The prolonged winter weather conditions, set to continue throughout this week, are resulting in an increase in windscreen repairs and replacements, according to National Windscreens’ regional director for North Scotland, Duncan Sutherland.

Sutherland, says, “We’ve already seen a rise in sales of 25% compared with this time last year. We’ve had more snow this winter than we did last year and the cold spell seems to have carried on for far longer than any one period in 2012.”

Winter is traditionally a busy time of year for all of National Windscreens’ 114 branches, but this year is proving particularly demanding due to the duration of the wintery weather.

Mr Sutherland continues, “It makes financial sense to arrange for windscreen chips to be repaired as soon as possible. Most comprehensive insurance policies cover chip repair, but a policy excess is usually payable if the whole windscreen needs replacing.”

Chipped windscreens are becoming increasingly common, arguably down to the significant increase in potholes thanks to the excessive amount of rain, sleet and snow the UK has experienced this winter. Whilst hitting a pothole is more likely to damage a vehicle’s tyres and suspension than its glazing, the loose gravel, stones and tarmac washed out from potholes and gutter areas can have a damaging effect on windscreens.