Auto glass repairs can be a hassle, especially if you’re always on the go (who isn’t these days?). Even when you have the option of convenient mobile repair — like what we offer at Only 1 Auto Glass — you still must set aside a chunk of your day to wait for repairs. You also have the scheduling to deal with, your insurance company to talk to, and maybe even a rental car arrangement to set up if the damage is severe enough. It’s a lot to add to your never-ending to-do list, isn’t it? Below, we’re discussing a few simple things you can do to help make sure you avoid auto glass damage from these top three culprits:
Culprit #1: Accidents
Do you live in a neighborhood where children play outdoors? Do you have kids who participate in sports like baseball or soccer? Auto glass damage is frequently the result of flying objects (often toys and sports equipment) colliding with windshields and windows. To avoid this situation, make sure you park your vehicle a safe distance away from sporting areas. And, if you live in a kid-friendly neighborhood, garage parking is always your best bet.
Culprit #2: Following Too Closely
Driving too closely behind another vehicle puts you at greater risk of auto glass damage because vehicle tires can easily kick up road debris. When you’re moving at high speeds, if another driver’s tire picks up a small rock and propels it at your windshield, there’s very little you can do to avoid the damage.
That’s why the three-second rule came into existence. When you leave at least three seconds of time between the front of your vehicle and the rear of the vehicle in front of you, you have plenty of time to avoid flying road debris. Most importantly, you have enough time to avoid a collision if the other driver suddenly slams on the brakes.
Culprit #3: Parking Outdoors
Do you have a garage? Do you use it as a storage shed instead of a parking area? Whether you’re forced to park outdoors, or you do it because your garage is full of unused stuff, you put your auto glass at risk for damage. Here’s how:
● Sunlight. Heat can cause the outer edges of your windshield to expand at a faster rate than the inner portion of the glass. If the heat is very intense, the glass may even crack. To avoid auto glass repair or replacement, park your vehicle in shaded areas.
● Falling debris. Branches, sticks, and other debris can easily fall on your auto glass if you park beneath trees. While parking in the shade is a smart idea, to avoid auto glass repairs, try to park under a covered structure, such as a vehicle tent, carport, or parking garage.
● Hail. Storm conditions can wreak havoc on your auto glass, so if the weather report looks bad, find a covered spot to park your vehicle.
● Temperature changes. When your auto glass is exposed to drastic temperature shifts, it may expand and contract in response to the changes. Much like ice cubes crack when they’re exposed to room-temperature water, your auto glass reacts in a similar manner. If you park outdoors in cold weather conditions, be sure to warm your vehicle up slowly to avoid accidental cracks and auto glass repair.
Looking for Reliable Auto Glass Shops? Look No Further Than Only 1 Auto Glass
At Only 1 Auto Glass, we know it’s not always possible to avoid auto glass damage, and that’s why we’re always here to help. With 15 locations throughout the Twin Cities metro, we’re just a short drive away from wherever you are. And, to make repairs even more convenient, our mobile repair team is always ready to come straight to your location! To learn more about our services or to schedule your appointment, give our team a call at 651-789-1111 or reach out to us on our contact page. Trying to price out repairs? Feel free to request your free estimate online!