How to Avoid Common Chip Damage

A crack or chip in your windshield can lead to extensive damage, headaches, major repairs, and more. While a professional auto glass shop can remove the damage to your windshield and make it look as good as new, it’s usually better to avoid creating the problem in the first place. Here’s how to avoid common chip damage.

Be Cautious

First and foremost, drive carefully. If you’re on a gravel road or a street with a lot of rocks, keep your speed low and pay close attention to your surroundings. Not only will you be better able to avoid obstacles, but if you are hit by rocks it may reduce the potential chip damage. This is particularly true in construction zones or areas with road work.

Stay Clear

You should also be sure to keep your distance from other vehicles. Don’t follow them too closely, because any rocks they kick up might hit your vehicle before they have a chance to fall back to the ground. Tailgating isn’t just reckless driving—it can also damage your windshield.

Remember to watch for oncoming vehicles as well. If there’s no barrier between the lanes, then you might have to deal with rocks flying from the side or front. If possible, stick to the right lane.

Watch For Trucks

Don’t follow big trucks if you can help it. Bigger vehicles are more likely to kick up pebbles, and can throw them farther. Be especially wary of vehicles with multiple wheels (which creates more opportunities to throw rocks) or without mud flaps (which can help mitigate debris).

It goes without saying that you should stay clear of trucks carrying gravel, soil, or rocks. Generally speaking, you should stay about 200 feet behind these vehicles to prevent chip damage—a little more than half a football field. If possible, move into a different lane.

Finally, be careful with trucks that are pulling onto the road or making a turn. As they accelerate, they’re more likely to fling rocks.

Be Aware of Other Issues

You should also be aware of threats that aren’t due to other cars. For example, hailstones can cause chips or cracking if they hit your windshield hard enough, so don’t drive in thunderstorms and park your vehicle in a covered area. Also be careful when driving through areas that might have falling rocks or branches, such as cliffs or forests.

Get Professional Help

It’s important to remember, though, that no prevention method is perfect, and even careful drivers might experience chips from time to time. If your windshield has chip damage, be sure to get it professionally fixed. Quick repairs and awareness of the road are vital for protecting your windshield.