Most Common Causes of Windshield Damage

Posted on Posted in Repairs, Service

Windshield wipers appear to be very durable. However, depending on an array of different factors, your windshield could be just moments away from a nasty crack. Are you at risk without even knowing it?

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Common Reasons for Windshield Damage

  • Road conditions are among the most common reasons for windshield repair or replacement. During a trip last winter, one of our team members found himself in need of windshield repair in Greenville, SC due to poor road conditions. The roads were particularly bad during that time because of a recent ice storm. When salt is put on the roads in order to aid the ice in melting, it also eats at the cement, creating potholes and other hazardous road damage. If you’re in an area with poor road quality, be sure to stay at a safe speed to lower your risk of damage.
  • Poor installation could easily create conditions that lead to a cracked windshield. This is why it’s so important to find just the right auto glass specialist. Especially be sure to ask about their policies in case of malfunction after your service.
  • Aside from the obvious hail damage, weather is not a factor that many people consider. Depending on your climate, the sunlight or heat could be enough for your car to give in under pressure. Weather is also most likely to wreak havoc on windshields if temperatures in your area frequently change drastically. This sudden change from extreme heat to cold, or vice versa, causes your windshield to expand and contract and could eventually lead to cracking. Keeping your car in a garage when at all possible could reduce your risk of such extreme exposure.
  • Driving too close behind other cars, particularly large trucks and vehicles, also puts you at easy risk for windshield damage. This is usually because rocks and debris, either from the ground or some that had previously been stuck to the car ahead, will be projected onto your windshield. When driving at high enough speeds, this is a common set up for disaster.

While you can’t always protect yourself from windshield damage, knowing these key reasons behind it could help you in knowing how to best avoid need for repair; drive with caution on loose or deteriorating roads, choose your auto glass specialist wisely, be mindful of the weather and keep a safe distance from other drivers.

Motorcycle Safety Guidelines

Posted on Posted in Tips/Advice

Much like our team of Harley-Davidson fanatics, there are many motorcycle fans and enthusiasts out there. And once you’ve gotten out on the open road with one, it’s no wonder why; between the wind on your face, getting your adrenaline pumping and the vehicle’s gas efficiency, you’re sure to be in for a great time.

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However, it’s also no secret that motorcycles can be extremely dangerous. In fact, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), motorcycles are 30 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than someone in a car. And almost half of these accidents are the product of single-vehicle crashes.

While these numbers can be intimidating, taking certain precautions can greatly reduce your chances of injury. You can’t always avoid danger, but understanding the risks will help.

The first things to consider is the bike itself. When shopping around, be sure that when you’re seated on the motorcycle, your feet can touch the ground flat. If you find yourself having to stand on your tip-toes, this bike is too big for you and will lower the amount of control you have.

Once you’ve found a bike that allows you to plant your feet firmly on the ground, check to make sure your arms can comfortably reach the controls and handlebar. If you have a hard time reaching, again, keep looking.

Weight should be an important consideration while shopping around as well. If you find it difficult to get on and off of your bike, chances are, it’s too heavy for you. You should find a lighter-weight bike that will be more manageable for you to maneuver and control.

Now, having a bike that fits doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ready to hit the road just yet. Especially if you’re a new rider, before getting yourself into a heavy traffic area, which is when most cyclists panic and wind up making poor decisions which result in incidents, be sure you’ve familiarized yourself with your bike. The best way to do this may be to take a course that will train you in everything you need to feel comfortable on the road. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation holds classes all times of year all across the country. You can discover the closest training course in your area, as well as plenty of other safety material, through their website.

Of course, there are situations where simply having this comfort and knowledge level won’t be enough to help. This is why investing in antilock brakes could be one of the wisest decisions you could make towards your safety on a motorcycle. Motorcycles are particularly difficult to stop abruptly, especially on wet and slick roads. But with the help of antilock brakes, you have much more control of the bike.

In case your state doesn’t require the use of helmets while riding a motorcycle, you should require this mandatory anyways. Although helmets can be a touchy subject for many riders, studies have proven how vital an accessory they are time and time again. Wearing heavy duty clothing that would protect you from direct exposure to the road in case of an accident is also important. You should always be sure to have on the appropriate gear before even considering hopping on your bike.

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The last tip we’ll touch on here, and perhaps the most important one, is that all riders should always be aware. Know your surroundings. Don’t allow yourself to get distracted, even if for a split second. That small lapse in time is all it take for you to wind up in a potentially fatal accident. Keep your eyes on the road. And always use your best judgement.

All-in-all, from a team of experienced riders to you, if you keep safety at the forefront, all that’s left is to enjoy the ride.