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🛣️ The 5 Clark County Roads Most Likely to Give You a Rock Chip (and How to Protect Your Glass)

🧱 How Road Debris Causes Chips

When you’re driving at highway speeds, small rocks and gravel can become airborne hazards. Even a tiny pebble flung from a passing truck’s tire can cause a “bullseye” or “star” chip in your windshield. Construction zones, unsecured loads, and heavy traffic increase the risk — and during winter, temperature changes make cracks spread faster.

Pro tip: Fix a chip early — it’s faster, cheaper, and keeps your windshield strong.

🚧 Local Hotspots for Rock Chips

Here are five Clark County routes where drivers see the most windshield damage risk:


1️⃣ Interstate 205 (I-205) — East Vancouver / Camas

Heavy truck traffic and ongoing construction mean plenty of loose gravel and debris.🪨 Tip: Stay at least four seconds behind trucks and avoid lanes with fresh asphalt or gravel.


2️⃣ State Route 14 (SR 14) — Along the Columbia River

Running just north of the Columbia, SR-14 is scenic but notorious for road work and falling rock zones.🪨 Tip: Slow down in work zones; passing paving trucks can fling small stones toward windshields.


3️⃣ Interstate 5 (I-5) — Through Downtown Vancouver

One of the region’s busiest highways, I-5 sees constant semi-traffic and debris from shifting loads.🪨 Tip: If a truck’s tires look dusty or loose, change lanes and give extra room.


4️⃣ State Route 500 (SR 500) — Orchards to Vancouver

Fast traffic + frequent resurfacing = rock chip risk.🪨 Tip: Drop a few MPH and increase your following distance when driving through this corridor.


5️⃣ County Roads & Industrial Routes

Rural roads near gravel quarries and construction sites often produce the most small-chip repairs.

🪨 Tip: Keep your distance when you see dump trucks or flatbeds ahead — those loose loads can be trouble.


🚗 Following Distance Tips

  • Keep 4–6 seconds between your car and others.

  • Avoid the direct tire track zones of trucks.

  • On multilane highways, use the far lanes when safe — less debris is kicked up there.

  • If you notice small pebbles hitting your glass, back off or switch lanes.


❄️ Protective Habits for Winter

  • Repair chips before freezing weather — cold glass cracks faster.

  • Use soft, clean wipers and quality washer fluid.

  • Park away from road-facing edges during plowing season.

  • After snow or ice events, rinse off road salt and grit quickly.


🧭 Where to Go If It Happens

Spotted a rock chip? Don’t wait. Small damage can spread fast.


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At Hampton Auto Glass, we specialize in quick, affordable, and friendly repairs — including our signature $50 Rock Chip Special.


📍 Visit us at:

🚐 Prefer we come to you? Check out our Mobile Service →


💬 Final Thoughts

Rock chips happen — especially in Clark County’s busy road network. But with a few smart driving habits and a quick visit to Hampton Auto Glass, you can keep your windshield clear, safe, and strong all year long.


👉 Swing by West Vancouver or East Vancouver / Camas for fast fixes today!

 
 
 

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