A clear windshield is crucial for the safety of the driver, their passengers, and surrounding vehicles. Cracks and chips on your windshield are sometimes inevitable, but you can prevent several of these incidents by implementing simple, daily changes to your driving routine. This will help you take charge of protecting your car, yourself, and those around you. Learn how you might be unintentionally harming your auto glass and how to prevent additional errors in the future.
1. Driving Too Fast on Dirt and Gravel Roads
Dirt and gravel roads contain countless amounts of loose debris and other rigid road materials. Driving quickly on this type of terrain makes it easy for your vehicle, or vehicles in front of you, to launch these damaging objects into the air. The faster your tires spin, the more velocity behind the debris that’s flung towards your car. When these roads are inescapable, drive slowly to minimize the possibility of damage.
2. Tailing Other Drivers (Especially Construction Vehicles)
Following too closely to the car in front of you can result in windshield destruction by colliding with the other driver or by flying debris. Vehicles ahead of you may stop suddenly or sling rubble and remnants towards you when driving. The impact of these events is much stronger the closer you are.
It’s even more important to remain extra attentive to your distance behind construction vehicles, as they often carry loads of equipment or disposable objects that can cause severe damage to more than just your auto glass. Dents and body damage to your car’s bumper or hood are possible. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a three-second following distance, and if you are behind a construction vehicle, aim to change lanes when possible.
3. Speeding Over Bumps
There are times when potholes or speed bumps can’t be avoided, but they can always be hit harmlessly. When your vehicle strikes these obstacles with more speed than they are intended for, though, a large jolt is sent throughout your car. This impact can worsen existing windshield cracks or chips or can create new damage altogether.
When navigating uneven roads, slow down to protect your auto glass from any intense force it could endure. According to Traffic Safety Zone, most speed humps are used in 15-20 mph speed zones and most speed bumps encourage speed reduction to around 5 mph.
4. Driving Recklessly
According to the 2021 Kansas Statutes, reckless driving is defined as: “Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property…”.
Driving at exceedingly high speeds, rapidly swerving, or abruptly hitting the brakes are not only unsafe actions that are against the law, but they also add excessive stress to your windshield, causing cracks. If you have previous chips, this could lead to irreversible damage that would require a windshield replacement.
To protect your car, yourself, and others, choose to drive carefully by:
- Driving the speed limit
- Being aware of your surroundings
- Watching out for other drivers
5. Parking in Direct Sunlight
Where you decide to park can determine the condition of your windshield, too. Extreme heat weakens the structure of your windshield by causing the auto glass to expand and distort its shape. This leads to chips growing into vertical cracks as well as creating brand new damage.
If your windshield is damaged, call Auto Glass & Tint Shop at 913-491-8468 or request a quote online.
