Drivers told to avoid making 1 mistake that can 'damage windscreen'

If you drive, you likely do all you can to look after your car - after all, damage to vehicles can be pretty costly. That's why it's always handy to pick up tips where you can, as knowledge is power when it comes to driving.

Little you may know, you may actually be making a pretty big mistake without even realising it, and it could be causing some severe damage to your windscreen. As you probably know by now, it's crucial to look after windscreens to the best of your ability as they're essential for safety, visibility and structural integrity, as a windscreen that's dirty or damaged has the potential to hinder your vision.

If you want to keep your car in good condition, there are some rules you should follow. For example, you should ensure it stays clean by using ammonia-free glass cleaner and microfibre cloths, check it regularly for chips and cracks for immediate repair and maintain your wiper blades to prevent scratches and streaking.

However, as well as following the basics, there's another rule you can abide by to ensure your vehicle stays in tip top shape, and it involves something you may never have thought of. Dash cam expert Kyung Ho Min at Thinkware recently shared some advice.

According to the professional, you could be unknowingly causing a lot of damage by making a simple error. Not to worry though, as it can easily be fixed.

Kyung Ho Min said: "Dash cams are designed to protect you, but improper installation could put you (and your windscreen) at more risk, and you might not notice until it's too late. Poor placement is the most common culprit, with low-quality suction cups and cheap adhesive pads leaving a permanent mark on the glass and even pulling at tint films.

"Over time, continuous removal or repositioning of the dash cam can scratch and lift the thin heat-reflective or privacy coatings. This is something many modern cars have and can be very expensive to replace.

"Weather is an issue, too. As autumn sets in and humidity and condensation become a problem, suction mounts can begin to sleep.

"It's easy to respond to this by tightening the suction or readjusting it, but this only increases the wear and tear on the glass. Small amounts of moisture under the mount can also lead to streaking, a sticky residue or bubbling on windscreen layers.

"Drivers should look for discolouration, peeling tint or cloudy patches around the dash cam mount. It's important not to ignore faint circular marks where the suction cup sat, either - even after cleaning. And, if the mount regularly drops off or needs daily repositioning, this is also a red flag."

The expert added: "The good news is that you can stop the damage before it really starts. Be sure to mount your dash cam behind the rear-view mirror, where the glass is factory-treated and therefore more durable. Invest in a premium mounting system too, which is built for long-term use.

"Don't be tempted by the cheaper suction cups and resist the urge to remove the camera unless necessary. If you must, be sure to clean the area with a non-abrasive cloth. As temperatures drop, keep an eye out for the condensation in your car too. Be sure to gently dry it to prevent any moisture from getting under the mount.

"Some manufacturers build in extra protection for extreme conditions. THINKWARE, for instance, uses thermal sensors and supercapacitor technology so its devices can automatically switch to protection mode when the cabin gets too hot or too cold.

"Models such as the U3000 also feature thermal shutdown systems designed to preserve data during sudden spikes in temperature. On the mounting side, THINKWARE relies on 3M adhesive systems, engineered to stay firmly in place even in fluctuating weather.

"Finally, a dash cam should be a safeguarding solution, not a source of damage. A few quick checks can save you lots of money and hassle in the future."