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What Causes Rock Chips and Cracks?

Before we jump into prevention tips, it’s important to understand how rock chips typically occur. The vast majority of all windshield damage is from loose gravel or debris being picked up by vehicle tires and thrown backward.

The fact that most damage is so predictably caused by the same thing(s) allows for some ability to prevent damage and simultaneously promote safe driving.

How to Avoid Rock Chips

Simple but Effective Tips

Watch Out for Dual Rear Truck Tires

Vehicles with dual rear tires, such as semi-trucks, are more likely to kick up rocks.

If two tires can kick up a rock and make you need a repair, four tires will do it twice as often. If you find yourself following or beside a vehicle with four rear tires, try to change lanes

Practical Tips:

  • Be especially cautious around large trucks and commercial vehicles.
  • Change lanes, give more space, or pass such vehicles when possible to minimize exposure to flying debris.
Driver P.O.V. of the back of a truck driving on the highway

Missing or Damaged Mud Flaps

Vehicles with larger wheels usually have mud flaps. This is a requirement on semi and dump trucks for a very important reason. Large wheels not only throw  more rocks but they also throw them further. However, not all vehicles that should have flaps do, and sometimes the flaps they have are ripped. Try to stay away from these, they will break your windshield! (Please note that not even mud flaps completely protect you).

Practical Tips:

  • Maintain awareness of the condition of mud flaps on vehicles ahead.
  • If you notice torn or missing flaps, maintain a safer distance or change lanes.
Back wheels of a tractor-trailer unit with a missing mud flap

Safe Following Distance

This one is simple, if you tailgate then more rocks will hit and chip your windshield. A larger space between you, and the vehicle in front of you, gives rocks more time to fall before you get there and is a great way to protect your glass. Not tailgating is a very good idea for other reasons as well.

Practical Tips:

  • Maintain a distance that takes three seconds to reach the vehicle in front after it passes a stationary object.
  • Increase distance on gravel roads or construction zones.
Adaptive cruise control visualization with sensor-based following distance adjustment for avoiding rock chips

Use Common Sense

Sometimes, avoiding rock chips comes down to simply staying alert and using your best judgment:

Slow down and increase your following distance, especially on gravel roads or freshly graded roads.
Did a grater just put gravel down? Is the weather warming up and the snow melting? Then slow down and put extra space between you and the next vehicle.
Stay clear of vehicles entering roads from construction sites or dirt paths.

What if a Rock Chip Happens Anyway?

No matter how cautious you are, rock chips can still happen. If your windshield does suffer a chip or crack, quick action can prevent further damage. A windshield rock chip repair is often a cost-effective way to restore your windshield without requiring a full replacement.

Our team at Windshield Surgeons offers rapid repairs with industry-leading warranty coverage, ensuring you can get back on the road safely and quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • Maintain a safe following distance.
  • Be cautious around dual-wheel vehicles and trucks without proper mud flaps.
  • Avoid gravel roads and construction areas when possible.
    Use common sense

By following these tips, you’ll reduce your chances of needing windshield repairs or replacements due to rock chips and cracks.