Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Cracked Windscreen

There’s nothing quite as unsettling as spotting a fresh crack in the windscreen while you’re driving. At first, it might seem like a small blemish—something you can put off dealing with. After all, the car still runs fine, and you might be thinking: Can I drive with a cracked windscreen?

It’s a common question that often leads drivers to delay repairs longer than they should. Unfortunately, that small crack can quickly become a major safety hazard, affecting visibility, weakening the structural integrity of your vehicle, and even putting you on the wrong side of road laws.

While it might not seem urgent, your windscreen plays a much larger role than most people realise. Beyond offering a clear road view, it supports airbag deployment and protects passengers in a crash. If you’ve spotted any damage, it’s best to act quickly—here’s why.

Cracks Can Spread Fast & Unexpectedly

A seemingly harmless chip today could turn into a sprawling crack tomorrow. Windscreens endure constant stress from vibrations, changes in temperature, and pressure from driving. These factors can cause the damage to worsen rapidly—often without warning.

• Thermal expansion from sun exposure can widen existing cracks.
• Driving over potholes or uneven roads puts pressure on compromised glass.
• Even a car wash can accelerate damage due to the heat and water force.

What starts the size of a coin can quickly stretch across the driver’s field of vision, making timely repairs essential.

Reduced Visibility Puts Everyone at Risk

Clear visibility is fundamental to safe driving. A crack—even a small one—can distort the view, especially when sunlight or headlights reflect off it. This distortion can impact a driver’s ability to assess hazards and respond quickly, increasing the risk of accidents.

How It Affects Driving:

• Visual distractions from cracks or chips catching light.
• Impaired depth perception when approaching other vehicles or cyclists.
• Reduced visibility in wet weather when cracks reflect glare.



In an emergency, even a moment’s delay in decision-making can be the difference between a close call and a serious collision.

Your Car’s Safety Features May Be Compromised

Modern vehicles rely heavily on windscreen integrity as part of their safety design. It’s not just about keeping bugs out—it’s a critical load-bearing component, especially during an accident.

• Supports the correct deployment of front airbags.
• Maintains structural rigidity in rollover incidents.
• Prevents passengers from being ejected during high-impact crashes.



If a windscreen is cracked, it may shatter under pressure, failing to protect occupants as designed. That makes professional windscreen replacement a safety necessity more than a cosmetic fix.

You Could Be Driving Illegally Without Knowing It

Australian road laws are clear: vehicles must be safe and roadworthy. A cracked windscreen can easily fall outside legal limits depending on size, location, and severity. Unfortunately, many drivers are unaware they’re in breach until it’s too late.

Damage Location and whether it's permitted or not

Direct driver line of sight - Not permitted

Edge of the windscreen - Permitted if under 75mm

Multiple chips or long cracks - Not permitted

Police and road authorities can issue fines or defect notices on the spot. Ignoring the problem not only risks your safety but also your driving record.

Cracked Glass Is Weaker & More Likely to Shatter

Cracks weaken the integrity of laminated glass, making it more susceptible to complete failure. Under sudden stress—like hard braking, collision, or hail impact—a damaged windscreen can shatter or cave in unexpectedly. Imagine driving at 100 km/h and hitting a minor bump. If the glass is compromised, the shock could cause the entire pane to crack further or collapse. That’s a distraction no one wants while on the road.

Real Risks Include:

• Shattering under impact with wildlife or debris.
• Glass collapsing during airbag deployment.
• Major structural failure in rollover crashes.

Avoiding these dangers is as simple as arranging a professional replacement before the damage worsens.

Insurance Might Not Cover Delays in Repair

Some drivers put off repairs, believing they’ll get around to it later—only to discover their insurer won’t cover the damage if it’s deemed the result of negligence. This often applies when a chip has expanded into a crack due to delayed action.

What to Ask Your Insurer:

• Do they cover windscreen damage under your policy?
• Will repairs be fully covered or only partially?
• Is a claim still valid if the damage was left unrepaired for weeks?
• Do they require you to use approved repairers?



Acting early ensures you’re not caught out and paying out-of-pocket for a full replacement that could have been covered.

Timely Replacement Saves You Money in the Long Run

The cost of a repair is far lower than the cost of a full replacement. Small chips can often be filled and sealed, restoring strength and clarity within minutes. But once the damage spreads or compromises vision, a full replacement becomes the only option.

Why Immediate Action is Cheaper:

• Repairs typically take less than 30 minutes and are significantly cheaper.
• Delaying can mean needing a full windscreen removal and refitting.
• Damaged windscreens may affect other systems (like rain sensors or cameras), increasing costs.



In regions like the Sunshine Coast, where summer heat and coastal driving accelerate glass damage, timely action isn’t just smart—it’s economical.

Expert Replacement Restores Your Vehicle’s Structural Integrity

Windscreens are a key part of your vehicle’s engineering—not just an afterthought. Getting them replaced by professionals ensures that the right adhesives, glass types, and installation procedures are used to restore manufacturer standards.

The Professional Replacement Process:

• Old glass is safely removed without damaging surrounding components.
• New glass is precisely fitted using OEM-compliant adhesives.
• Installation meets safety standards and allows for correct integration with features like rain sensors and driver assist systems.



A quality windscreen replacement ensures your vehicle regains its original strength and complies with Australian regulations for road safety.

Book Your Car Windscreen Replacement on the Sunshine Coast Today

At A Vision Windscreens, we understand how vital your windscreen is to your safety and comfort on the road. Our windscreen replacement services on the Sunshine Coast are designed to restore your vehicle’s safety, visibility, and compliance—quickly and professionally.

Whether you’re dealing with a fresh chip or a long-running crack, we’re here to help. Give us a call or get in touch via our contact page to book a consultation or service. It’s a simple step that could make all the difference in protecting your family and avoiding unnecessary costs.