Three Driving Tips To Follow When You Need Your Windshield Replaced
Posted on: 30 December 2015
A little misfortune on the road can result in a rock making a seemingly innocuous chip in your windshield. Over time, though, this chip can expand in size until it's a small crack and then a larger crack. By the time you reach this point, you'll need to have your windshield replaced. While auto glass companies can typically repair small chips, a replacement is necessary once a crack begins to grow. If you have a few days until your appointment, it's best to keep your driving to a minimum to avoid the crack spreading and potentially impacting your line of sight. When you do have to get behind the wheel, here are three tips that can keep the crack from further spreading.
Maintain A Moderate Temperature
Sudden changes in your vehicle's interior temperature can cause your windshield crack to grow. Depending on the season, there are different approaches you can take to avoid rapidly changing the temperature inside your vehicle. During the winter, avoid getting into a cold car and cranking the heat on full blast. Instead, set the heat to come through the floor vents instead of the dashboard vents, which will prevent hot air from hitting the windshield crack directly. In the summer, lowering your windows rather than using the air conditioning can allow you to reduce the interior temperature of your vehicle more moderately.
Stay Out Of Trouble Zones
Driving in certain areas can heighten your risk of another rock hitting your windshield, which can create a sharp vibration that causes your existing crack to grow in size. Gravel roads are often problematic -- not only can other vehicles' tires fling stones at your vehicle, but the heavy vibration your vehicle experiences on this type of uneven road can be an issue. Regardless of where you're driving, try to avoid trailing behind trucks. Their additional tires means they're more apt to send rocks into the air and cause more damage to your windshield.
Avoid Excessive Vibrations
Any sort of major vibration can create a jarring impact that results in further growth of the windshield crack. Take steps to avoid creating such vibrations by always closing your vehicle's doors carefully instead of slamming them and take the same approach when you're using your trunk. Be careful about steering, too -- cutting a corner too closely and bouncing off a curb can create a vibration that causes further problems. Talk to your auto glass shop, such as City Wide Auto Glass, for recommendations specific to your situation.
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