Can Potholes Crack Windscreens?

It seems that we have something of a pothole epidemic on our hands here in the UK at the moment.

Caused by groundwater and traffic, a pothole is a depression or hollow that has appeared in the road’s surface that causes the road to become uneven. According to data from the RAC, at the start of 2024, there were more than a million potholes on UK roads and they’ve become the scourge of local communities across the country.

Depending on their size, potholes can cause significant damage to vehicles and they are hazardous for pedestrians and cyclists too. 

But what about windscreens?

In this article, The Windscreen Company will consider whether potholes can crack windscreens and the action you need to take if this occurs. 

Can potholes crack windscreens?

Yes, potholes can certainly cause windscreen damage such as cracks.

In fact, potholes are one of the leading causes of damaged windscreens. 

The main reason this happens is because potholes tend to be surrounded by debris, which can flick up and hit your windscreen glass as you drive over it or through it. Even driving at fairly slow speeds can cause this to happen. 

Similarly, the intense vibrations caused by driving over a pothole can damage your windscreen. If you already have minor pre-existing damage, this can be intensified and may even turn into a severe crack as a result of driving over a pothole. 

How to avoid pothole damage when driving 

While driving over potholes is sometimes unavoidable, there are several ways you can minimise the chances of damaging your windscreen. 

A few tips you should consider include:

• Not tailgating the car in front – While tailgating is bad driving practice anyway, it will also mean you’re unlikely to spot a pothole until the last minute, meaning you have no time to take action. 

• Stick to the speed limit – The faster you go over a pothole, the more likely it is that damage will occur. With this in mind, you should always stick to speed limits to minimise damage and make sure you’re driving within the law. 

• Use quieter roads – If you know that a certain road has a lot of potholes, consider taking an alternative route to avoid them. Main or busy roads are also more likely to feature potholes, so if you avoid high-traffic areas then it’s more likely you’ll avoid potholes too. 

For further information on avoiding pothole damage, check out our previous blog on the subject. 

What to do if your windscreen has become damaged from a pothole 

If you’ve driven over a pothole and your windscreen has become chipped, cracked or damaged in any way, it’s essential that you seek professional support as soon as possible. 

Driving with a broken windscreen is unsafe and may even be illegal depending on the location of the damage.

Consult The Windscreen Company, and we’ll be able to carry out the necessary repairs or full windscreen replacement which will get you back on the road in no time. We even offer a mobile service that can carry out the work at the most convenient location for you.

Can pothole damage be claimed on insurance?

Yes, pothole damage can usually be claimed on insurance. 

This may vary from policy to policy, but the expert team here at The Windscreen Company will be able to assess your policy and advise on the best course of action. We can even make a claim on your behalf if you prefer. 

To find out more about our range of services or to receive a free quote, get in touch with The Windscreen Company today. We work across the West Midlands and the South East and are always happy to help. 

The Windscreen Company

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The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.

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