Although auto glass repair companies have made getting the windshield on your car fairly easy, there are some steps that you can take to prevent the need for their services altogether. Here, you will learn a few tips that can help you avoid the cracks and chips in your windshield that decrease the safety of you and your passengers.

Windshield Protection Coating

There are some products on the market that is used to coat the windshield to prevent cracks and chips from occurring. These products are available in kits for you to do it yourself, or you can have it done professionally.

Note: If your vehicle is a Jeep Wrangler or other such vehicle with a windshield that is positioned at a decreased angle, you should seriously consider investing in this type of coating. Because of the decreased angle, the windshield is more susceptible for breakage and chips.

Keep Your Windshield Clean

Keeping your windshield clean is about more than having a clear line of sight. It is about keeping the debris off of your windshield that can cause a significant impact as a stone or other flying debris comes into contact with your windshield. If you have a dirty windshield, the debris is less likely to slide up the windshield and will use the aerodynamics of the car to slide away without damage.

Drive Responsibly

Be aware of the vehicles in front of you. If you are following behind small cars, you do not have to worry quite as much about debris flying out from under the tires and smashing into your windshield, but larger cars bring great concern. Stay at least four car lengths behind pick-up trucks and SUVs. These vehicles can throw stones quite a distance.

If you are following a semi-truck, do not drive any closer than five car lengths behind it. You chance debris falling from the trailer of the truck as well as flying out from one of the many tires on the truck.

Note: Never attempt to pass a salt truck on the highway and keep a safe distance between yourself and the truck. The salt being distributed from the truck can bounce off of the road for several feet after leaving the truck.

Talk with your local windshield technician to learn more about protecting your windshield from damage. He or she will be able to assist you in learning how to protect the windshield on your car or replacing the windshield if necessary.