Poor road conditions in the UK, such as potholes, loose gravel, and debris, significantly increase the chances of windscreen chips. This can be infuriating for drivers whose cars are damaged. Repairs can be very inconvenient too.
Can the UK weather be responsible?
Poor weather, which is rather common in the UK, can exacerbate road damage, making surfaces more prone to erosion and breaking apart. As rain or frost weakens the road’s surface, more loose materials accumulate. This then further raises the risk of windscreen damage.
Debris and gravel are further culprits
When roads deteriorate, small rocks and loose gravel often get displaced by passing cars and lorries. As vehicles drive over these, the gravel can be flicked up by the tyres, especially at high speeds. The gravel then hits the windscreens and causes chips or cracks. Regular road maintenance is crucial in minimising these risks.
What happens if I am driving a rental car?
Returning a car with a chipped windscreen to the rental company can be an issue. Car hire excess insurance helps in reducing or eliminating this liability by reimbursing you for the excess charged by the rental company.
If you require car hire excess insurance, there are a number of specialists you can get in touch with. Moneymaxim provide quotes for car hire excess insurance, helping drivers protect themselves against the high excess charges that may apply if a rental car is damaged.
Potholes can cause windscreen chips
Potholes lead to more aggressive driving on the roads. Vehicles may swerve or brake suddenly to avoid them. These sudden movements increase the likelihood of loose road debris being propelled into windscreens on vehicles behind, or those approaching from the opposite direction.
Potholes are a major cause of inconvenience for drivers. According to the BBC volunteers in Oxfordshire have been using spray paint to mark road defects, hoping this might get them fixed more speedily.
Repairs can contribute to cracked windscreens
Repairs to damaged roads or construction on the roads often leave behind loose materials. This debris is another contributing factor towards chipped or cracked windscreens.