There's nothing like driving down fresh, new asphalt. Even the most luxurious car can feel like an old clunker when it has to travel over rough roads, but very few people get to enjoy perfect driving surfaces. Instead, daily commutes often involve traveling down poorly maintained highways or over roads seemingly under never-ending construction.

Rough road surfaces are more than an inconvenience, however. These problematic streets can be harsh on your car and may even put your windshield at serious risk. Follow these three tips to keep your car's glass from becoming another victim of a deteriorating roadway.

1. Stay Alert

The most critical thing you can do for your windshield is to stay alert and aware of road conditions around you. In particular, watch out for gravel, loose pebbles, or areas where the asphalt may be damaged or crumbling. You probably know that potholes can damage your tires and wheels, but they can also contain chunks of asphalt that can fly up and damage your paint or windshield.

By staying alert, you can give these hazards a wide berth. In many cases, the best thing you can do is to stay back from other vehicles as they pass over sections of broken roads or large potholes. This strategy will minimize the likelihood that rocks will fly into your windshield. Any debris that does reach you is also more likely to have less velocity and will be less likely to cause damage.

2. Recognize the Source of Most Hazards

There's no getting around it: most windshield damage is caused by being too close to other vehicles. In some cases, this may be unavoidable. For example, a truck passing alongside you may kick up rocks in any direction, causing significant damage to your windshield. Unfortunately, many drivers also follow other cars too close, putting them at increased risk.

When traveling on especially rough roads (such as milled asphalt), always increase your following distance. These road surfaces often contain many small rocks and pebbles, and many vehicles lack mud flaps on their rear wheels. Without these protective devices, construction debris will fly directly backward towards any following cars.

3. Promptly Repair Damage

You may find that you pick up a few small chips or cracks despite your best efforts. When this happens, repair the damage as soon as you can. The more cracks and chips on your windshield, the more likely you'll need to replace the entire sheet of glass. Promptly repairing the damage will prevent it from spreading and potentially help you to avoid a costly replacement in the future.

Remember that your windshield is your window to the outside world and a critical safety component on your car. Doing what you can to protect it while on rough roads will help keep you safe and save you money over the long term.

Contact a windshield repair service to learn more.

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