21 July 2017
 Categories: , Blog

Windscreen cracks and dents can impair your visibility whilst driving, and they make your windscreen look unsightly. Parking in a garage or covered space can help you avoid damage while your vehicle is parked, but what about when you are driving? Luckily, there are numerous driving strategies that can also help you avoid chips.

1. Plan Routes Strategically

When planning your driving routes, try to stay away from undeveloped or gravel roads. Those roads tend to have more loose rocks than concrete or asphalt roads, and as a result, there is less of a chance that a pebble may fly into the air and hit your windscreen. Many dynamic mapping programs online as well as some GPS systems can help you plan routes that focus on highways or paved city roads and keep you away from short cuts and unpaved roads.

2. Drive Slowly on Recently Graded Gravel Roads

If you live in certain remote areas of the country, it may be impossible to avoid gravel roads completely. In these cases, try to take it slow. The less speed you have, the less likely rocks are to kick up.

This is especially important if the road has recently been graded. Whilst grading the road, the trucks typically put an extra layer of gravel on it. A lot of gravel also gets kicked to the side of the road. If you speed through these piles, a rock may fly up and hit your windscreen.

3. Keep Your Distance

Regardless of the type of road you are in, the vehicles in front of you may kick up rocks or other debris that could hit your windscreen, cause a crack and require a windscreen repair. To avoid that risk, keep your distance.

If you're trying to decide how far to hang back. There are a few things to keep in mind. Namely, vehicles with double back wheels are more likely to kick up rocks than vehicles with single back wheels. Additionally, trucks with mud flaps are less likely to kick up rocks. If their wheels kick up rocks, the flaps preventing them from reaching your windscreen. Of course, if the flaps are damaged, they won't provide that type of protection.

4. Check the Weather

Not all windscreen risks come from the road. Sometimes, they fall from the sky. To protect your windscreen, stay updated on the weather forecast, and avoid driving if there is likely to be hail. If it starts hailing, pull over under a bridge or other covered area until it passes.

If your screen gets damaged, reach out to a place like National Windscreens.