How to Protect Windshields From Rocks?
May 2, 2024
No matter how skilled a driver you are, we can only try our best to control our vehicle, never the obstacles we may encounter. Such obstacles are usually potholes, slippery liquids, and even projectiles on the road.
Our car windshields face the constant threat of projectiles. These projectiles can cause immense damage to the glass and even endanger human safety. In this article, we will emphasize the safety hazards caused by rocks (projectiles), and discuss how to protect windshields from rocks.
Understanding the Risk
Although it isn’t typical to have a rock or projectile hurl our way, it sure is a scary experience. Most experienced drivers would most probably escape unscathed; however, the same may not be true for their vehicles.
Out of all possible vehicle parts, the windshield or front glass is most susceptible to risks from rocks. It is a fragile but essential feature of vehicles, as drivers have to see through this glass. Even though light chips and scratches may seem negligible, they could (if ignored with time) lead to the formation of large, unignorable cracks. These cracks not only ruin the aesthetic looks of the vehicle but also pose a safety hazard for the driver by tampering with vision.
To avoid such situations, we should learn safe driving tips to protect windshields from rocks and other projectiles.
Tips for Safe Driving
- Drive within the speed limit: If you intend to be as responsible as you want with your vehicle and life, you must drive under the speed limit. Speeding isn’t just risky for you – it threatens everyone on the road. When speed increases, the chance of penetrable damage from a projectile to your windshield increases manifold. It could also lead you to get fined if caught by authorities. Instead, follow the rules to ensure both private and public safety.
- Try not to tailgate: In high-speed traffic, drivers may accidentally tailgate the vehicle ahead of them. It poses immense risk to both cars, as it may lead to a crash if the vehicle ahead applies breaks heavily. It would also lead to small particles of debris hitting your car’s windshield, damaging it.
- Avoid traversing via makeshift roads and construction sites: Under-construction or makeshift roads (made of dirt, sand, or gravel) tend to have minute rocks embedded. These rocks, under high pressure, may launch out, hitting windshields or car bonnets in their trajectory. Construction sites or their proximity are a red zone for your vehicle. Construction materials from these sites may end up landing on roads, increasing the chance of them hitting your vehicle’s windshield.
Windshield Protection Products
Take your windshield protection to the next level by strengthening the glass itself. A rock-proof windshield or a rock-resistant windshield would be perfect for your vehicle.
It is also possible to enhance the durability of your vehicle’s windshield by using certain windshield products that contribute towards strengthening and revitalizing. These products include:
Windshield Protector
It is a shield for windshields against projectiles when the vehicle is parked. It also prevents scratches or chips from dust or rock particles.
Windshield Protection Film
It is a thin film layering over your windshield, similar to gorilla glass in mobile phones. It is the ultimate upgrade, granting your windshield rock chip protection, including a unique feature of blocking UV rays and thwarting any damages caused by them.
DIY Solutions
As previously mentioned, the windshield protection film is a revolutionary product for windshield defense. Another plus point is that it is easy to apply and doesn’t require a specialist.
It is a fun DIY project that begets you a well-protected windshield and something to boast among your peers. You can use the following guidelines to complete the procedure:
- Before starting the installation, thoroughly clean both sides of the windshield to prevent any visibility issues caused by dust.
- While unrolling the film, you should have some extra hands to help you. It would ease out the process and make it swifter as well. Also, be wary of the edges of the film as they are sharp and could end up cutting your fingers.
- Before application, spray some slip solution onto the exterior part to act as an adhesive for the film.
- Now, apply the roll onto the windshield, maintaining a 1/16th gap between the film and the borders of the glass. After application, tack the center using the squeegee and peel off the liner from both horizontal sides.
- After removing the liner, gently tack the windshield protection film from the center towards the periphery until the whole thing is locked.
And now you are done setting up the windshield protection film.
Regular Maintenance
Maintenance lets you check the condition of the windscreen and even helps you spot the little chips. Spotting these scratches helps in preventing the formation of large cracks in your windshield. Here’s what you can do:
- Visual inspection: At least once a month, do a thorough visual inspection of your entire windshield, both inside and out. Look for any small chips, cracks, scratches, or signs of pitting.
- Feel for damage: Run your fingers gently across the surface of the windshield, feeling for any nicks or chips you might have missed visually.
- Cleaning: Clean your windshield regularly with a high-quality glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to remove dirt, debris, and contaminants that can contribute to wear and tear.
- Prompt repairs: If you find any chips or cracks, no matter how small, get them repaired by a professional as soon as possible. Small chips can quickly grow into larger cracks that compromise the windshield’s integrity and may require a full replacement.
Insurance Considerations
Comprehensive car insurance can help ease the financial burden of windshield replacement. While a valid claim can get your windshield replaced, it won’t stop the damage from happening in the first place.
While insurance coverage for your damaged vehicle takes away stress from your pockets, it is not a preventative measure and is only effective after the damage has been incurred. However, it can still replace your windshield, in case you are eligible for the claim.
NuVision: Your Partner in Total Windshield Protection
Yeah, rocks usually may seem less threatening, but they could still pose an immense threat under certain circumstances. Hence, it is better to be prudent, stay prepared, drive safely, ensure proper maintenance, and apply windshield protection to ensure safety.
Don’t let a small chip turn into a big crack! Contact NuVision’s experts today for a quick and reliable windshield repair.
FURTHER READING
➤ Is It Safe to Drive with a Cracked Windshield?
➤ How to Fix Windshield Crack
➤ Types of Windshield Cracks
