Your windshield is one of the most vulnerable parts of your car. After all, it’s a large target that’s positioned right in the line of fire for debris and other objects. Not to mention, it’s also made of glass. Some cracks and chips are inevitable and unavoidable. But there are a few things you can do to help prevent auto glass damage.
Don’t tailgate
A lot of glass damage happens when you’re following too closely to the car in front of you and that vehicle kicks up a small rock in its wake. Trucks are especially known to send gravel airborne. Avoid following too closely to the vehicle in front of you, particularly on roads that aren’t well-paved.
Take cover
Auto glass damage can happen even when your car is parked. Park in a garage, carport, or covered area whenever possible to keep your windshield and windows out of the way of hail and other flying objects. And take caution when parking under trees as pine cones, acorns, and other falling debris could cause damage to your auto glass.
Properly remove ice
You know how much a windshield can freeze over in a Wisconsin winter. What you may not know is how much damage you can cause when removing it. Always use a plastic scraper or soft bristle brush combined with your windshield wipers and defroster. Metal scrapers can scratch your glass and compromise its integrity.
Don’t drive behind gravel trucks
Trucks hauling gravel often transport some of it right to the car behind them. If you see a gravel truck on the road, get in a different lane and keep a safe distance away.
Keep temperature changes gradual
Glass expands at high temperatures and then contracts when it’s exposed to the cold. And extreme temperature changes can place stress on the glass. When your car has been sitting in the hot sun, don’t just immediately blast the air conditioner. Start off on a lower setting first before gradually turning it up. The same is true when using the heater after your car has been sitting in the cold for an extended period of time.
See a Zimbrick Body Shop for Your Auto Glass Repair Needs
While you can do all of the above to try to prevent damage to your car windows, cracks and chips are still bound to happen every once in a while. And when they do, you need a repair shop you can trust.
See Zimbrick Body Shop in Madison, Wisconsin, for all your windshield repair needs. Our technicians are highly trained and experienced in performing auto glass repair, and can get you back on the road in no time. Schedule an appointment today and don’t let damage to your vehicle’s glass get in the way of your drive.
Connect with us
