6/27/2025
Advanced Auto Glass by Joey
Before You Tow the Boat: Windshield Protection Tips for Mississippi Drivers
Summer in Mississippi means weekends on the water. For many drivers, that includes towing a boat or camper. But hauling a trailer can increase your risk of windshield damage, especially on rural roads with gravel, loose asphalt, and flying debris. As auto glass experts serving Meridian and surrounding areas, Advanced Auto Glass by Joey knows how easily trailer kickback and road debris can lead to chips and cracks. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect your windshield before and after every trip.
Can Towing a Boat Cause Windshield Damage?
Yes, absolutely. Hauling a trailer exposes your windshield to more flying debris than usual. Gravel and rocks can be thrown up by your trailer tires or passing vehicles, especially on rural or freshly resurfaced roads.
Even a small chip can quickly spread into a crack in the summer heat, compromising visibility and safety. According to FMCSA, all vehicles in interstate commerce must have a windshield free of discoloration or damage in the area extending from the top of the steering wheel to a 1-inch border on either side. That means a crack in this zone could lead to a failed inspection—or worse, an accident.
What Is Trailer Kickback, and How Does It Affect Your Windshield?
Trailer kickback happens when your trailer's tires fling debris backward, especially if they lack fenders or mud flaps. While your vehicle may have built-in protections, many trailers do not, increasing the risk that gravel or other debris will fly up and hit your windshield.
To reduce this risk, mud flaps or splash guards are often required. While federal regulations don’t mandate specific flap dimensions, every commercial motor vehicle must be operated in accordance with state and local road safety laws, which often include mud flap installation to reduce debris spray.
Why Is Windshield Damage More Common in Summer While Towing?
Summer brings a perfect storm for windshield issues:
- Increased rural driving: Towing trailers to lakes and campgrounds means more gravel roads and construction zones.
- High heat: Extreme temperatures cause the glass to expand, which can make small chips crack across the entire windshield.
- Heavier traffic: More vehicles on the road means more debris kicked up from the highway.
Add it all up, and your chances of windshield damage go up significantly when towing in the summer.
How Do I Protect My Windshield When Towing?
Before your next trip, consider these simple, effective steps:
- Install mud flaps on your trailer and tow vehicle.
- Check your tires and load—worn tires and unsecured cargo increase the chances of debris.
- Drive slower on unpaved or resurfaced roads.
- Leave extra space behind other vehicles, especially trucks.
- Inspect your windshield before and after each trip, especially for small chips in the driver's view area.
Should I Inspect My Windshield After Towing on Rural Roads?
Yes. Even a small chip can spread under pressure from wind, road vibration, and heat. Damage that obstructs the driver’s view may result in a violation or cause a vehicle to be declared out of service. Mississippi’s own safety inspection rules also prohibit cracks in critical view zones.
Catching a chip early can save you hundreds of dollars and help you avoid unnecessary legal trouble.
What Should I Do If My Windshield Is Damaged?
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Review your insurance: Most comprehensive plans cover glass repair with little or no deductible. At Advanced Auto Glass by Joey, we file insurance claims for you.
- Schedule a certified repair promptly: Small damage often doesn’t require full
replacement. - Don’t delay: Heat can turn a small chip into a long crack. Early chip repairs prevent costly replacements or legal penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is any damage in the driver’s view area allowed?
- No, damage in the sweep area of the driver’s view is not permitted and must be repaired.
How are mud flaps regulated when towing?
- Vehicles must comply with state equipment laws, which typically require mud flaps to reduce road spray and debris.
How fast can a small chip spread in heat?
- A chip can turn into a large crack within hours in hot conditions.
Towing This Summer? Travel Smart With Clear Vision
With a few simple precautions and regular inspections, you can avoid costly repairs and stay road-ready all summer long. If you spot a chip or crack, the team at Advanced Auto Glass by Joey is here to help with fast, reliable service that gets you back behind the wheel safely.
Contact us or schedule an appointment by calling 601-286-3405 or emailing
advancedautoglassmeridian@gmail.com.
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