The Do’s and Don'ts of Avoiding Windshield Damage

Stay aware of the distance between your car and the one ahead of you every time you drive. Make an effort to keep a distance of two or more car lengths between you and the car in front of you. If they slow down, do the same. Maintaining that distance is a vital part of driving safely to avoid accidents as well as a great practice to protect your windshield. 

When you notice a semitruck or dump track, try to stay far away from them on the freeway. Get into another lane if one enters the lane in front of you and try to avoid passing directly beside them. Although many semitrucks have mud flaps to protect other cars from flying rocks and debris, this measure doesn't always work, and your windshield is more likely to be damaged behind a semitruck.

If possible, try to utilize parking garages and avoid parking directly in the sun when it's very hot outside. Hot weather can cause the tiniest nick in your glass to worsen quickly. When the temperature gets high enough, the heated glass of your windshield will expand, and stress fractures can occur.

Nearly all mapping apps and in-car navigation systems have an option for you to avoid freeways. Select that option and try to avoid the freeways to best protect your windshield. Taking smaller roads can protect your windshield because you will likely drive at a slower speed on side roads. Also, you are less likely to encounter large trucks and speeding drivers.

When you drive by a construction site, your windshield can easily become damaged by flying debris that makes its way to the road. From stones to sharp nails, so many small but severe threats can become airborne when run over by another car. They can then cause cracks in your windshield or even damage it beyond repair.

Posted speed limit signs often indicate that you must slow down around construction sites. Being on higher alert around construction sites can protect you and your passengers as well as the construction workers on site. However, you cannot control some factors around construction sites, so try to avoid driving by them whenever possible. 

The accumulation of dirt, grime, and debris can complicate windshield repairs. If you have a nick or crack in your windshield, wash your windshield more frequently until you can repair the damage. Choose a new, anti-static cleaning cloth when washing your windshield to avoid further damaging your windshield. 

Stick to washing your windshield at home. If you go to an automatic commercial car wash, the abrasive brushes can scratch your car. Also, according to Reader's Digest, chemicals that are sprayed on your car in automatic car washes can etch the glass of windshields and other car windows. 

Windshield wipers are lesser-known culprits in a lot of windshield damage. Perform regular maintenance on your windshield wipers and have them checked for damage. If the windshield wipers are missing their rubber edge, they can cause deep scratches to the surface of the windshield that are difficult, if not impossible, to repair. 

Automobile accidents are a top cause of extensive windshield damage. Defensive driving habits empower you to prevent many types of car crashes. Get rest before getting behind the wheel of a car. Put off driving if you are drowsy or under the influence because you need to stay alert and focused behind the wheel at all times. 

Pay attention to your changing surroundings as a driver by checking your mirrors frequently and looking ahead consistently. Don't use your smartphone for any tasks while driving. Also don't mess with the radio or otherwise indulge in distractions while the car is moving. 

Some people make the mistake of buying a windshield and asking a friend or neighbor to help them install it. This is a mistake; only professional technicians will be able to install a windshield correctly and with just the right fit. Otherwise, with the simple everyday vibrations from driving your car, your new windshield could quickly become cracked.

Finally, sometimes your windshield may be damaged no matter how proactive you are about prevention. Be prepared to act quickly if you do see windshield cracks or other damage. The longer you wait, the more extensive the damage may become.  

Contact MS Glass Outlet today for a free quote on the auto glass repair or replacement you need. With our extensive experience helping our customers in the Pacific Northwest, we are proud to offer low prices on the highest quality work done by professionally trained, certified technicians who are dedicated to helping you get back on the road with high-quality windows.