Winning the Gravel War: How to Avoid a Chipped Windshield

Ouch! Right outa the blue!

This content is provided by The Glassman, mobile windshield repair in Wichita, Kansas.

You do everything you can to keep your vehicle nice; you wash it, slow down over bumps, and look twice before entering traffic. Then out of nowhere, a random piece of gravel strikes like a stray bullet, leaving a ding in your windshield. Sometimes there’s no way to see it coming, but there are a few driving habits you can adjust that will reduce the odds of a windshield chip.

Don’t Tailgate

A lot of the gravel that hits windshields is tossed up by the tires of other vehicles, so the closer you follow in traffic, the more you place yourself in the line of fire. It’s wise to keep a safe stopping distance, anyway, by following at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. Heavy vehicles, like semi rigs and buses, can send gravel flying even farther.

Should the Other Driver Pay for My Windshield, If They Kicked up the Gravel?

Um, no. According to insurance companies—and the law—the other driver is not responsible for your cracked windshield unless they were driving recklessly. It’s considered an act of nature, so you’re on your own when it comes time to pay for the damage.

Stay Away from That Dump Truck

Watch for gravel trucks around quarries and construction areas, and keep your distance from them. When these monsters lose bits and pieces of gravel at 60 miles per hour, you can get some serious windshield damage.

Use Extra Caution on Gravel Roads

When you see another vehicle approaching on a gravel road, you’re a prime target for projectiles. Slow down and pull as far to the edge of the road as you safely can.

When you’re the only vehicle on a gravel road, stay in the grooves carved out by previous traffic; there’s less gravel there, which means you won’t be kicking up as much. Groove driving is also a good way to lower your risk of tire punctures and preserve the undercarriage of your vehicle.

What Can You Do About a Windshield Chip?

You may be able to have it repaired for free. Many insurance companies pay the full cost of windshield repairs because they know that most small cracks eventually become large cracks that require windshield replacement. They would rather pay the $50-$60 for a repair than wait and pay $200 for a new windshield. If you have to pay for the repair out of pocket, you’re the one saving money in the long run.

Repair only takes a few minutes, and The Glassman will come to your home or work to do the job. We’ll use a vacuum mold to inject a fast-drying polymer filler into the voids of the damaged area, and the vehicle can be driven immediately. Give us a call at (316) 978-0027.