When driving through road construction or following a construction vehicle, windshield damage can happen before you realize it. That moment when a rock bounces up and makes a loud "ping" noise scares all of us.
Unfortunately, this happens more often than we like. We can help you through what happens after construction just cracked your window.
Who Is Responsible for the Repair?
It might be tempting to race after that construction truck to get their information so you can send the repair bill for your windshield to them. After all, the rock started there, fell off, and hit your windshield.
It is the truck driver's fault, right? Unfortunately, no, it is not the driver's fault. Once that rock hits the ground, it becomes a road hazard.
Who is responsible for the repair? Sadly, you are.
What About Insurance?
If you have full coverage insurance on your car, chances are you have glass coverage. This coverage falls under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance coverage.
Check with your insurance company before damage happens to make sure you have this coverage. Our professionals can work with you on filing insurance claims for your rock chip repairs or windshield replacement.
Windshield Repair or Windshield Replacement
You should never ignore windshield damage. As you drive your car, hitting bumps and causing vibrations make damage to your windshield worse. Damage can weaken the windshield's structure.
The windshield protects you as you drive down the road. You want that protection to be as strong as it can be without damage.
Here are some things to look for to decide whether you need a windshield repair or a windshield replacement.
You Can Repair the Windshield If Your Rock Chip..
- Is smaller than a quarter
- Is not in your line of site
- Has not created a run or larger crack
- Has not made a hole through both layers of your windshield
You Need a Windshield Replacement When..
- The damage is in your line of sight
- You have an old windshield with other damage
- The damage causes a run or crack larger than a dollar bill
- There is a hole through both layers of your glass
Keeping Your Windshield Safer in Construction Zones
It's no secret that driving through a construction zone will put your vehicle at a higher risk of sustaining damage, but knowing what to look for and applying some easy-to-follow steps can reduce the risk.
1. Flying Rocks & Debris
When you're driving through a construction zone, you'll inevitably encounter some loose gravel, dirt, and possibly even other types of debris on the road. Commercial and standard vehicles' tires can easily pick that stuff up, and if you're following other drivers too closely, their tires can propel rocks and other debris straight at your windshield.
What can you do to avoid this? Maintain a safe following distance at all times. Generally, that means keeping at least three seconds of space between the front of your vehicle and the rear of the vehicle in front of you.
For additional protection when road conditions are poor or visibility is limited, do your best to keep at least five seconds of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
2. Bumps & Holes in the Road
To prep roadways for repairs and updates, construction crews may need to break down the existing asphalt to some degree. That process can easily leave behind large bumps, divots, holes in the road, and height differences between new and old pavement while roads are still under construction.
If you drive over those areas too quickly, the force generated by your tires hitting the pavement can easily cause minor chips or cracks in your auto glass to spread. If outdoor temperatures are particularly high or low and you hit a hole or bump with enough speed, the impact alone could crack a completely intact windshield.
3. Unsecured Tools, Work Materials, & Equipment
Commercial drivers are trained to secure their loads; however, there's always a risk when transporting any products via commercial equipment. If the items aren't tied down correctly, external factors like weather or even the right amount of force when running over a bump can completely unravel the load, turn equipment and tools into projectiles, and crack or smash your windshield.
Avoiding this potential window damage is easy: Keep your distance from any construction vehicles you see on the road. It's better to arrive a couple of minutes late with an undamaged vehicle than to get there on time with a huge chip or crack in your auto glass or a noticeable dent in the body of your car or truck.
Need Windshield Repair or Replacement Following Construction Damage?
If you're in the market for auto glass repair or replacement services, don't hesitate to request a quote from our team at Only 1 Auto Glass! For over a decade, we've proudly served Twin Cities drivers, and our expert team has more than 200 years of combined experience.
Our work comes with limited warranties, and our 15 shop locations make caring for your auto glass faster and more convenient than ever.
To get started, go ahead and request a free estimate online, or give us a call today at 651-789-1111 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services!