Your car's front window, known as the windshield, has an important role in shielding you and your passengers from various outdoor conditions. It is constantly exposed to potential dangers that you might not notice until something unexpected comes flying towards you and causes harm to the glass. The auto glass repair can be both costly and inconvenient unless your insurance policy covers it entirely. To prevent such situations, it's crucial to be aware of potential hazards and take necessary precautions to safeguard your windshield. In this article, we have compiled a list of important tips that can help you steer clear of a cracked windshield. Please read on to familiarize yourself with the common causes of windshield damage, as knowing them will make it easier for you to avoid the unpleasant experience of a shattered front window.

Main causes of windshield damage and how to avoid them

Driving behind trucks and other heavy vehicles

When driving behind trucks or other large vehicles, it's important to maintain a safe distance. Most windshield damage occurs when chips are thrown from the vehicle ahead of you. Trucks with big wheels not only throw more debris, but they also throw it farther. To stay safe, make sure to give these vehicles extra room. While large-wheeled vehicles often have mud flaps to protect other drivers, they may not always prevent flying debris. To be cautious, keep some additional space between you and the car in front of you. If you're traveling behind a vehicle with four rear wheels, try changing lanes when it's safe to do so.

Works

Road works can be a headache for drivers and can cause windshield damage. Pneumatic drilling, in particular, is known to throw gravel and stones that can crack windshields. When planning your trip, try to avoid areas with road works as much as possible.

Keep your distance

It may sound obvious, but it's better to prevent than to cure. The closer you follow the car in front of you, the higher the risk of your windshield getting damaged by road chips and debris. Here's a helpful perspective: the more distance you leave between your car and the one ahead, the more time the stones have to fall to the ground without hitting your windshield. To avoid costly repairs, aim to keep at least two car lengths of space between you and the vehicle in front.

Manage your speed

 As mentioned earlier, flying stones and debris on the road often lead to windshield damage. Surprisingly, the damage is more influenced by your car's speed than the speed at which debris is propelled. To minimize risk, it's wise to reduce your speed while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. By simply lowering your speed a bit, you can significantly decrease the chances of having to repair a cracked windshield.

Avoid potholes

Stay away from potholes, as they pose a serious threat to your windshield. Potholes tend to grow in size and become more hazardous with each passing vehicle, leaving behind rocks and debris. Especially if your car's glass already has a small crack or chip, be extra cautious when encountering potholes. Hitting one can transmit vibrations throughout your car, worsening the problem. Moreover, apart from damaging the windshield, potholes can wreak havoc on your tires, upset your steering, and throw off your wheel alignment. For the overall well-being of your vehicle, make an effort to avoid poorly maintained road surfaces.

Conclusion

To sum up, these suggestions can assist you in preventing a cracked or torn windshield. By being proactive and careful, you can steer clear of the need for a costly windscreen repair or replacement.