Top 5 Signs Your Windscreen Needs Replacing | Your windscreen isn’t just a piece of glass — it’s a key safety component of your vehicle. It provides structural support, helps airbag deployment, and gives you a clear view of the road. But like any part of a car, your windscreen can wear out or get damaged over time. Knowing when it’s time to replace your windscreen can help prevent serious safety risks and costly repairs.
Here are the top 5 signs your windscreen needs replacing, not just repairing:
1. Large Cracks or Spider Web Cracks
While small chips can often be repaired, long cracks (especially those over 40mm) or spiderweb-like cracks across the glass are a major concern. These cracks compromise the integrity of the entire windscreen and can grow quickly with changes in temperature or vibrations from driving.
✅ Tip: If you notice a crack that reaches the edge of the glass or spreads across the driver’s line of sight, you should schedule a windscreen replacement in London immediately.
2. Multiple Chips or Repaired Areas
It’s one thing to fix a small chip — but if your windscreen has been repaired multiple times or has several chips in different areas, it may be time to replace the entire windscreen. Too many repairs can weaken the overall structure and reduce the safety of your glass.
Even if each chip seems minor, together they could significantly reduce visibility and pose a hazard in case of an accident or sudden impact.
3. Cracks in the Driver’s Line of Vision
One of the biggest red flags is a crack that obstructs your direct view while driving. Not only does it pose a safety issue, but under UK MOT regulations, any significant damage within the “A-zone” (the driver’s primary field of vision) is a fail.
In these cases, repair is not an option — a full windscreen replacement is required to restore proper visibility and pass your MOT test.
4. White Haze or Discolouration Around the Edges
Sometimes, damage isn’t visible as a crack or chip. Over time, exposure to UV light and humidity can cause the glass or its protective layer to degrade, leading to a white haze or cloudy appearance — especially around the edges.
This haze can distort your view and may indicate the beginning of lamination separation, a serious structural issue. If you notice this, don’t delay. Get a free windscreen inspection from our experts in London.
5. Loose Glass or Leaking Around the Edges
Do you hear a whistling sound at high speeds or notice water leaking into your car during rain? These are often signs of a poor windscreen seal or even a loosened glass unit. This can happen if a previous replacement wasn’t installed properly or due to frame corrosion.
Loose or leaking windscreens not only affect comfort — they can fail in the event of a collision or airbag deployment. At Pro Car Glass, we specialise in secure windscreen fitting that meets all UK safety standards.
When Should You Repair Instead?
While this article focuses on when replacement is needed, it’s worth noting that not all windscreen damage requires full replacement. Chips smaller than a £1 coin and located away from the driver’s field of vision can often be repaired quickly.
Check out our Windscreen Chip Repair service for affordable and mobile chip repairs across London.
Need a Replacement? We Come to You!
At Pro Car Glass, we offer car glass replacement services in London, including same-day mobile windscreen replacement, OEM-quality glass, ADAS calibration (if required), and insurance claim assistance.
Whether you’re at home, work, or stuck on the roadside — we’ll come to you and get your windscreen replaced fast, safely and affordably.
📞 Book Your Windscreen Replacement Today
If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, don’t wait until it’s too late.
Contact us now to schedule a free inspection or book a mobile replacement service anywhere in London.
