Most car owners want their vehicle to last as long as possible without the need for repairs. Cars are an expensive investment, so they definitely want to see their money’s worth, and if they need to pay for repairs only months after buying a car, it’s normal for them to feel like they wasted money knowing they could have bought a better car. It’s why most owners follow their maintenance schedules, keep their cars parked safely, and do their research before making a purchase. However, some car damage can be unavoidable in some circumstances. External factors such as sharp debris on the road can puncture your tires or scratch the paint of your car. And in some driving conditions, external factors such as temperatures and foreign objects can cause a crack or chip on your windshield. Auto glass repair can be affordable depending on your service provider and the type of glass used (tip: if you want stronger glass, you might have to look outside your car manufacturer’s services), but if you want to avoid getting your windshield broken in the first place, follow these three steps.
Do Your Research before Purchasing
Some cars that were mass-produced tend to have flaws that make it dangerous for its users. In 2019, Mazda recalled 190,000 Mazda 3 sedans created from 2016 to 2018 due to faulty windshield wipers. While no one was hurt, the wipers could block a driver’s line of sight, which can be dangerous in some scenarios. Mazda has replaced the wipers that were recalled and replaced the wipers they installed in cars made after the recall. If you forget to do your research, you could risk purchasing a car with faulty windshields, especially if you’re buying used cars. Not all used cars are in poor condition and can actually be a good investment if you know what to look for. But since a lot of these used cars come from people who opted to sell their car rather than have it recalled, it’s best to beware of any faulty parts it may have – especially the windshield.
Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes
Windshields are designed to withstand the everyday factors drivers face, but during freezing or scorching temperatures, it’s best to avoid giving your windshield extreme whiplash from the temperature changes to avoid tempering the glass and making it weaker. During the winter or summer, keep your vehicle parked in your garage so it is insulated far away from the extreme outdoor temperature. When driving in the winter, let your car warm up and adjust to the temperature gradually. In the summer, keep your car away from direct sunlight. You might have to pay more for covered car parking fees than to park outdoors, but leaving your car under direct sunlight can make your glass expand and less stable. On average conditions, your windshield can withstand small debris flying at it, but in hot conditions, it can become so unstable that a small but swift impact can start to chip at the glass.
Drive (and Park) Carefully
While some external factors are out of your control, driving a certain way can help prevent the way it affects your car. Some common debris that can harm your windshield are roadside debris, hail, and objects that fly in the wind during stormy and windy weather. When you’re driving on a rocky road or in the middle of the storm, driving carefully can help you avoid impact. If you happen to be driving or plan to drive where the risk of these are high, drive carefully. Some roads such as rural roadways and highways are filled with rocks and sharp debris. If travelling in bumpy roads, slow down and distance your car from the car in front of you as it might send debris flying towards your car. Bigger cars like SUVs are more likely to move larger debris. Other factors such as rain, hail, wind, and storms are difficult to determine. However, you can base it on the climate in an area. For example, Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming have high chances of hailstorms between May and September. Some cars have windshields reinforced to take on hail, but if you want to avoid it cracking, make sure you keep your car parked with cover during these months.
What If My Car Already Has a Crack?
If your windshield is already cracked or chipped, it’s only a matter of time before the crack gets bigger. If you see a small chip, it is possible for auto glass repair services to resolve the issue without having to replace the whole windshield. However, if you leave it alone long enough, the crack can grow and will need the entire windshield replaced, which is a more expensive procedure.
Your car is a significant investment – protect it by actively avoiding risks that could damage your windshield. But should the unthinkable happen and it cracks or chips, have it serviced immediately to avoid any additional damage to your car.
