MOT Coming Up? Check Your Car Glass

Drivers have a lot of maintenance tasks to take care of during the year, but one of the things that many people dread is the annual MOT. Even if your car is fairly new, there are a number of things that it can fail on, and many people don’t realise that the state of your glass can be something that can cause a failure. Even if your car is otherwise well-maintained, it’s important to check your glass and look for damage. A windscreen replacement cost can often be a lot less if you go via the experts rather than your garage, and it saves you going back for a MOT retest.

Failure rate

You may think that your windscreen or glass isn’t damaged enough to cause concern, but it’s surprising how many vehicles can fail their MOT due to a chip or crack. Just under 7% of MOT failures are due to drivers having an obstructed view of the road, and a cheap car glass replacement could quickly and easily rectify this. Around 12% of failures can also be down to windscreen wipers that don’t properly clear your glass, so make sure they’re also in good condition.

Dangerous to drive

There are many reasons why a damaged windscreen can make your car dangerous to drive:

·        The structure of your glass is compromised, so in a crash it can shatter

·        It can block your view, reducing visibility

·        It can distract you when you’re concentrating on the road

·        A small chip or crack can soon spread

This is why driving with a damaged windscreen can count as an offence known as “use of a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition”, which is an instant MOT failure. However, the solution is usually fairly easy. Auto glass replacement can usually be carried out at your home or workplace, so there’s no reason why it needs to be put off and left unsafe.

What happens if I fail my MOT?

If you fail your MOT, it’s important to rectify the issues that have been found as soon as possible, before getting a retest. Driving a car without a valid MOT means you can receive six to eight penalty points on your licence and a fine of up to £1,000. If you have an accident, your car insurance can also be invalid. When you weigh up the cost of a chip repair or a new windscreen, it’s much easier to simply get the work done, rather than risk problems down the line. It’s usually better to make the repairs before you even go in for the MOT, as it’s better to pass first time if possible, so you aren’t left with a retest fee or expensive repairs.

If you need replacement car glass or windscreens around the Midlands, We Replace Any Car Glass offer a 24/7 service in Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and beyond. Call the team on 07931 795 565 or e-mail wereplaceanycarglass@gmail.com whenever you need us.