How to Avoid Rock Chips on a Vehicle
While rock chips and small cracks are easy to fix, it is best to avoid them.
It is heartbreaking for a vehicle owner to find a chip, crack, scratch, or ding on their automobile glass or body. Unfortunately, loose rocks on the road are one of the leading causes of auto glass damage. It doesn't matter whether one is a veteran driver or a beginner. Loose rock and wheel rotation do not go well together and can damage the windshield, windows, and paint when the rocks and debris get kicked up while driving. In addition, rock chips and damage look unsightly and can reduce the car's lifespan.
While rock chips and small cracks are easy to fix, it is best to avoid them. Here are a few ways to minimize or avoid unnecessary rock chips while driving and keep the vehicle looking beautiful.
Watch the speed
To avoid rock chips, the first thing to keep in mind is watching the speed while driving. The faster the tires spin, the more force they apply on the road, including rocks, pebbles, and gravel. Driving fast on a gravel road increases the risk of damage. The key is to slow down the speed or avoid sudden acceleration on roads with rock and other debris, to prevent them from bouncing more than a few inches and damaging the vehicle.
Mud flaps
Vehicles with larger wheels must have mud flaps as they throw more rocks that can fly further. However, not all large vehicles have mud flaps, or these flaps are sometimes ripped. Even with mud flaps, there is no surety that one's vehicle will stay protected. Therefore, it is best to maintain a safe distance from vehicles with mud flaps to prevent windshield damage.
Maintain adequate distance from the front vehicle
Driving too close to the vehicle in the front is dangerous and allows more rocks to hit and damage the auto glass. Therefore, it is best to keep a considerable distance, especially while driving on rough roads or at high speed, to reduce the number of rocks and debris hitting the vehicle and minimize damage.
Stay observant
Another way to avoid rock chips is by staying vigilant while driving and seeing if there is anything on the road ahead that can damage the windshield. For example, stay aware of trucks pulling off a gravel road and falling rocks at the roadside, and slow the speed or drive around if there are rocks or noticeable debris on the road.
Avoid driving behind large vehicles
It is best not to drive behind vehicles with four back tires as they are likely to kick more rock. Change the lane to avoid following vehicles with more than two rear tires.
Use a protective film
Add a protective layer to the windshield by placing a film over the glass to make it more resistant to rock damage.
Get expert repair services
If, even after taking all the precautions, the vehicle still experiences a rock chip or crack, it is best to seek immediate repairs from auto glass repair professionals. Fixing the damage when they are small saves money on a costly windshield replacement.
Lucid Auto Glass provides mobile windshield repair and replacement in Tacoma, Olympia, Renton, Lakewood,and surrounding areas. Our auto glass services include windshield replacement, rock chip repair, crack repair, and leak repair as well as door window regulator and door window motor repair and replacement. Family owned and operated. Military discounts available.
