If there is something unpredictable and uncontrollable, it’s the weather. And while we as drivers can do little about it, it’s always useful to have resources to come out well from tricky situations while driving.

That’s why, at Ralarsa, as a window tinting workshop, we want to give you a hand. Keep reading this article and take note of the tips we give you. Visit our blog for more content of interest and don’t miss our recommendations — you’ll be able to keep your vehicle in the best condition thanks to services such as car glass repair or rain-repellent treatment, among others. We look forward to seeing you at Ralarsa!

“Crosswind Shield Effect” and “Jackknife Effect”

Wind on the road, as you can imagine, is not the driver’s best friend. It is especially dangerous, so it is important to know two of the most common threats.

First of all, what is the “efecto pantalla” (crosswind shield effect)? This occurs when the wind blows perpendicular to the road. This situation usually happens when overtaking a large vehicle, as well as when going through a tunnel or any other element that acts as a “barrier” to the wind.

So, when overtaking a large bus or truck, it shields you from the lateral wind. The car can easily change its trajectory towards the vehicle, as it is no longer affected by the gust of wind. For this reason, it is advisable to slightly adjust the steering when you begin to overtake the truck or bus, and also when you finish overtaking. The same applies when going through a tunnel.

The “efecto tijera” (jackknife effect), on the other hand, occurs when the car is towing a trailer or in the case of articulated vehicles. In short, the wind can cause the trailer to swing towards the car, potentially overturning in the worst-case scenario. To avoid reaching that point, the best option is to reduce speed.

General recommendations

The negative effects of wind impact can be summed up as destabilisation and changes in trajectory. From there, at our Ralarsa car glass repair workshop, we want to give you some advice — because any prevention to neutralise the effects of wind on the road is welcome:

  • Be aware of your surroundings. To observe our environment and understand the intensity of the wind, we can use windsocks placed along roads and highways, as well as nearby trees.
  • Firm grip on the steering wheel. If the wind is blowing strongly, it might push the car or motorbike slightly, so it’s important to hold the steering wheel firmly. You may also need to correct the vehicle’s trajectory in the opposite direction to the wind.
  • Reduce speed. Exceeding the speed limit is never a good idea, but it’s even worse in windy conditions. The DGT (Spanish Traffic Authority) advises adjusting your speed to the force of the wind — in other words, slow down.
  • No sudden movements. Just as with rain or snow, making quick, abrupt movements can cause swerving.
  • Stay in the centre of the lane. Since wind (especially crosswind) can push you sideways, it’s essential to try to stay in the middle of your lane. This is particularly important on single-carriageway roads, where there’s only one lane per direction, making head-on collisions possible.

Where to get car glass repair?

At Ralarsa, we hope you can put these recommendations into practice when necessary. To learn more about us, we invite you to visit our website. We have a network of more than 250 window tinting workshops, where you can also benefit from other services such as headlight polishing or rain-repellent treatment.

Remember that over 40 years operating in the sector endorse us as professionals in the automotive field. In addition, we offer home service if needed and 24-hour phone assistance. Contact us and take care of your car as it deserves!