Tips to Avoid Damaging Your Auto Glass

The moment when your windshield cracks while driving down the highway can cause quite a scare. Depending on how bad it is, you might have to pull over immediately to avoid getting into a wreck, then you'll need a tow to an auto glass repair shop. If you want to avoid this nightmare scenario, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Pay Close Attention on Bumpy Roads or Avoid Them Altogether

Auto glass can crack due to a sudden jarring from a pothole or a bump in the road. In an ideal world, you would always drive on highways and smoothly paved back roads. Since that's not always the case, you'll need to pay attention. If you are navigating a road that seems awfully bumpy, don't hesitate to slow down to lower than the speed limit.

Stay Away from Large Trucks

If you see a large truck in front of you on the highway, it's generally a good idea to steer clear. The one location you really don't want to be is directly behind it. If it's a truck that has cargo out in the open air, you'll be praying that everything is properly secured and that nothing is going to fall off and bounce onto your windshield. Even if the truck's cargo is fully enclosed, large vehicles are known to kick up gravel and rocks in their wake—keep your distance.

Hot Water is Not the Answer

Some people manage to crack their windshield before they've even started the car. If you live in an area that is prone to especially freezing temperatures, you should not use hot water to try and thaw the windshield. A blast of boiling hot water on top of a completely frozen windshield could cause a reaction—the next thing you know, the glass will badly crack as it expands and contracts.

Get Professional Help

Auto glass repair shops do more than just fix broken windshields; they can also put a windshield protectant on your vehicle to stop cracks from occurring. The protectant is usually a thin layer that will not reduce your visibility but can protect the glass from small debris that kicks up from the road.

In order to keep your windshield looking good, use some common sense while you are out on the road. Give large trucks a wide berth, pay close attention when driving on backroads, and never thaw your vehicle with hot water. For more tips, contact a local auto glass repair shop today.