, for a full windscreen replacement, you may need to visit a garage because the glass used needs to match the original specification. Not only that, but more equipment, space, and labour time are necessary to carry out the job.

How often do you need to service your car windscreen?

Your windscreen will be checked in your annual service and MOT. However, it’s essential to keep an eye out for any chips or cracks that occur and get them repaired as soon as possible.

How much is a new car windscreen?

The average cost of a car windscreen replacement is £343.83 when booked on WhoCanFixMyCar.

Can you repair a cracked windscreen?

It’s possible to repair a cracked windscreen if the damage is smaller than 10mm wide and doesn’t fall within the driver’s line of sight.

How do you fix a chipped windscreen?

Chipped windscreens are usually fixed using resin which is injected into the damage. It is then cured and hardened to stop the area from spreading.

Is a windscreen replacement covered by insurance?

Windscreen repair and replacement are not covered by third party insurance. You will need to add additional windscreen cover to your insurance policy if you want to claim for future repairs or replacements.

Do windscreen repairs come under your warranty?

Windscreen repairs do not come under your car’s warranty, and you will usually need to cover the cost yourself.

How much does a car window replacement cost?

The cost of a car window replacement varies depending on the type of glass needed and the make of your vehicle. You can expect to pay between £100 to £200 for a window replacement.

How long will a windscreen replacement take?

Replacing a car window can take anywhere between 2 to 4 hours, including the time taken for the sealant around the edges to dry. 

How do I stop my windscreen crack from spreading?

The only way to prevent a windscreen crack from spreading is by having a mechanic repair the damage. Hitting bumps in the road can cause even the smallest of cracks to get bigger.

Is a cracked windscreen illegal in the UK?

Yes. If a crack in the windscreen compromises the driver’s line of sight, it is considered an offence in the UK to continue driving the vehicle.

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