It is important to have a clear windshield for the safety and security of the driver, passengers, as well as other vehicles. You may have to deal with cracks and chips in your windshield. However, you can avoid many of these accidents by making simple changes daily to your driving habits. You will be able to protect your car and yourself as well as those around you. Learn how to avoid damaging your auto glass.
1. Drive Too Fast On Gravel Roads
The dirt and gravel roads are full of debris, including loose rocks and stones. This type of terrain allows your vehicle or the vehicles in front to easily launch these harmful objects into air. The debris will be thrown at your vehicle with greater velocity if your tires are spinning faster. If you can’t avoid these roads, drive slowly in order to reduce the risk of damage.
2. Following Other Drivers (Especially Construction Vehicles)
If you follow too closely behind the car in front, your windshield can be damaged by debris or by hitting the driver. The vehicles in front of you can stop suddenly, or throw debris and rubble at you while driving. These events have a greater impact the closer you get.
You should be extra careful to maintain a safe distance from construction vehicles. They often carry heavy loads or disposable items that can damage more than your auto glass. Your car bumper or hood can be damaged by dents and other body damage. As a general rule, maintain a distance of three seconds behind the vehicle. If you are following a construction vehicle in a lane, try to switch lanes as soon as possible.
3. Speeding Over Bumps
Potholes and speed bumps are sometimes unavoidable but can be safely hit. Your car will feel a big jolt when you hit these obstacles at a higher speed than intended. This impact can cause new or worsened windshield chips or cracks.
Slow down when navigating uneven roads to protect your car’s glass from the intense forces it may encounter. Traffic Safety Zone states that most speed bumps are placed in zones with speeds of 15-20 mph, and they encourage a speed reduction down to 5 mph.
4. Driving Recklessly
They define reckless driving as “Any driver who drives a vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard of the safety or property
The law prohibits driving at excessive speeds, quickly swerving or suddenly hitting the brakes. These actions are also unsafe and can cause cracks in your windshield. This could cause irreversible damage to your windshield if you already have chips.
Drive carefully to protect yourself, your car, and others.
- Speeding is not allowed
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Other drivers are on the road.
5. Parking in Direct Sunlight
The condition of your windscreen can also be affected by where you park. The extreme heat can weaken the structure of the windshield, causing it to distort and expand. Chips can grow into vertical cracks and cause new damage.
Call At Home Auto Glass at (941) 260-2886 for a quote or to request one online.
This post was written by a professional at At Home Auto Glass. At Home Auto Glass is your prime destination for comprehensive auto glass services serving: Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, Tallahassee, Ocala, Gainesville, and Jacksonville, catering to a diverse array of vehicles and needs. Specializing in windshield repair and replacement, we ensure clarity and safety for every drive. Our expertise doesn’t end there; we also offer back glass replacement, side window replacement, and cater to specific needs for RV glass, commercial vehicles, luxury vehicles, and classic cars, ensuring that every vehicle type is serviced with precision and care. Click here to learn more!
