Stone chips are one of the most common causes of windscreen damage. Even small impact marks can spread into long cracks if the screen flexes or heats unevenly.

Chips that show a white or cloudy centre are usually deeper than they look. Once moisture enters the damaged area it expands with heat and cold which pushes the crack outward. These deep chips rarely stay small for long and often turn into full cracks without warning. Replacing the windscreen before this happens avoids sudden failures and keeps the driver safe.

Flex and movement

Car bodies flex when driving. A chipped area becomes the weak point.

Weather changes

Cold mornings and quick heating create stress in the glass.

Vibration

Road vibration pushes stress across the chip line.

What to do

If the chip is small it may be repairable. Larger or deeper chips usually require replacement.

Sandbrooks supplies and replaces windscreens in Auckland.