We shall never tire of repeating that a windshield is one of the key parts of your vehicle responsible for your safety on the road. Cracks, chips, and other damage to a windshield are not just highly anesthetic but can become a real hazard for the driver and passengers.
Taking care of your windshield is more than just keeping it clean. You need to make sure there are no chips, cracks, scratches, or any other damage and address a professional auto glass mechanic as soon as you notice them.
However, there are many ways to prevent damage to the windshield, which will definitely save you a great deal of time, effort, and money in the future. In this article, we shall talk about the 5 simple rules that will help you make sure that your windshield remains safe, clear, and free from any kind of damage longer.
Drive safe!
This advice may seem trivial, but in fact, it is the best way to protect your windshield from damage. When you drive fast or aggressively, there is a bigger chance that the windshield will get hit by a loose pebble or any other kind of debris flying at high speed.
Strong front wind, dust, rain, and heavy snow are other damaging elements that get much more aggressive once you drive too fast. Not to mention the fact that aggressive driving is more likely to get you into an accident, and the windshield is the first to suffer in any kind of collision, even if the damage is not noticeable right away.
Keep the distance
Whether you drive on a highway, a rural road, or in your neighborhood, make sure to keep a safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. Even if you are absolutely confident behind the wheel and sure that you will react instantly in any emergency situation, you can never be so sure for another driver. They may suddenly hit the brakes, bump into another car, shift into reverse by mistake, etc. Maintaining a safe distance will give you much more space for maneuvering and chances to avoid collision and damage to your windshield.
Also, try not to drive too close behind lorries or trucks that carry any cargo that may fly off on the go and damage your windshield.
Try to find covered parking.
Even if the car is not moving, many damaging factors can destroy your windshield. Dust, dirt, leaves, and bird droppings can leave marks and destroy your windshield if not cleared right away.
Extreme temperatures and UV light are other reasons to prefer covered parking spots if you want to protect your windshield. Direct sunlight will weaken the windshield, heating the glass and expanding it. Cold winter weather, snow, and ice will make the glass much more fragile and prone to damage as well.
Avoid old roads and gravel.
Small pebbles, gravel, small rocks, and other debris flying directly into your windshield from under the wheels of another vehicle is the leading cause of damage.
If possible, make sure to avoid old, poorly maintained roads and gravel paths to minimize the risks.
Check the windshield regularly and trust professionals.
In some cases, the fact that you already see the crack or any other kind of marks on the windshield means that the damage already went beyond repair, and you will have to replace the whole windshield. That is why it is so important to inspect the windshield regularly and address professionals as soon as you notice anything suspicious.
Every time you come for a routine check-up or diagnostics, make sure to inform mechanics whether the car has been in any kind of accident, even a minor one, and let professionals decide whether the impact might have affected the integrity of the windshield.
Contact Auto Glass Depot to learn more about windshield maintenance and safety. Make an appointment and trust your vehicle with professionals who provide the best service at the fairest prices in the Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area. Visit our shop or order our mobile service and make sure that you have excellent visibility in any weather and on any road!