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Knowledge to Lessen the Headache of Windshield Damage

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Almost every driver at one time or another will experience a chip or cracked windshield. Depending on its location and severity, this damage may require a simple windshield chip repair or a more comprehensive windshield replacement.

Here are a few tips for ensuring your safety and your vehicle’s functionality.

Do’s

  • Try to get windshield repaired at your local Penske Automotive Group dealership as soon as possible. If you have to use your car for a few days with the damage present make sure your view isn’t obstructed.
  • Measure the crack or chip. (The Penske Service Center recommends- if the crack is less than 12 inches long and a chip is smaller than a walnut a simple repair will suffice a windshield replacement isn’t necessary.)
  • Avoid getting dirt specs in chip or crack.  (Penske Automotive Group suggests using clear packing tape. Make sure it doesn’t impair your vision.)
  • Mixing sunlight and windshield damage are never a good combo.  If possible park in shady areas or garages until you can get windshield repaired.
  • Contact you Penske Automotive Group service center.

Don’ts

  • Don’t procrastinate.  Damages to your windshield can impair vision or spread.
  • Don’t drive the car if a crack is longer than 12 inches or if a chip is larger than a quarter.
  • Keep vehicle temperature at a moderate level.  You air conditioning or defrost on high can lead to worse damage.  If you need to have the AC or defrost on high use them gradually.
  • Avoid things like short stops or slamming doors which may also lead to crack spreading.
  • Don’t wash your vehicle.

We hope these tips will come in handy.  Stay safe.

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