Getting a chip or crack in your windscreen is frustrating and worrying. Should you opt for a repair or replace the whole thing? This article looks at the key differences between windscreen replacements and repairs when done by a mobile service, to help you decide the best option for your vehicle.
What Causes Windscreen Damage?
The most common cause of cracks and chips is debris flying up from the road as you drive along. Anything from a loose stone to an errant pebble can cause cracks, chips or even shatter windscreens. Extreme weather like hailstones or frost can also damage vehicle windscreens.
Signs You Need a Windscreen Repair Service
Small cracks and chips may seem harmless, but they can quickly turn into major damage. Here are some signs it’s time to call a mobile windscreen repair service:
- A chip or crack bigger than 10mm across
- A crack longer than 40mm
- Damage in the driver’s line of vision
- Cracks spreading from the point of impact
- Damage worsening over time
Benefits of Mobile Windscreen Repairs
Having a mobile technician come to you to carry out windscreen repairs has lots of advantages:
- Convenience – the technician will come to your home or workplace in their specialist vehicle equipped with everything they need. Saves you time and hassle travelling to a garage yourself.
- Expert service – mobile techs are specialists in windscreen repairs, experienced in dealing with chips, cracks and damage.
- Fixed quickly – mobile services pride themselves on fast repairs. Most chips and cracks can be fixed within 30-60 minutes.
- Cost – mobile chip repairs tend to cost less than replacements.
When to Choose a Windscreen Replacement
Although mobile repairs can fix minor chips and cracks quickly, some damage will require a whole windscreen replacement including:
- Cracks longer than 40mm in the driver’s line of vision
- Damage bigger than 10mm that continues to spread
- Cracks across both layers of laminated glass
- Cracked windshield causing distorted vision
Advantages of Mobile Windscreen Replacements
Like mobile repairs, getting your windscreen replacement done by a technician who comes directly to your home or office offers considerable conveniences. You save lots of time as there’s no need to take your vehicle into a garage yourself – the mobile tech does the work for you at a time that suits your schedule.
These mobile services only employ highly qualified technicians, with full professional training on windscreen removal and expert installation to the highest vehicle safety standards. Their mobile vans are equipped with all the latest tools and technology, like powerful vacuum suction cups and laser-guided positioning guides, to perfectly fit your new replacement windscreen.
An added benefit is that many mobile windscreen replacement services can replace your car or van’s rear and side glass too if these have also suffered any cracks or damage.
Weighing Up the Options
When faced with a cracked or chipped windscreen, should you repair or replace it? Here’s a quick comparison to help decide:
| Repairs | Replacements |
| Cheaper for minor damage | Needed for major cracks over 40mm |
| Quick 30-60 minute fixes | Takes 1-2 hours to replace |
| Chips and cracks up to 40mm | Entire windscreen installed |
| Special resin injected | Avoids the further spread of cracks |
| Mobile tech comes to you | Mobile tech still does work |
As you can see, minor chips and cracks are usually best fixed by expert mobile repair services. But more extensive damage will require a full windscreen replacement.
In Summary
Dealing quickly with any chips, cracks or damage prevents extensive repairs down the line. Mobile windscreen technicians offer specialist service, coming to you at home or work with advanced tools and quality materials to get your vehicle glass fixed fast. Understanding the differences between repairs and replacements will allow you to make the best and most cost-effective choice.
Our technicians at Fleet MotorGlass provide both expert repairs and replacement for windscreens, and side and rear glass. We use top-quality materials and parts for reliable fixes and installs. Equipped mobile vans carrying the latest tools allow us to come directly to you for convenient, fast service you can trust.
For either windscreen cracks needing injections and repairs or whole glass replacements, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to get my windscreen repaired or replaced?
Minor chips and cracks can often be repaired much cheaper than a whole replacement windscreen, saving over £100 or more.
Can mobile technicians replace my rear windscreen?
Yes, most mobile services carry standard front and rear windscreens for cars and vans to replace damaged rear windows at your location.
How long does it take to get a windscreen replacement?
A mobile technician can usually replace your windscreen in 1-2 hours once on-site. Repairs take only 30-60 minutes.
Will my car insurance cover windscreen repairs and replacements?
Most insurance policies include cover for vehicle windscreen damage without affecting your no-claims bonus.
When is the best time to call a mobile windscreen technician?
Call one out as soon as you notice an issue for a fast, cost-effective fix. Leaving cracks risks more damage which takes longer and costs more.