Windshield Damage
It’s important to do what you can to protect your car while you’re out on the road. There are plenty of small things you can do to prevent windshield damage while you’re on the road. Here are some tips to help you prevent damage to your windshield while you’re driving.
Avoid dirt or gravel roads
It may sound obvious, but the best way to prevent cracks in your windshield is simply by avoiding anywhere that is known for flying debris. When dirt and gravel fly up from the side of the car, it can hit your windshield and cause cracks or dents. When you can, try to avoid driving on roads with large patches of gravel. If you have no choice but to take a dirt road, drive slowly. When your car is moving very fast, any flying debris is going to hit the glass harder, which means that the windshield damage will be worse.
Take it slow when going over bumps
No matter where you live, it’s difficult to avoid the occasional speed bump when you’re out on the road. If you go over any kind of bump too quickly, it can cause a big jolt to your car. This jolt could make any existing windshield damage worse, turning a small chip into a big crack. If you’re going over any uneven terrain, take things very slow to prevent damage.
Don’t drive too close to other vehicles – particularly on the highway
The vehicles around you are going to be kicking up dirt and debris as well, and when you’re directly in their path, they can hit your windshield. You can minimize the risk of windshield damage from flying debris by keeping your distance from the vehicles around you. This is particularly important when you’re on the highway. Since highways see more traffic, there’s most likely to be debris flying around. Specifically, you should keep your distance from very large vehicles, particularly those that are carrying cargo in an open bed.
Avoid large construction sites and train tracks
These are two places where your car might be more likely to come in contact with a flying object. Driving directly past a construction site makes you much more likely to pass over some flying rocks. Train tracks are also areas where debris tends to sit.
Don’t park in direct sunlight
Harsh sunlight can actually weaken your windshield and exacerbate any problems you might have already had. If you need to park outside, look for a shady spot to protect your windshield. You can even use a cover to protect your windshield from the sun.
Windshield damage can be dangerous for drivers, so it’s important to try and avoid it as much as possible. Just making some small changes to your regular driving habits can help you stay safe and your car stays in good condition. However, if you do find yourself with a cracked windshield, call the professionals at Bama Auto Glass for a quick, affordable repair or replacement!