The firm says the sharp rise in figures is largely due to heat and has issued drivers with the following advice:

• If your car windscreen is already damaged, the hot weather can make it worse.  The heat from the dashboard will cause the inside layer of the laminated glass to get up to 20 degrees warmer than the outside layer.  This can potentially exacerbate the problem, requiring a repair or even a replacement windscreen
• As temperatures soar, even the smallest chip or crack in your windscreen can become worse due to speed at which the laminated glass and surrounding metal frame expands
• Switching on the air conditioning inside your car can elevate the stress level of your windscreen.  This could result in a sudden crack due to the large difference in temperature between the cool inner glass and warm outside air
• A tiny stone chip on your windscreen can become a much bigger problem.  When the weather is hot the glass temperature rises, reducing the strength, durability and safety of the windscreen

The windscreen specialist is also advising drivers to prepare their cars for long journeys, as well as themselves.

Matthew Mycock, managing director at Autoglass, said: ‘If your windscreen is already damaged, the hot weather can make it worse and Autoglass® has already seen a 10% increase in windscreen replacements  during the heat wave, as motorists take to their cars to enjoy the UK sunshine. However the excitement to pack-up-and-go on a road-trip may cause some motorists to forget to do important car checks. 

‘Simple steps to prepare the windscreen, fluid levels and wheels, can make all the difference to being safe on the road this summer. We all know how to protect ourselves from the sun by wearing sun cream and protective clothing, but we must also remember to keep the summer drive check-list front-of-mind to ensure a safe, comfortable and more enjoyable holiday drive.’