Winscreen chip - instant MOT failure?

Adam · 17 May 2006 at 18:12

I have a chip in my windscreen, about the size of a 5p piece. Does anyone know the MOT requirements for it to pass? Im thinking I may have to get it replaced by my insurance company.

Secondly, how much more desirable is my car likely to be to sell with a fresh MOT? Currently it has about a month left.

TripleT · 17 May 2006 at 18:14

The size of a 5p, then yes. Although you may get away with it if it's not in the wipeable area.

(hint hint, there's nothing in the MOT book that says how BIG your wipers have to be

)

And your car would be a lot more desireable in my view with a new MOT. Especially if it's quite an old/cheap car.

Joe T · 17 May 2006 at 18:14

Car with mot will sell much quicker I would think.

Depending how bad the chip is, the ins co may want to 'repair' it - ie seal it so it cant get any worse. Im not sure where the MOT people stand on this.

Enfield · 17 May 2006 at 18:15

I think that would depend on what and how old the car is.

That crack may be a fail. I think it probably is, though someone will come along to correct me.

Sagalout · 17 May 2006 at 18:25

I think the crack/chip has to be less than 1cm if its in your field of vision to pass. Outside of that it can be bigger I think, but I dont know if they class the field of vision as just being drivers side or not.

A car with 12 months MOT is a lot more sellable than one months.

Adam · 17 May 2006 at 18:38

Its a 2000(W) Megane Coupe Monaco, actually checked and my MOt runs out the 16th of next month. Its currently on ebay (never have much luck selling cars on ebay) for £4100 which I personally think is quite reasonable. Haven't had much interest yet though so I am wondering it the MOT is putting people off.

stoofa · 18 May 2006 at 11:26

Adam said:
I have a chip in my windscreen, about the size of a 5p piece. Does anyone know the MOT requirements for it to pass? Im thinking I may have to get it replaced by my insurance company.

Secondly, how much more desirable is my car likely to be to sell with a fresh MOT? Currently it has about a month left.

Are you fully comp?
Most chips can be repaired and if you're fully comp a repair will cost you absolutely nothing.
Sure a replacement windscreen will cost you your excess.
Try Autoglass or similar.
They check your insurance for you, confirm it will be free of charge and then send somebody out to you to repair the chip.

richolmes72 · 18 May 2006 at 11:28

Just take it to an MOT place and ask them whether or not it would fail an MOT with that...

imo you may or may not get away with it....

If you can fit a £1 coin over it, it will almost definitely be repairable though and that shouldn't cost much. The car will sell for more with a long MOT.