A tiny chip on your windscreen might seem harmless, but is it? From summer’s scorching heat to winter’s chill, your windscreen may have to deal with extreme temperatures. That’s when tiny chips can cause trouble.
How to protect your windscreen: Care tips and insights
Last updated on 6 November, 2025
Don’t let little chips and cracks on your windscreen grow into big problems. Here’s how to care for your windscreen through Australia’s changeable weather and extreme seasons.
Windscreen woes
We love when the days start getting longer and warmer. Our windscreens, on the other hand? Not so much. On average, our motor claims data from 2024 to 2025 shows spikes in windscreen claims over the warmer months.
When the weather warms up, those little chips on your windscreen glass can expand into larger cracks. Those perfect summer days aren't so perfect for our cars, and there’s some things we do that can stress unrepaired windscreen chips and cracks.
Hot and bothered in direct sun
Hot weather is ideal for beach days and road trips. But while you're keeping cool in the water, your car is often left sizzling for hours, especially when the shady spots are all taken. And it's not just at the beach!
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported in 2021 that on average, Australian households have 1.8 vehicles. Not all homes are equipped with secure garages for one car, let alone two, so many of our cars are left sunbathing outside.
Why’s that bad news for windscreens? Glass can expand when heated. Parking in direct sunlight can heat up your car’s windscreen, adding stress, weakening any areas with cracks and chips, and potentially making existing damage worse.
Cranky when we crank the AC
It’s hard to resist blasting the aircon as soon as we jump into a hot car. But, while you’re sighing in relief, your windscreen might just be shivering in shock.
Cranking the aircon can create sudden temperature changes that may cause the glass of your windscreen to cool and contract, increasing the chance of a crack forming.
Get your windscreen ready for hot weather
When a crack gets too big, the only option is to replace the whole windscreen, which can be costly. Here’s how to keep your windscreen cool and in one piece:
- Get cracks and chips repaired as soon as possible.
- Become a shade hunter on hot days - even if takes a little longer to find a park.
- Increase the aircon more gradually in a hot car, tilting cold air vents away from your windscreen.
Winter windscreen care
When it’s time to blast out the heater, or you’re planning a trip to the ski slopes, your windscreen needs extra care. Here are a few things to be mindful of in a winter wonderland.
- A small chip may turn into a crack when the temperature outside your car is different from inside.
- If water freezes inside the chip, it may turn into a crack.
- In icy conditions, never throw hot or boiling water over the windscreen as this may cause it to crack. Use lukewarm water or a de-icer fluid.
Get your windscreen ready for cold weather
Here are some ways to help prevent windscreen glass damage.
- A sudden change in temperature could damage your windscreen, so don’t crank up the heater. Increase the heat gradually.
- If you can’t park undercover, try parking your car facing east, if possible. The morning sun may help to defrost your windscreen.
- Use anti-freeze washer fluid.
Be mindful of uneven roads, as sudden jolts and impacts can put stress on existing cracks and chips.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your windscreen, we recommend you ask a professional repairer. You can also check out our article on repairing or replacing your windscreen.
Consider Allianz Comprehensive Car Insurance
Our Comprehensive Car Insurance offers cover for damaged windscreens subject to payment of any applicable excess shown in your policy documentation. We also offer an optional benefit which can remove excess for windscreen damage only claims. Adding this to your cover means you won't have to pay the excess for one full windscreen, window glass or sunroof replacement and two repairs in each period of insurance where that’s the only damage to your car.
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This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 ("Allianz"). It is a summary of key concepts and not meant to represent the complete picture on any given matter. It is not meant to be legal advice. The information should be read in conjunction with the relevant legislation and regulations. In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.
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