As simple as it may sound, keeping your windscreen clean will go a long way towards ensuring a lasting life for it. This is because is harder to spot cracks and chips on dirty windscreens, at least until the breaks are big enough to be difficult (or impossible) to fix. Cracks are especially bad in winter, as snow and water can slip into the glass or even into the car, causing major damage.

If you notice a chip or crack, take the car in to be fixed immediately. The mechanic will most likely inject a plastic resin into the chipped area, which is then allowed to dry and polished until it becomes unnoticeable. The longer you wait to repair the crack, the more chances it will expand to the point where you will need to replace the whole screen.