Windscreen chips and cracks — pain in the backside, eh? But honestly, they’re more than just ugly marks while you’re stuck on Victoria Street at the lights. They can get bigger with every pothole (looking at you, Avalon Drive), bumpy trip out to Cambridge or winter morning defrost in Hillcrest. Whatever you drive — maybe a Subaru Outback, Mazda Demio, even those newer BYD Atto 3s we’ve seen — keeping on top of windscreen damage is a biggie for staying safe on Hamilton roads.
1. Get it fixed by the pros
Why leave it to the experts?
Seen a little chip and thought, “She’ll be right”? Next time you’re dropping the kids in Rototuna or hitting Te Rapa Road, that chip can quickly run into a proper crack — especially with all those speed bumps near The Base. One of our techs can fix up those minor chips and cracks fast using specialised resin (like this stuff here). You’re in and out, most times same-day, and it’ll keep the crack from spreading even when you’re bouncing over that rough patch on Ohaupo Road. Professional repairs last, and you keep your WOF sweet.
For extra reading: common car maintenance mistakes.
2. Replacement when the crack’s gone too far
When there’s no easy fix
If you’ve left it too long, or a rock’s smashed a big chunk out (we saw this last week on a Suzuki Vitara after a trip back from Morrinsville), you’ll need a full windscreen replacement. Always worth going somewhere legit — certified shops will fit everything back to NZ safety standards (details on what’s required). New screens can even come with UV blocks or a bit of tint, if you want less glare in Tamahere traffic. Keeps your car structure strong and sorted for the long haul.
Curious about windows? Suss out our car window replacement info.
3. DIY repair kits: Handy but not a miracle
For those small jobs on the fly
If you’re driving something like a Kia Picanto or a Peugeot 308 and spot a tiny chip, those DIY kits from Supercheap or online can tide you over until you book in. Kit has the resin, a little plunger thing — pretty straight-forward. Just remember, nothing beats a pro’s finish, and if you stuff it up, you could end up needing a full replacement instead. Still — not a bad move if you’re in Raglan for the weekend and the stone hits. Top tip: keep a kit and some other must-haves in the glovebox just in case.
4. Regular checks and proper cleaning
Best way to save cash — stop trouble early
Honestly, most folks only notice cracks when they turn into big problems. Give your windscreen a wipe with decent glass cleaner, not just the dirty serviette from your coffee stop at Chartwell. Every time you get fuel on Greenwood Street, look for new chips or rough spots. Early fixes always save you money and drama down the line. Good habit to get into — same as tyre checks or oil top-ups if you own a Nissan X-Trail or a Honda Jazz. More on preventative car maintenance here.
5. Insurance might cover your windscreen
Don’t pay more than you have to
Here’s a tip — heaps of car insurance policies around NZ will include windscreen cover. So if you picked up that crack on a wintery commute from Ngaruawahia, ring your insurer before you pay a cent. They might even cover full replacements, not just repairs, especially if you’re up for car service Hamilton or getting a WOF Hamilton at the same time. Keeps things easy on the wallet and gives you peace of mind. Want to know more about insurance and car repairs? Read this article.
Wrapping it up
So yeah, getting on top of windscreen chips and cracks is just one of those little things that saves you heaps later on — whether you’re cruising around Frankton, heading out to Cambridge, or badminton runs with the family on River Road. Need a hand? No drama. The team here at Grimmer Motors, right in Hamilton, have fixed just about every windscreen issue you can think of — on everything from Toyota Aquas to Skoda Octavias and even the odd old Lexus IS. Want the job done right? Give us a shout and we’ll get you sorted.