Car glass is not just there for us to see through. For example, the windshield was originally created to protect us from the weather. Nowadays, thanks to technological advances, we can be sure that the laminated material it is made from can protect us in the event of a strong impact.
However, although it is unlikely for the glass to fully shatter, there are circumstances where windshield repair becomes necessary due to damage caused by blunt objects, animals, or even vegetation. No matter how resistant the glass is, physics dictates that the higher the speed, the more likely it is for an impact to cause a break.
Below we share the 5 most common and effective ways to prevent damage to your car’s glass. Let’s take a look!
Caution when driving
Driving carefully covers different factors to keep in mind in order to avoid damage that could lead to having to replace a car’s glass. Among these precautions are:
Keep your distance
To protect any car glass, it is important to keep the proper distance between one vehicle and another. A good way to measure this distance on the road is to count a 2-second gap from the vehicle ahead. In rain or hail, it is advisable to count 3 or 4 seconds, as 2 seconds may not be enough to react to sudden or strong braking. Likewise, maintain a distance of 100 metres from another car when driving inside a tunnel.
This distance becomes even more necessary when there are trucks around—especially large trucks or trailers that could pose a potential hazard to those driving behind. If you are in a tunnel behind a truck, a distance of 150 metres is necessary.
Beware of gravel
Gravel is small loose stone found in abundance on certain roads. Not being cautious on gravel roads poses a double danger. First, the car’s wheels can skid, potentially causing a loss of control of the vehicle.
Secondly, if driving at high speed, stones can hit the glass, especially the windshield. If stones strike hard enough, you may need to go to an auto glass workshop to solve the issue.
Keep an eye on road signs
Every good driver must be alert to road signs, especially those indicating potential hazards for car glass.
On highways or roads, paying attention to these signs becomes even more necessary because obstacles are harder to avoid at high speeds. It is important to notice detours or warnings where wild animals may be present.
Environmental caution
While it is uncommon for the windshield to be damaged solely by adverse weather, there are environmental factors that can damage it and require a visit to an auto glass workshop.
Be careful with frost
Frost not only poses a risk while driving due to slippery roads. If your car is parked outside on a cold night, ice can form.
To remove ice from the windshield, never pour hot water over it, as the temperature change could damage the glass. The best approach is to turn on the car’s heater and wait for the ice to melt.
Watch out for trees and branches
It’s important to be aware of this risk all year round. In winter, strong winds can blow branches around, or they may fall directly from trees while driving—potentially damaging the windshield and making repairs urgent.
In summer, when vegetation dries, a simple seasonal rain can cause a similar effect, making old tree branches fall onto the roadside. The recommendation is to slow down when driving through such areas.
When should you take it to an auto glass workshop?
If your vehicle suffers a windshield impact, it is important to go to an auto glass workshop so qualified personnel can determine whether a repair or a replacement is necessary.Consider replacement if:
- The damage is larger than a two-euro coin in diameter.
- The chip is deeper than 2 mm.
- The damage affects the driver’s vision.
- The damage is on the edge of the windshield.
Remember, if you do not address these issues, you may risk a fine, as well as the danger of the crack spreading across the windshield. This could endanger the safety of both driver and passenger.
