While those pesky chips in your windshield might appear to be no more than a minor annoyance, you should never put off getting a windshield chip repaired. Repairing small chips is often simple and affordable, but an unrepaired chip can easily become larger and cause your windshield to crack. If this occurs then the damage becomes too great and the windshield cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced. As you can imagine, windshield replacement is much more expensive than a windshield repair. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help prevent chips. Keep reading below to find out how.
If you need an auto glass replacement in the GTA, give Wizard Auto Glass a call at (877) 564-5331, or request a quote online.
Tips to Prevent Windshield Chips
While accidents happen, there are a few things you can do to prevent windshield chips, simply by adjusting your driving and maintenance. These include things such as:
Keep your distance from big trucks: One of the easiest ways to get a windshield chip is by following too closely to big construction or dump trucks. Usually, these trucks are carrying parts that can easily break off and send small pieces flying off the back of the truck. If you are close behind the truck, the pieces are likely to hit your car and cause a chip in your windshield, or other damage.
Don’t tailgate: Another easy way to get a chip in your windshield is by tailgating. The back tires of cars can kick up little rocks or sand particles from the road and send them flying, especially if they are traveling at a high speed. Driving too close to the car in front of you puts you at risk for getting hit by those rocks and particles. If they hit the windshield of your car hard enough, or at the right angle, you will get a chip in your windshield.
Choose parking carefully: If you can, you should avoid parking your car on the side of the road. Instead, opt for a parking lot, garage, or private driveway. This way, other cars won’t be speeding past your parked car and sending rocks towards your windshield.
Don’t forget your wipers: You should also be checking your windshield wipers on a regular basis. Windshield wipers that have tears or cracks, or are bent or broken, can create a windshield chip.
Plastic scrapers: You should only use plastic ice scrapers, as metal ones can scratch your windshield.
Check the windshield: You should be regularly checking your windshield for any small chips and cracks. Sometimes they can be hard to spot if you are not looking for them.
Removing ice: Never use hot water to thaw ice from the windshield. This will cause any chips to instantly crack your windshield. Instead, let your car heat up for a bit and then try removing the ice.