5 Fall Windshield Hazards to Avoid

01 Nov 5 Fall Windshield Hazards to Avoid

The heat has finally started to retreat and we’re finally getting into cooler, fall weather. Around here, fall represents a big season of change, and a lot of the changes could impact the condition of your vehicle. While you should find ways to protect your windshield all year long, the fall season has specific hazards you should look out for. The last thing you likely want is damage to your windshield.

Consider the following five windshield hazards to be on the lookout for this fall. With some awareness, you can avoid these issues and get repairs done before a problem gets worse.

1. Tree Debris

As trees change color for fall, leaves fall — and so do many other elements of a tree. While falling branches are pretty much a hazard all year long, the problems can increase in the fall. For example, small nuts and pine cones could pose risks to your windshield. Acorns have a pointed end that could cause a small chip or crack in the glass.

The chances of a crack or chip can increase with the speed of a car. If you are stopped and an acorn falls down, the chances of a crack are not as great as if your vehicle was driving at a fast speed. The speed with the impact of the nut could result in windshield damage.

If a tree nut falls hard enough to lodge into a windshield, do not attempt to pull it out. If you remove the nut, a crack could expand and the damage could become worse. Many auto glass companies offer same-day repairs. Let the professionals remove the debris and limit further windshield issues. The quicker you complete repairs, the better for the windshield health.

2. Temperature Changes

During the fall months, a morning could feature frost on the ground and lead to a gorgeous 80-degree day by noon. The extreme changes in temperature could have a big impact on your windshield. While the changes alone may not cause windshield problems, any damage could become exponentially worse as temperatures shift from cold to hot or in the opposite direction.

For example, if you have a small crack in the edge of your windshield, the changes in temperature could cause a crack to expand, contract, and spread across the windshield. Eventually, the crack could impair your view of the road and create an additional hazard.

If you have any chips or cracks in your windshield, consider repairs or replacement. For smaller chips and cracks, auto glass professionals may fill in the spaces to restore the windshield and prevent future damage. In other cases, the chip could be too deep or the crack could expand too far to warrant a repair. A full replacement will be the best solution.

3. Hail and Freezing Rain

Not only can temperatures fluctuate during the fall, but you can experience a lot of strange weather during the season as well. As temperatures decrease, so do the chances for different forms of precipitation. While rain and snow will not typically cause direct windshield damage, more extreme forms could.

Hail storms could produce large ice chunks that slam into windshields. As the size of the ice chunks increase, so do the chances of windshield damage. Stay up to date with autumn weather reports. Be on alert for any signs of dangerous weather conditions like hail or freezing rain.

If you see those weather conditions in the forecast, then consider parking your vehicle in a garage or under a covered location. If the car is in your driveway, consider a tarp or car cover to protect the windshield. Hail and ice storms usually go past quickly, but only one piece can cause windshield damage.

As the fall eases into winter, the chances of extreme weather increase. The closer you get to winter weather, the more likely you could run into colder temperatures and chances of the damaging ice.

4. Vehicle Debris

Autumn is a huge time for yard cleanup. Many homeowners will rake, pick up branches, and remove debris from lawns. Your main concern with the cleanup simply involves who you are driving behind. As trucks transport and carry the debris away, don’t follow the vehicles closely. Sticks and rocks could easily fly out and cause windshield damage.

Along with regular trucks, be on the lookout for garbage trucks that could also haul autumn waste.

5. Halloween Pranks

One of the biggest holidays in autumn is Halloween. Halloween pranks are usually harmless fun but could lead to major damage on your vehicle. One of the biggest hazards to look out for is eggs. Halloween pranksters might egg houses and vehicles. A smashed egg on your windshield could lead to a cracked windshield if thrown the wrong way.

Eggs may not only damage glass but could cause paint damage as well. Keep vehicles in a garage if possible, and use security cameras or motion lights to deter the pranks from your home.

If you have any windshield damage you need to repair, seek help from our professionals at RNR Auto Glass. We offer same-day service and can replace your auto glass so you can easily get through the rest of the fall season.