Cracks, Chips, And Windshield Glass: The Safety Fundamentals

Cracks, Chips, And Windshield Glass: The Safety Fundamentals

3 Tips For Protecting Your New Windshield

by Clifton Martinez

It feels great to replace your old windshield with a new, pristine one, especially if your old one was cracked or chipped. However, you may also find yourself experiencing a bit of anxiety since your new windshield was an investment and you don't want it to get damaged any time soon. While there is no way to completely damage-proof your new or repaired windshield, following these tips will help protect it as much as possible:

Avoid Following Too Closely

The number one thing you can do as a driver to protect your windshield from damage is to avoid following other vehicles too closely. Following closely is not only aggressive and possibly unsafe in many driving conditions, but it also greatly increases the risk that your windshield will be struck by flying debris.

All it takes is one rock or other object flying off of the vehicle in front of you to seriously chip or crack your windshield. Following trucks too closely is especially risky since many trucks contain construction materials and other objects that may fall out of the back in certain situations.

Have a Protective Coating Added

New protective coating products are being designed all the time, including products specifically meant to be applied to windshields and car windows. These protective coatings can help reduce potential damage from the elements, including rain and UV rays. Some protective coatings also improve your windshield's scratch and impact resistance to provide a little extra help when your windshield is struck by an object or scratched by a tree branch. These coatings also help water bead off of your windshield, making it safer to drive in the rain.

Find Covered Parking Whenever Possible

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a garage, but it's a good idea to find covered parking whenever possible, especially during times of  the year when there are frequent hailstorms. Paying to have a simple carport built on your property, renting a garage, or paying for covered parking when you're at work can all be seen as smart investments since your windshield (and your vehicle in general) will be much more protected from bad weather.

If none of these are options for you, be sure to pay attention to the weather report and be proactive in moving your car to a covered spot whenever there is a major storm coming.  

Following these windshield protection tips will keep your new windshield looking and functioning like brand new for as long as possible.


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Cracks, Chips, And Windshield Glass: The Safety Fundamentals

Although most car owners understand that a cracked or chipped windshield can be a hazardous thing, few understand exactly how serious the damage can be. From structural weakness to improper repairs, it's in your best interest to understand exactly how these cracks affect your car and what you should do about them. This site will help you understand just that. I've spent most of my life in the garage, and I've seen first-hand how a crack or chip in the windshield can affect the car and the integrity of the glass. I hope the information here helps you understand why it's so important to address it right away.

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