Your windscreen is one of the most vulnerable parts of your car. A single chip from a stray stone can quickly turn into a costly crack, leading to windscreen damage, an expensive replacement and time off the road.
The good news? Windscreen damage can be preventable – if you know how. Follow these expert tips to keep your windscreen safe and avoid unnecessary repairs.
1. Keep Your Windscreen Clean (But Do It Properly!)
Dirt, dust and road debris can get dragged across the glass by your wiper blades, wearing down your windscreen, creating small scratches that weaken the glass. Regular cleaning is essential, but using the wrong method can do more harm than good.
✔ Use a microfiber cloth instead of paper towels, which can scratch the surface.
✔ Choose a high-quality glass cleaner to prevent damage to coatings and seals.
✔ Don’t forget to clean your wipers – dirty wiper blades will drag grit across the glass, causing micro-abrasions.
2. Be Careful Where You Park
Your parking choices can make a huge difference in how long your windscreen lasts.
🚗 Avoid direct sunlight – Heat causes expansion and contraction, which can worsen small chips.
🚗 Stay away from roadworks, building sites and main roads – Loose gravel, stones and dust increase the risk of damage.
🚗 Watch out for trees – Falling branches and sap can damage the glass.
3. Replace Worn-Out Wiper Blades
Your wipers constantly make contact with your windscreen, and when they wear out, they can cause streaks, scratches and even chips.
✔ Replace your wipers every 6-12 months or when they start leaving streaks.
✔ Lift your wipers in winter to prevent them from freezing to the windscreen.
✔ Never use dry wipers – always use washer fluid to reduce friction.
4. Drive Defensively to Avoid Road Debris
Most windscreen damage comes from flying stones, gravel, and debris on the road. While you can’t control what’s ahead of you, you can minimise your risk.
✔ Keep a safe distance from lorries and trucks – Their tyres often send loose stones flying.
✔ Slow down on gravel roads – Less speed reduces the force of impact.
✔ Be extra cautious in winter – Grit and salt increase the chances of debris hitting your windscreen.
5. Don’t Ignore Small Chips and Cracks
A tiny chip might seem harmless, but left untreated it can turn it into a full-blown crack.
✔ Act fast – Repair small chips before they spread.
✔ Avoid sudden temperature changes – Don’t blast hot air onto a frozen windscreen!
✔ Park in the shade – Excessive heat can cause weakened glass to crack further.
6. The Best Prevention? Windscreen Protection Film (WPF)
Even with perfect driving habits, you can’t control what happens on the road. That’s why the best way to avoid windscreen replacements is proactive protection—with Armourtec Windscreen Protection Film.
- Acts as an impact barrier – Absorbs the force from flying debris, preventing chips and cracks.
- Reduces the risk of costly replacements – Helps extend the life of your windscreen by preventing damage before it happens.
- Maintains optical clarity – Designed specifically for windscreens, so it won’t distort visibility or interfere with ADAS technology.
- Keeps your vehicle on the road – Avoids downtime caused by windscreen damage and lengthy repair processes.
Rather than waiting for damage to happen, Armourtec gives you peace of mind from day one.
Final Thoughts: Prevention is Always Better Than Repair
Your windscreen is essential for safety, visibility and vehicle integrity. By following these steps—and investing in Armourtec Windscreen Protection Film—you can keep your windscreen looking new and avoid costly replacements.
👉 Want to protect your windscreen? Find out how Armourtec can help.
