The fastest way to ruin your day on the road in Houston is that jarring crack from a stray rock or piece of gravel. While it might seem like a minor inconvenience, a damaged windshield can pose a significant risk to your safety. Because of this, windshield replacement in Houston is a non-negotiable to keep you and your vehicle in prime condition on the road.
Your windshield is a whole lot more than just a piece of glass; it serves as the first line of defense between you and any hazardous debris on the road. In Houston, there are a myriad of reasons you may find yourself in need of windshield replacement, but there are also a handful of ways you can mitigate your damage and keep your glass in pristine condition.
Understanding the Importance of Windshield Protection for Houston Drivers
Many drivers don’t realize how vital their windshields are and how critical it is for their safety while driving. Even a small chip or crack can escalate in a matter of seconds, making timely windshield replacement an essential aspect of your car that you cannot ignore.
The primary safety feature that windshields offer is visibility. Poor visibility causes many car crashes each year in Houston, making windshield replacements from a reputable company like Affordable Auto Glass an important asset for drivers. Aside from chips and cracks, several other factors can contribute to poor visibility:
- Sudden downpours: Houston is notorious for its storms. In fact, nearly 20% of all accidents in the city per year are due to weather-related incidents, and when combined with poor windshield conditions, it can become even more dangerous.
- Bright sun glare: Also known for its unrelenting sunshine, damaged windshields in Houston can also intensify glare over time. This can significantly reduce your visibility on the road, as well as contribute to irritating migraines.
- Congested highways: One of the most well-known aspects of Houston is its traffic. Not only can congested highways lead to accidents, but they can also kick up hazardous debris and making avoiding it nearly impossible. Even a seemingly small piece of gravel can lead to a full-blown windshield replacement.
Beyond the Basics: Safety and Legal Reasons for a Windshield Replacement
Along with offering visibility, windshields also help protect your vehicle from structural damage during serious accidents. In the case of a rollover or airbag deployment, oftentimes your windshield offers significant support for safety features that are impacted by any damage, potentially weakening the glass.
Aside from the safety aspect of windshields, there are also legal ramifications when it comes to maintaining your glass. In Houston, fines may vary from $100-$200 for not replacing your windshield when damage is significantly blocking your vision. Stay away from fines and avoidable accidents by investing in a durable windshield replacement from Affordable Auto Glass.
Common Causes of Windshield Damage in Houston
In Houston, painful glare from the sun, off-and-on showers, and the perpetual construction zones are just an unavoidable part of everyday life for many. These unique challenges can pose a threat to your windshield in many ways, highlighting the vast importance of knowing when to seek out professional windshield replacement for your vehicle.
Construction debris is a common cause for many windshield replacements. There is always a new road under construction in the city, and there is never a shortage of debris on the roads because of it. These sites are hotspots for debris of all kinds, including nails, gravel, or small, sharp pieces of metal. This type of debris can cause chips in your windshield that can quickly spread into significant cracks that require a windshield replacement.
One of the most common causes of windshield damage in Houston is aggressive driving. Things like tailgating or skidding can increase the likelihood of debris being kicked up by tires in the tight spaces.
Lastly, Houston’s heat and severe weather can also be a significant contributor to worsening windshield damage that could eventually lead to needing full replacement. High temperatures can make glass damage worsen quickly because of the increased thermal stress. This is especially true for rapid changes in temperature, such as a rain storm with hail followed by a sunny, warm evening – something that is very common in Houston. What makes glass a unique material is the way damage can rapidly change from a minor inconvenience to a huge concern due to varying factors. By understanding how volatile Houston conditions can be for your windshield, knowing your options is a breeze.
Houston Driving Practices For Keeping Your Windshield Safe
When it comes to mitigating hazards on the road, there isn’t much you can do. However, you can practice safer driving in order to be proactive in your safety on the road. These habits not only cut back your risk of needing a premature windshield replacement, but they can also keep you and your passengers safer on the road:
- Be an active observer on the road by staying off your phone
- Stay up-to-date on where to expect construction hazards
- Keep a safe distance between you and other cars, especially gravel trucks or other heavy equipment
- Avoid gravel roads to any parking lots with loose gravel
While you can’t ever fully prevent all damage on the road, by following these tips, you can cut back on avoidable windshield damage and dangerous accidents.
When to Consider a Windshield Replacement in Houston
One of the most valuable skills you can have as a car owner is understanding when a minor chip is more serious than it may seem, and when a windshield replacement is needed. The most important factor when deciding if you need a full replacement is the size of the damage. At Affordable Auto Glass in Houston, we say that if the crack is larger than the size of a dollar bill, it typically requires a replacement. If the damage is smaller than a bill, a windshield repair can usually be done in order to prevent the crack from growing any larger.
Along with the size of the damage, our expert technicians will examine the location of the damage to see if it is significantly impairing vision, or if it is in a volatile location – like the very edge of the windshield. In most cases, damage near the edge of the glass is more serious because it can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle.
Amongst windshield damage, there are many different types of cracks and chips. Some are more serious, while some can be easily repaired. Chips with serious cracks coming from the center of the divet are typically more serious, as the crack will inevitably continue to spread.
Investing in a high-quality windshield replacement before you return to the Houston traffic isn’t just a cosmetic issue – it is a necessary step for protecting you and your passengers’ safety.
Protecting Your Car and Your Safety with a New Windshield
Not only is taking care of your windshield one of the most important aspects of maintaining your vehicle, but it is also one of the easiest. At Affordable Auto Glass, we prioritize giving our customers fast, efficient, and long-lasting services that will keep you safe on the road in Houston. Don’t wait, choose peace of mind and get your windshield replaced today.
Contact Affordable Auto Glass Houston for a free windshield replacement quote.