Once a pebble or flying piece of gravel nicks your windshield, it usually isn't long before the chip becomes a crack, then a network of cracks. To prevent a cracked windshield, avoid getting struck by gravel and other hard particles on the road. Here are some tips to keeping the glass on your vehicle safe from damage while you’re driving.

4 Ways to Avoid a Cracked Windshield

1. Choose a Lower-Traffic Route

The more cars there are on the road, the more likely one of them will kick up debris that could damage your vehicle. If you’re worried about damaging your windshield, choose routes with less traffic or travel during off-peak hours. 

2. Don't Follow Closely

To prevent debris from flying towards your windshield, keep your distance from other vehicles when driving, particularly gravel trucks and other big rigs. Not only can pebbles fall off loads of large trucks, but their many wheels also tend to kick up more stones.

3. Check for Mud Flaps

Big rigs are required by law in most states to install mud flaps, which prevents most of their debris from flying upward. If you’re driving behind a truck ensure they have flaps behind their wheels, or you may be at a greater risk of getting a cracked windshield.

4. Slow Down

The cause of stone and gravel damage is typically not the pebble itself, but the speed at which you’re driving toward it. To reduce the chances of a nick, drive at a safe 10-mile-per-hour window of the speed limit.

If you get a cracked windshield despite your best efforts, stop by Consumer Glass, Inc. in O'Fallon, MO for windshield repair. Since 1987, this locally-owned and -operated shop has specialized in both auto and residential glass repair and replacement for residents of St. Louis and the St. Charles Metro area. Visit their website to see what they offer, or call (636) 397-6800 to schedule a repair.