Winter weather leads to 33% increase in calls to National Windscreens HQ

Date: 13 March 2013

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

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 thanks to the duration of the wintery weather. Thermal shock from warm air hitting a frozen windscreen can soon turn even the smallest chips into costly cracks if not treated immediately.

Mr. Sutherlandcontinues, “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.

It is reasonable to expect that the Scottish branches might experience an increase in business over the winter months, but call volumes to National Windscreens’ UK Contact Centre in Tamworth have also increased significantly in recent weeks.

Regional Sales and Marketing Director, Martyn Bennett, elaborates, “The volume of calls increased by a third from December to February – interestingly visits to our website reflected exactly the same increase for that period. We’re expecting to see this pattern continue for the foreseeable future in light of recent forecasts that predict more wintery weather is on its way.”

Visit www.nationalwindscreens.co.uk/news for tips on how to care for your windscreen during the winter months or call the contact centre FREE on 0800 998 1305 to book an appointment to repair or replace damaged vehicle glass.