TAHOE/TRUCKEE – When you get the pesky rock that hits your windshield, it creates a rock chip that has penetrated the first layer of your windshield. The integrity of the glass has been compromised.

The most preventive way to keep that rocking chip from spreading is to get to your auto glass company and get it repaired. Now if you can’t do that right away, here are some steps to buy you some time:

• First, try to avoid running your defroster or heating element in your windshield (in the weather conditions here, that is tough to avoid).

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• Second, try to avoid the car wash or putting hot water on your windshield in the winter, and vise versa in the summertime.

• Third, you can also purchase a rock and bug deflector from your local auto parts store (not full proof, but it does help).

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• Lastly, no tailgating. After a fresh snow, Caltrans is going to lay down a mix of pea gravel and sand for traction on the roadway that is going to kick up from other vehicles tires. With a safe distance you can avoid being pelted by rocks.

– Craig Fierro is owner of Autoglass Express Truckee, located at 10825 Pioneer Trail, No. 106B. Learn more at autoglassexpresstruckee.com.