Getting a windshield replacement can be a pricey hassle, especially if you’re strapped for time or don’t have insurance coverage for your auto glass. But since it’s illegal to drive with a cracked windshield in Minnesota, it’s something that must be done.

 

Once you’ve got a fresh, unblemished windshield on your ride, it’s in your best interest to do everything in your power to prevent yourself from needing another new windshield.

 

How do you do that? Let’s take a look at a few simple yet effective things you can do to keep your windshield replacement in excellent shape long term.

 

1. Park in Protected Areas

If possible, park in a garage or beneath a carport when you’re at home. When you’re at work, try to park in a parking garage or somewhere that’ll shield your vehicle from the weather. While finding a protected parking area won’t always be feasible, parking beneath something is the best way to prevent damage caused by hail and other falling objects.

 

All it takes is one falling object or stray ball to put an irreparable crack in your auto glass. So do your best to park in areas that help shield your vehicle if you want to reduce your risk of incurring windshield damage.  

 

2. Keep a Safe Distance

Do you have a tendency to drive a little too close to other drivers’ rear ends? Now is the time to change your ways. Other vehicles’ tires can easily propel rocks and other road debris straight at your windshield when you follow too closely, so the farther away you stay, the better.

 

To reduce your risk of incurring windshield damage caused by flying road debris, do your best to keep at least three seconds of distance between the front of your vehicle and the rear of the vehicle in front of you. Not sure how to do that? Follow these steps:

 

1.      Choose a specific point alongside the road ahead of you (a sign, a tree, etc.)

2.      Wait until the vehicle in front of you passes that point and count the seconds until your vehicle passes that same point.

3.      If you pass the point before you count three seconds, back off a bit.

4.      Choose a new point and repeat the process until there are three seconds of space between your vehicles.

5.      If the roads are icy, your visibility is low, or there’s lots of debris on the road (especially if there are rocks), it’s a good idea to increase that space to at least five seconds.

 

3. Replace Your Wipers Regularly

Old, deteriorated wipes can easily scratch your windshield when the rubber begins to wear away and the metal beneath makes contact with the glass. But preventing those tiny etches is simple: just replace your wipers every six to 12 months.

 

Keep in mind, though, that if you use your wipers frequently or live in a very arid climate, the rubber may deteriorate faster. To make sure you replace your wipers often enough to prevent windshield damage, take a close look at their condition every couple of months. If you notice any deterioration, put a new pair on to be safe. 

 

4. Handle Auto Glass Repairs Promptly

If your new windshield ever suffers a crack or chip, no matter how small it might be, get the damage repaired as quickly as possible.

 

The sooner you handle auto glass repairs, the lower the chance that an existing chip or crack will continue to grow. And ultimately, the lower the chance that you’ll end up needing another windshield replacement instead of a simple and relatively inexpensive repair.

 

If your busy schedule can’t accommodate a trip to an auto glass repair shop, you can schedule a mobile service to ensure your windshield gets fixed promptly. To learn more about what you can expect, check out Is Mobile Windshield Repair Safe?

 

5. Follow Post-Replacement Care Tips

When you get a windshield replacement, there are a few aftercare tips you’ll want to heed during the first two days after you leave the auto glass repair shop. Following these tips will help ensure the new glass bonds to your vehicle's frame properly, and the new seal lasts long term.

 

Here’s how to care for a new windshield immediately after you get it replaced:

 

●        Allow your vehicle to sit for at least an hour after it’s been serviced.

●        Drive carefully (go slow on bumpy roads and over speed bumps, potholes, etc.).

●        Leave a window cracked to equalize pressure and temperature inside and outside the vehicle.

●        Do not slam the doors (considerable force can interfere with the molding’s ability to set properly).

●        Avoid things that could potentially stress the glass (parking in direct sunlight, power car washed, etc.)

●        Leave the retention tape on for at least 24 hours.

 

For a more in-depth breakdown of post-replacement windshield care tips and why they matter, check out Just Got a New Windshield? Aftercare Tips to Make Your Investment Last. 

 

Only 1 Auto Glass: Your Twin Cities Windshield Replacement Experts

When you’re in the market for a windshield replacement, look no further than Only 1 Auto Glass! For more than a decade, we’ve proudly served drivers throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro and we have several shop locations to make auto glass service as convenient as possible. If you can’t make it to one of our shops, we offer mobile service too!

 

Give us a call today at 651-789-1111 or request a free estimate to discuss your windshield repair or replacement needs.