Windshield Damage – What Causes It and How to Avoid It

by | Apr 1, 2022 | Windshield

Your windshield is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment on your car. It protects you from the wind, rain, and debris while you are driving. It is important to keep your windshield in good condition so that it can continue to protect you. Many things can damage your windshield, and in this blog post, we will discuss some of them. We will also provide some tips on how to avoid damaging your windshield.

How road salt and other de-icing chemicals can damage your windshield

Bright orange gritter maintenance truck spreading deicing salt and sand on highway, that can damage windshield. view from car driving behind.
Bright orange gritter maintenance truck spreading deicing salt and sand on the highway, view from car driving behind.

If you live in an area where snow and ice are common in the winter, you’ve probably seen your fair share of road salt and other debris on the roads. And while it’s great for helping keep the roads clear, it can also be tough on your car – especially your windshield. Remember to take it easy on the brakes and slow down when driving in winter weather. Slowing down helps reduce the amount of debris that is kicked up from the road, which can damage your windshield.

Over time, glass can become etched and pitted from exposure to salt and other harsh chemicals, which can lead to chips and cracks. In addition, glass is also more susceptible to damage in cold weather, so it’s important to take extra care of your windshield in the winter.

How to protect your windshield from that

One way to help protect your windshield from road salt and other chemicals is to install a protective film over the glass. This film helps to shield the glass from harmful chemicals and debris, which can help keep your windshield in good condition for longer.

Another thing you can do is to make sure you clean your car off regularly during the winter. Just make sure to give your car a good wash and wax at the end of the winter season too. This will help protect your car’s paint job and also your windshield and remove any salt and chemicals that have built up on the car. With a little bit of care, you can help keep your windshield looking good and protect it from the harsh effects of winter weather. If you already noticed on the glass a chip or crack, get it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Sand and flying debris from the road

If you drive on a gravel road, you’re probably familiar with the feeling of sand hitting your car as you drive. And while it’s not a big deal when it’s just a few pieces of sand, over time it can take its toll on your windshield. Sand can scratch and etch the glass, which can lead to chips and cracks. In addition, sand can also cause the glass to become cloudy and dirty.

Sand from gravel roads is not the only thing that can damage your windshield. Flying debris from other cars or trucks can also cause chips and cracks. This can happen when you are driving, but it is especially common when you are driving in cloudy or rainy weather. So, if you drive on a gravel road, try to keep your speed down and avoid driving in the heavy rain. This will help reduce the amount of sand and debris that hits your car.

A hailstorm can be dangerous to the windshield

Stormy weather can also cause damage to your windshield. Debris is blown about and branches can break and fall from trees and break windshields. In addition, rain can cause the glass to become etched and dirty, which can lead to chips and cracks.

It’s important to take extra care of your windshield when driving in bad weather. Make sure to slow down when driving in rain or snow, and avoid driving in the heaviest part of the storm. If you’re driving and notice a hailstorm starting, find the nearest covered area to park your car. If you can’t find cover in time, pull off the road as far as possible and park in a safe place. Stay in your car until the storm has passed.

If you see a chip or crack, get it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. With a little bit of care, you can help keep your windshield looking good and protect it from the harmful effects of bad weather. A cracked or chipped windshield can quickly become a safety hazard.

Insects, including bird droppings on car’s glass

Dead insects and flattened beetles on the windshield of the car.
Dead insects and flattened beetles on the windshield of the car.

Insects and bird droppings are another common cause of windshield damage. Insects can leave their sticky residue on the glass, which can lead to chips and cracks. And bird droppings can be especially harmful, as they can contain acid that can eat away at the glass. If you see insects or bird droppings on your windshield, try to clean them off as soon as possible. Use a soft cloth and some warm water, and be careful not to scratch the glass.

To help protect your windshield from insects and bird droppings, it is a good idea to install a protective film over the glass. This film will help keep the glass clean and free of any residue or droppings. You can also clean your car regularly to remove any insects or droppings that may have been collected on the car.

Fading from the sun’s UV rays

The sun’s UV rays can also cause damage to your windshield. Over time, they can cause the glass to become cloudy and yellowed. This can make it difficult to see out of your windshield, and it can also make the glass more susceptible to chips and cracks.

To help protect your windshield from the sun’s UV rays, it is a good idea to install a protective film over the glass. This film will help keep the glass clear and free of any fading or discoloration. You can also make sure to park in the shade whenever possible, and to use a windshield protector when you are not driving.

Stone chips and other small debris causes serious windshield damage

Stone chips and other small debris are another common cause of windshield damage. These can come from flying debris on the road, or they can be caused by something hitting the windshield. Stone chips can quickly turn into cracks if they are not repaired, so it is important to get them fixed as soon as possible Periodical inspection will help prevent the chip from turning into a crack.

Construction sites

Side view on open cabin of the yellow mobile crane on construction site.
Side view of the open cabin of the yellow mobile crane on the construction site.

Construction sites usually come with falling hazards. Workers can drop tools or materials, and these can fall and hit cars parked or driving by. In addition, the site itself can be dangerous. There is often a lot of construction traffic, and it can be easy to get hit by a car if you are not paying attention.

It is important to be aware of the dangers of construction sites and to take precautions when driving near them. If you see a worker dropping something, move out of the way quickly. And if you see any construction equipment moving around, stay back until it is safe to drive by. With a little bit of caution, you can safely drive by a construction site and avoid any potential hazards.

Acid rain

Acid rain can also cause damage to your windshield. It can etch the glass and make it more susceptible to chips and cracks. If you live in an area where acid rain is common, make sure to have your windshield cleaned regularly. This will help protect it from the effects of acid rain.

Improper installation

Proper windshield installation is crucial to preventing damage. Make sure to have your windshield installed by a qualified technician, and ask for a warranty on the installation. If your windshield is not installed properly, it can be damaged easily. By ensuring that your windshield is installed correctly, you can help keep it in good condition and avoid costly repairs.

Many things can damage your windshield, but by following these tips you can help protect it from most of them. Windshields are an important part of your car, so you must to take care of them.

Catch our a small roundup of tips that can help to prevent your windshield from crack and damages:

  • Make sure to give a car a good wash and wax regularly.
  • Drive slowly and keep your distance in bad weather and on a gravel road.
  • Install a protective film over the glass.
  • If you find even a tiny chip or crack, get it repaired as soon as possible.
  • Inspect your windshield periodically.
  • Try to always park the car under the roof.
  • Drive safe behind the construction site.
  • Keep the windshield cleaned and polished on a regular basis.

Take a proactive step to protect your auto glass from damage and follow our best tips!

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