Frequently Asked Questions
Windscreen Repairs
As a rule of thumb, chips smaller than a £2 coin and cracks up to a few inches can often be repaired, unless they’re directly in the driver’s line of sight or at the edge. Your technician will advise.
Most chip repairs take 20 to 40 minutes. You can drive straight away once it’s done.
Yes, when repaired correctly. For MOT rules: damage over 10 mm in Zone A (the area 290 mm wide in front of the driver) or over 40 mm elsewhere in the swept area will fail, so fix chips early.
If the damage impairs your view or breaches the sizes above, it’s unsafe and can be illegal. Sort it promptly to avoid penalties and keep the car roadworthy.
Usually, yes, if the damage hasn’t compromised the heating wires. If the elements are affected or the crack is extensive, replacement is safer.
No,repairs don’t interfere with sensors/cameras. Replacement work is where calibration is needed.
Repairs restore strength and clarity; a faint blemish can remain on close inspection, but visibility and integrity are the priority. (Fleet repairs are designed to be virtually invisible.)
Often yes, within safe limits. Your technician will assess number, size and locations to decide repair vs replacement.
Many insurers cover chip repairs with little or no impact on your no-claims; always check your policy.
Windscreen Replacement
Often same day or next day, subject to glass availability and your location. Most jobs take about 1–2 hours on site.
Your technician will confirm, but with fast-cure adhesive it’s typically safe to drive after ~30 minutes. Some vehicles may need a little longer to cure.
OEM windscreens are made by your car’s original manufacturer and are typically more expensive. Aftermarket windscreens are made by approved third-party manufacturers, meet the same safety standards (BS AU178, ECE R43), and are more affordable. Fleet Motor Glass uses high-quality glass that meets or exceeds all safety standards.
Yes, if your vehicle has Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, or similar features. ADAS cameras mounted near the windscreen must be recalibrated after replacement, as even millimetre shifts can cause system failures. It’s legally required under the ADAS Code of Practice.
Yes, properly fitted replacement glass meets the same safety standards. OEM options may be available; quality fitting is what matters most.
Yes. Features like heating elements and sensors are transferred or supplied with the new glass as required. (Heated Ford screens are a common example.)
In most cases no, as insurers treat glass claims differently, though you may pay an excess. Always check your policy.
Not for the entire process, though someone needs to provide vehicle access and keys. Many customers have us work at their workplace so they can continue their day. We come to your home, workplace, or any convenient location across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Hertfordshire.
We handle almost all vehicle types including cars, vans, trucks, plant vehicles, agricultural vehicles, and HGVs. We stock glass for common makes and models. Specialist or rare vehicles may require ordering, which takes slightly longer.
Yes, we offer a guarantee on workmanship, with a stated lifetime guarantee on labour/materials (conditions apply). Ask when booking.
Your reg, postcode, glass position (front/side/rear), and any features (heated, rain sensor, camera). If claiming, have your insurer details to hand.
Window Tinting
The front windscreen must allow 75% light through; front side windows 70%. There’s no specific VLT limit for rear side windows or the rear screen.
Tint VLT isn’t usually measured during MOT; enforcement is via police/DVSA roadside checks with light meters (photometers).
Typically a few hours depending on the vehicle and how many windows you’re tinting.
Avoid winding windows down for 3 to 5 days so the film cures properly.
With proper care, quality films typically last 5 to 10 years.
Not when installed professionally, the film is applied over the elements and won’t stop them working.
Yes, tinting is a modification. Fleet recommends notifying your insurer even for rear-only tint.
We don’t apply dark/privacy film to the windscreen. Only very light/clear UV films are legal, and the glass must still meet the 75% VLT rule.
A wide range: privacy, clear UV, metallic, coloured, crystalline, and budget options. Your fitter will help match legal front tints to factory-dark rears if you want an even look.
Yes. We offer professional removal services that cleanly remove film and adhesive without damaging glass or heating elements. DIY removal often results in sticky residue and potential damage.
We’ll clean your windows thoroughly as part of our service. However, a generally clean car interior helps the process go smoothly and ensures the best result by reducing dust and debris.
Legally compliant tinting shouldn’t significantly affect night visibility, which is why UK laws require 70% to 75% light transmission on front windows. Illegal dark tints severely reduce visibility in low light, making driving dangerous. We ensure all tints comply with legal standards.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out. We’re always here to assist you.