Take a dose of warm weather, mix in road crews and add a heavy pinch of paving.
That?s the perfect recipe for chipped and cracked windshields, said approved automotive repair specialist Jeffrey Boone, who works in the Towson office of AAA Mid-Atlantic, which is headquartered in Wilmington, Del.
“Most people think wintertime takes it worst toll” on cars? windshields, he said. “[Spring and summertime] is the prime season for windshields to get damaged. What you end up with is flying particles of rock, debris and blacktop. Also, dump trucks can lose portions of their load, even when they are covered.”
Consider a 2005 survey by the U.S. Census Bureau that reported Marylanders rank second to commuters in New York in average travel time to work and second only to Virginia in the percentage of workers with jobs outside of their counties of residence. More time on the road, of course, equals more time for car windshields to be cracked or chipped.
Consider these strategies to ensure your all-important automotive glass offers you a clear line of vision. Boone and his AAA colleague, Ed Kriston, offered this information.
» Do have an approved automotive repair shop fix the windshield. Car safety glass is made up for two pieces of glass with a form of elastic between them. That elastic ensures that if the windshield breaks, the glass will be held back from the passengers. Never replace safety glass with regular glass.
» Don?t assume all automotive repair shops install the same type of safety glass. Some secondary shops install safety glass that was rejected as inferior by large auto glass retailers. Talk to approved automotive repair technicians to find the best shop in your area. Also, check on the Web.
» Do realize that various cars will be more prone to windshield damage. The reasons involve the windshield slant and the aerodynamics.
» Don?t delay having a windshield repaired or replaced. A clear line of vision is vital for safety, which is why automobile inspections include windshields.
» Do keep your windshield clean. Invest in a cleaner especially for auto glass. Using standard household glass cleaners will leave smudges and fog on your glass.
For more information
For more tips and advice on these and other car safety matters, visit www.aaa.com
