How To Prevent Windshield Damage
An auto windshield is pretty resilient, but it is not impervious to various kinds of damage. Essentially, auto glass will expand and contract as it responds to extreme fluctuations in temperatures in conjunction to sustaining damage from debris, like pebbles, gravel, hail, and tree branches, flying through the air. To protect your windshield as much as possible, here are a few tips to keep in mind moving forward.
Wash the Windshield Regularly
Clean the windshield on a regular basis with a clean cloth that is recommended for auto glass. Windshields get coated with a variety of debris, including dust and dirt, that make it difficult to see out of the glass and makes them more vulnerable to damage. For instance, windshield wipers that continuously rub dust and dirt into the windshield create scratches that may eventually result in larger fractures and cracks.
Park in the Shade
Whenever possible, you need to keep your auto glass out of the sunlight. The reason for this is due to the fact that the extreme heat can result in the creation of fractures. Fractures can also be caused when the heat is combined with the extreme cold from the AC. When you park your vehicle in the shade, however, take care in ensuring that the trees you are parking under do not have fruits or nuts that may fall and damage the glass. If possible, the best thing you can do is to park in a climate-controlled garage, ensuring your vehicle is protected from all types of elements.
Take Roads with Less Traffic
To ensure that your windshield remains in tip-top condition, you will want to avoid driving on high-traffic roads. Instead, try to drive on roads with less traffic. The reason for this is because roads with more traffic mean excess debris, which will potentially cause damage to the auto glass.
Stay Clear of Commercial Vehicles
One of the best ways to protect your windshield from sustaining damage is to avoid getting near commercial vehicles, regardless of whether you are on a busy road or not. It doesn't matter what type of material that the vehicle is carrying—stone, gravel, lumber, etc.—it can damage your auto glass if you get too close. Ideally, you should remain three car lengths' or more behind commercial vehicles while on the road.
If you would like to learn more about protecting your windshield from damage or you require windshield repairs, contact an auto glass company like Premier 1 Auto Glass in your area.