Wednesday rant: Why I need bullet proof glass

Every Wednesday a member of the DesperateSeller.co.uk will try and document the things that annoy them about cars or just motoring in general. This week the subject is the strength of the glass in your windscreen.

When picking up the keys for my Mini Countryman, 6 months ago, I was very excited. I loved the idea of driving around in a small car with a much smaller footprint than the long and wide Jaguar XJ I had just traded in. This was very much a new era for me. In my mind a smaller car meant an easier life. Not only would it be easier to park, but it would also require less maintenance than most other cars.

Generally, my service bills have been fair, the fuel economy was as expected, and it’s much easier to park. However, what I hadn’t expected is how easy it is to crack the windscreen glass. Since taking ownership just 6 months ago I have had to have three windscreen replacements - THREE! Each time it’s cost me £85 and that’s after going through my insurance company (who by the way I’m now on first name terms with). Prior to this car, in 25 years of driving, I’ve only ever had to replace two windscreens.

Why is this car like a magnet to flying stones? Having spoken (moaned) to the glass fitter his opinion was that it was due to the steeper than most angle of my Mini’s windscreen. The stones don’t skim of the surface. They prefer to bury themselves in it.

My only hope now is that Tesla can actually develop bullet proof glass that works. I was a big fan of the concept until I watched them throw a metal ball at it and it smashed. Come on Tesla get back to the drawing board as at this precise moment it will be my main reason for buying one of your cars!