You never know when a piece of debris from the road is going to fly up and crack your windshield. If your recent trip has left you with a damaged windshield, you'll need to get it repaired as soon as possible. In some cases, small cracks and chips can be repaired but you'll need to speak to your windshield repair technician about the options available to you. Here are four things you should remember if your windshield has been damaged.

You Shouldn't Ignore the Problem

If your windshield has been damaged, the last thing you want to do is ignore the problem. You might think ignoring a small crack or chip won't cause any problems. Unfortunately, that's not correct. Small cracks and chips can spread if they're not repaired quickly enough. As soon as you notice the damage, you should get it repaired professionally by places like Glass On Wheels.

You Should Avoid the Sun

If your windshield cracks in the middle of summer, you should avoid direct sunlight until you can get the damage repaired. Extreme heat can cause the crack to spread. It can also weaken the glass, which can lead to further damage. Try to park in the shade or in your garage until the repairs can be taken care of.

You Shouldn't Drive Your Car

If the crack is long, or it interferes with your field of vision, you shouldn't drive your car until you can have your windshield repaired or replaced. You also shouldn't drive your car if you have chip that is bigger than 1" in diameter. Windshield damage that is larger than the measurements described above can cause the compromise the structural integrity of the glass.

If that happens, your windshield could shatter while you're driving. In addition, if you're in an accident while the windshield is damaged, it will not be able to provide you with the proper protection. Park your car and use an alternate form of transportation until you can get your windshield taken care of.

You Should Keep the Windshield Clean

If you have to wait to get your windshield repaired, you should place a piece of clear tape over the damaged area. The tape will prevent dirt from getting inside the cracked or chipped area. When dirt gets inside the damaged area, it can get stuck inside, which will make it more difficult for the damage to be repaired.

If your windshield is damaged, you'll need to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. The tips provided above will help you avoid additional problems while you wait to have the repairs taken care of.