Five Ways to Protect Your Windshield
Windshield replacement
Most vehicle owners believe they have to accept the fact that their windshield is at risk of damage. Between inclement weather, roadside debris, and construction zones, it’s easy to think you have no way of protecting your windshield from danger. Fortunately, there are ways you can protect your windshield from cracks, breaks, and other damages. Follow these tips to avoid windshield replacement in the future.
Don’t Tailgate
When you drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you, the odds increase that the other vehicle’s tires will throw debris up into your windshield. This is especially true on gravel roads or roads where construction vehicles are working.
Put enough distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you to avoid having a pebble, rock, or other debris thrown into your auto car glass. Tailgating also increases the risk of a rear-end collision – the most common type of accident that leads to windshield replacement.
Don’t Drive in Inclement Weather
While rain may not affect your windshield, a hailstorm or severe wind can. If you drive in a hailstorm, you’re at high risk of chunks of ice hitting and cracking your windshield. Your windshield wipers are useless against hail – the only way to avoid danger is to not drive at all. High winds can blow roadside debris into the air, posing a threat to driving vehicles. Tree limbs, rocks, and other debris can hit your auto glass and shatter it, forcing you to pay for a windshield replacement.
Cover Your Windshield During Winter
A frosty windshield is more than just annoying – during winter, frost on your windshield can weaken the glass. Cold weather causes glass to expand, making small cracks larger and even causing new cracks. If a vehicle owner pours hot water on frozen glass to defrost it, the glass will expand and contract rapidly, weakening glass and leading to cracks. Before a cold front hits, cover your windshield with towels to protect the glass. In the morning, pull the towels away and you’re free to drive – no scraping necessary.
Park in the Shade
Parking in the shade can save you expensive auto glass repairs in the future. When your auto glass sits in the sun for hours on end, the metal frame and other materials holding the glass in place expand. This expansion and contraction can cause windshields to crack or cause pre-existing cracks to widen. Investing in cheap sunshades for your vehicle doesn’t protect the glass, since it sends heat through the windshield. Parking in the shade is the only sure sun protection.
Take Proper Care of Your Auto Glass
Using the right glass cleaning products protects your glass from scratches or damages. Proper cleaning agents are ammonia-free, which keep your glass clear from foggy residue. Use a soft, microfiber cloth to avoid scratches. Get into the habit of closing your car doors softly since slamming them repeatedly can eventually lead to weakened glass.
Need Windshield Replacement in Tulsa?
If your windshield is cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged, contact Glass Works Auto Glass for a free repair or replacement price estimate on your car window. Our technicians will come to your location for a windshield replacement and ensure the job is done with care and precision.
