How to prevent your windshield from breaking, cracking or shattering.

There is no surefire way to get a one hundred percent guarantee on a windshield repair against cracks, chips, and breaks. It is almost inevitable that, sometime in a driver’s lifetime, something will happen to a car’s windshield. But, there are ways to help avoid as many of these bad occurrences as possible.
- Do not tailgate. When a vehicle’s tires throw gravel and debris in the air, the vehicle behind is much more likely to be hit by the flying matter if they are less than three car lengths away. By staying a safe distance away from the vehicle in front, the driver is actually accomplishing two things. One is pure safety. Staying farther back will help to avoid rear end collisions. The second is avoiding windshield damage. A rock is much less likely to make it all the way to the windshield if the car is farther behind.
- Avoid Staying Behind a Loaded Tractor Trailer. If the semi truck up ahead is hauling a load of gravel or some similar matter, it is a surefire guarantee that some of those rocks are going to fly out. And, any car behind is like a target for the flying debris, just waiting to be damaged. In the event that a driver finds themselves behind such a semi, the best thing to do is to stay a safe distance away and get out from behind the truck as soon as possible. If the mud flaps on a semi truck are damaged, the large wheels are also more likely to throw road debris in the air.
- Park under a Shelter. If a tree limb falls on the car’s windshield, there will surely be damage, and if the driver lives in a hail prone area, the windshield is just waiting to be cracked. The best way to avoid elemental damage to a car windshield is to park under cover. A garage would be the best option, but also, a car port, shed or any type of shelter that will protect the car will save a driver much headache.
- Take Care When Cutting Grass. There is nothing more dismaying than the moment when, stepping away from the lawnmower after a hard couple of hour’s work, the sight of shattered glass catches the eye. Lawnmowers will sling debris, even if they employ a clipping catcher. When the blades on the mower hit a rock, there is a good chance the rock will go flying. And, if the vehicle is in the path of the flying rock, the worst is bound to happen. The best choice is to move the vehicle to a safer place while one is working on the lawn.
- Deal With Ice Carefully. Extreme temperature variations can be harmful to a windshield that has even the most miniscule damage. So, if a driver lives in place prone to hard freezes, a few steps can help prevent windshield damage. Do not stab or chop at ice with a scraper. Doing so can cause small chips in the windshield. Do not turn the car’s heater defrost to full blast in the beginning. The high heat on a frozen windshield could cause a tiny chip to become a big headache. Do not throw hot water on a frozen windshield. Ever had a drinking glass crack or shatter when ice was placed in it? The same concept goes for a car windshield. The sudden shock of such a varying temperature can put much strain on a windshield.
- In the Event of a Chip, Do Something Soon. Whether it is to employ a professional to fix the chip or to use a “do it yourself” repair kit, it is important to go ahead and do something to the little chip. A small chip can spread under the sun’s heat or cause the windshield to completely shatter if not seen about in a timely manner. It is best to go ahead and take care of the damage before it gets worse.
- Regularly Inspect the Windshield. Sometimes, a driver will not even realize that the windshield has been damaged. Or, the damage may happen when the car is parked and may go unnoticed. With a regular inspection of the windshield, small damage can be caught and take care of before it becomes worse.