Understanding The Benefits of Mobile Windshield Repair

Three Habits That Can Reduce Your Risk Of A Chipped Windshield

16 December 2015

Harold Ross

A chipped windshield is an inconvenience that you've likely encountered if you've been driving for several years. While this common occurrence can be a bit of a hassle, the good news is that auto glass centers can repair or replace your windshield quickly and have you back on the road in no time. Of course, you'd probably rather avoid having a chipped windshield altogether. Although it's impossible to completely prevent the chance of this incident taking place, adopting some safe driving and parking habits can reduce your risk of hearing that familiar and disheartening chip noise. Here are three strategies to adopt.

Don't Tailgate Other Drivers

When you drive closely behind another motorist, a rock that is propelled into the air from the other vehicle's tire can often his your vehicle square in the windshield. However, when you're farther back, there's a greater chance that the rock will land on the road and you'll be able to safely drive over it. The general rule for a safe following distance is to allow three seconds between you and the vehicle you're following. If you're on a gravel road, it makes sense to further increase this distance, given the extra risk of rocks hitting your vehicle's windshield.

Watch Out For Trucks

Where large trucks are concerned, there's always the risk of one of their tires sending a rock crashing into your windshield and leaving it chipped. An additional risk, however, is the load that the truck might be carrying. A dump truck that's carrying a load of gravel, for example, can jettison rocks along its route with each bump of the road. Although trucks shouldn't be overfilled to the degree that their cargo can spill, this is often a reality. When you're driving, keep an eye out for trucks and do your best to avoid them. While increasing your following distance is smart, you might also wish to consider safely passing the truck.

Park Inside Your Garage

If you live in an area in which hailstorms are common, you might be used to the familiar sound of these small chunks of ice bouncing off your roof. The reality is that a hail strike can leave your windshield chipped or even cracked. Given that it's tough to predict when a storm will arrive, adopt the habit of parking your vehicle in your garage. In doing so, you'll completely eliminate the risk of a hailstorm damaging your auto glass.

For more information, contact companies like X-Treme Auto Glass.

Share

Search