How to avoid chips on your windscreen
A chip in the windscreen is nothing new to drivers. A simple chip can lead to a crack in your windscreen which can lead to dangerous shattering and destruction of vision - which may result in an accident.
Additionally, it can also cost you a lot of money to get your windscreen repaired. So, if you want to know how to avoid having chips in your windscreen, follow these simple tips:
- Check the weather
Severe hailstorms, which many parts of South Africa experience, can cause cracks in the windscreen. If you’re aware of an upcoming hailstorm, park your car under a roof and refrain from driving until the hailstorm subsides. During the colder months, your windscreen can also contract and expand which makes it easier for cracks to expand as well. It is therefore essential and useful to cover your car with a tarpaulin when it’s not being used to protect it against weather and any other damages it may get exposed to.
- Don’t speed
When you’re speeding, especially on a freeway, you stand a greater chance of getting hit by a stray stone and the impact can be severe. The effect of any flying stones will be much more destructive if they hit your car at high speed.
- Keep a safe distance
Keep at least three cars length between your car and the one in front of you. Reducing your speed will result in less debris or fewer stones from cars in front of you damaging your car.
- Be alert
Being watchful on the road will ensure that you can avoid a possible windscreen chip. For instance, if you are alert, you can avoid an accident or any looming damage to your car..
If your windscreen gets chipped, fix it immediately to prevent large cracks from forming or any build-up of dirt. If dirt gets stuck in between the cracks, it could make it impossible to fix. Having comprehensive car insurance also ensures that if your car is damaged, you may not have to pay for repairs out of your own pocket.
