Summertime seems to be the time of year when there are more reported rock chips! Rock chips may start small but can turn into a much bigger problem if not addressed right away. While rock chips aren't 100% preventable there are ways to reduce your risk of one happening.
Here are some tips on Preventing Rock Chips:
1. Avoid Gravel Roads. Loose gravel causes rock chips, so avoid gravel roads when possible.
2. Avoid Construction. Road construction tends to mean loose asphalt, rocks, gravel, so avoid construction zones if possible.
3. Don't Tailgate/Follow too Closely. Rocks only fly so far, the closer you are to the vehicle in front of you the more likely a loose rock will hit your windshield. Stay at least a car length back & when following semi trucks give them more room as they tend to kick out rocks even further.
4. Drive the Speed Limit. The faster you are going the more damage a rock will do, go the speed limit to help limit the damage.
5. Avoid Semi Trucks. Semi trucks are more likely to send loose gravel flying, if you're behind one give it space & pass or switch lanes when able. Mud flaps are supposed to help reduce the likelihood of loose gravel causing damage but don't relay on mud flaps to be 100% preventative.
6. Avoid Vehicles with 4 Rear Wheels. Vehicles with 2 rear wheels kick up rocks so vehicles with 4 rear wheels end up kicking up rocks more often.
7. Take the Road Less Traveled. Less traffic on the road means less opportunities for a rock chip.
& the most important tip:
8. Repair Chips Right Away. Repair the chips before they turn into something that is beyond repair! A windshield repair is cheaper than a windshield replacement!
Here are some tips on Preventing Rock Chips:
1. Avoid Gravel Roads. Loose gravel causes rock chips, so avoid gravel roads when possible.
2. Avoid Construction. Road construction tends to mean loose asphalt, rocks, gravel, so avoid construction zones if possible.
3. Don't Tailgate/Follow too Closely. Rocks only fly so far, the closer you are to the vehicle in front of you the more likely a loose rock will hit your windshield. Stay at least a car length back & when following semi trucks give them more room as they tend to kick out rocks even further.
4. Drive the Speed Limit. The faster you are going the more damage a rock will do, go the speed limit to help limit the damage.
5. Avoid Semi Trucks. Semi trucks are more likely to send loose gravel flying, if you're behind one give it space & pass or switch lanes when able. Mud flaps are supposed to help reduce the likelihood of loose gravel causing damage but don't relay on mud flaps to be 100% preventative.
6. Avoid Vehicles with 4 Rear Wheels. Vehicles with 2 rear wheels kick up rocks so vehicles with 4 rear wheels end up kicking up rocks more often.
7. Take the Road Less Traveled. Less traffic on the road means less opportunities for a rock chip.
& the most important tip:
8. Repair Chips Right Away. Repair the chips before they turn into something that is beyond repair! A windshield repair is cheaper than a windshield replacement!
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