How to Deal with Windshield Damage Caused by Highway Pebbles?
2 Answers
Here is a detailed guide on how to handle windshield damage caused by pebbles on the highway: 1. Immediately reduce speed and pull over to inspect: When hit by a pebble, the windshield may develop a bullseye or radial crack. Unless the impact is extremely strong, the glass usually won’t shatter or lose fragments. Therefore, drivers should remain calm, slow down, and exit the main lane to inspect the damage. If the crack obstructs visibility, adjust the seat height to ensure a clear view of the road ahead. However, even small cracks can expand due to driving vibrations, leading to further damage. Thus, it’s advisable to visit a repair shop as soon as possible. 2. Seek professional repair at a reputable auto service center: If you don’t have insurance and the damage is minor, a professional repair shop can fix it. The repair process typically involves drilling a hole at the end of the crack, using specialized equipment to create a vacuum, injecting transparent resin into the crack, and then drying it. After repair, the windshield’s strength is usually restored to about 90% of its original capacity, with minimal visible traces. 3. Replace the windshield at a certified shop: If you have standalone glass coverage, you can drive directly to a repair shop for assessment and replacement of the windshield.
I often encounter stones hitting my windshield when driving on the highway, which is quite annoying. Just a few days ago, it happened again. I was driving at a relatively high speed when suddenly there was a loud 'bang,' and a small crack appeared on the windshield. I immediately slowed down, turned on the hazard lights, and pulled over to the right emergency lane to check the damage. Fortunately, it wasn't severe and didn't pose any immediate danger. I quickly applied some transparent tape over the crack to prevent it from spreading and then drove slowly to the nearest rest area. There, I found an auto repair shop and asked if they could do a temporary fix. The mechanic said small cracks can be repaired with resin, which is cheap and quick, but larger cracks would require replacing the entire windshield. The whole process took less than half an hour. Remember, never slam on the brakes suddenly on the highway to avoid rear-end collisions. After the incident, I reflected on the experience and decided to check the windshield for cleanliness before hitting the highway in the future and to avoid driving too close to large trucks to reduce the risk of stone chips.
