9 Bad Habits That Are Ruining Your Windshield

When it comes to safety, your windshield plays a larger role than you might realize. It doesn’t matter if you drive a little coupe or a huge Suburban with two gas tanks—the fact is, the windshield is responsible for much of the structural integrity of the cab you and your passengers sit in, especially in the unfortunate event of a rollover crash.

Since the windshield does much more than keep wind and debris from flying in your face, it’s a given that you’d want to keep it in the best condition possible. There are some things many vehicle owners do that are ruining their windshields—but only because they’re unaware.

In this blog, we’re going to cover all the driving and maintenance habits that are ruining your windshield.

1. Following Too Close

When you follow someone too closely, you run the risk of debris kicked up by their rear tires hitting your windshield. A rock could chip your glass severely. The closer you are when the rock flies back from the tire in front of you, the more damage it can do. So give debris a place to go—leave a few car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you for your glass’s sake.

2. Aggressive Driving

If you’re prone to sudden braking, constant swerving, or rapid acceleration, you could be putting excessive stress on existing chips or cracks in your windshield, causing them to worsen.

3. Hitting Potholes or Driving on Uneven Roads

When you hit a pothole or drive on bumpy, uneven roads, the jolting motion can jar the windshield and cause any existing cracks or chips to expand.

4. Parking in Direct Sunlight

Windshields that experience prolonged exposure to sunlight can weaken over time. This makes them more susceptible to damage when hit by something like a rock. Try to park in the shade if you don’t have access to a garage.

5. Ignoring Chips and Cracks

This is one of the worst habits a vehicle owner can develop. Leaving cracks and chips in your windshield puts your safety—and that of your passengers—at risk. As mentioned earlier, much of your vehicle’s structural integrity depends on the windshield. Chips and cracks compromise that integrity.

It’s essential to get chips and cracks repaired right away because they can spread quickly. If they’re small, they may be repairable. But if you let them spread, you’ll likely need to replace the entire windshield, which is much more costly.

6. Using Abrasive Cleaners and Tools

Using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals on your windshield can weaken the glass or even cause scratches. Use wiper fluid or a cleaner specifically designed for windshields, along with a microfiber cloth. Cleaning is essential—but do it the right way.

7. Not Cleaning the Windshield Regularly

When you don’t clean your windshield regularly, grime can accumulate and eventually act like sandpaper. This causes minor scratches, which can lead to much bigger problems down the road.

8. Defrosting with Hot Water

Glass can crack from drastic temperature changes. Anyone who’s taken a glass from a hot dishwasher and filled it with ice has probably learned that the hard way. The same goes for your windshield. If you live in—or are visiting—an area with freezing temperatures, remember: never use hot water to defrost your windshield, or the glass might shatter. Let your car’s defroster do the work.

9. Slamming Doors

Slamming the door can rattle and weaken the glass over time. This applies not only to your windshield but also to your window glass. Be gentle with your vehicle, and it will return the favor.

Do You Have Existing Chips or Cracks in Your Windshield in San Diego or Orange County, CA?

If you have any chips or cracks in your windshield and you live, work, or are visiting the Del Mar, Carlsbad, Vista, or Orange, CA areas, contact 911 Windshield Repair & Replacement. We’ve been providing windshield repair and replacement services in this area for more than twenty years—and we’re family-owned and operated.