The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for travel. Whether you’re heading across town to visit family or embarking on a long road trip, ensuring your vehicle is safe and road-ready is essential. One area drivers often overlook before hitting the road is their auto glass and mirrors — two components that play a vital role in visibility and safety. At Auto Glass Hammond, we want to help you travel with confidence by keeping your windshield, windows, and mirrors in top condition.
Why Glass and Mirrors Matter for Safe Holiday Travel
Clear visibility is key to safe driving. Your windshield, side windows, and mirrors work together to give you a complete view of the road and your surroundings. Even minor damage or dirt buildup can reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents — especially in winter when sunlight, rain, or snow can reflect off cracks or chips.
Before you start your holiday journey, take a few minutes to inspect your glass and mirrors. Doing so not only improves safety but can also prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs later.
Step 1: Inspect Your Windshield for Chips and Cracks
Temperature changes during the winter months can make even the smallest windshield chip expand into a large crack. This can impair your vision and compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle. If you notice any chips or cracks, it’s best to have them repaired or replaced before traveling.
At Auto Glass Hammond, our technicians can assess your windshield and recommend the right solution — whether that’s a quick repair or a full replacement. Addressing damage early ensures your windshield can stand up to holiday road conditions and keeps you and your passengers safe.
Step 2: Clean All Auto Glass Thoroughly
Clean glass not only looks better but also improves visibility, especially during night driving or bad weather. Use a high-quality glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to remove dirt, film, and streaks from both the inside and outside of your windshield and windows.
Don’t forget to clean your mirrors as well. Side mirrors can collect road grime, salt, and water spots that make it difficult to see vehicles in adjacent lanes. Clean them regularly to ensure a clear and accurate reflection.
Step 3: Check Your Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid
Wiper blades are often overlooked until you really need them — like during a sudden snowstorm or heavy rain. Inspect your blades for cracks, wear, or stiffness. If they aren’t clearing your windshield properly, it’s time for a replacement.
Also, make sure your washer fluid reservoir is full, ideally with a winter-specific fluid that won’t freeze in cold temperatures. Keeping your windshield clear is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve driving safety during holiday travel.
Step 4: Inspect and Adjust Mirrors for Proper Visibility
Before setting out, check your side and rearview mirrors for proper alignment. Adjust them so that you can see as much of the surrounding traffic as possible without turning your head excessively. This is especially important if multiple drivers use the same vehicle during the holidays.
If your mirrors are damaged, cracked, or loose, have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Auto Glass Hammond provides professional mirror replacement services to help restore full visibility and ensure your vehicle is compliant with safety regulations.
Step 5: Perform a General Safety Check
While glass and mirrors are crucial, a complete pre-trip inspection should also include a few other safety essentials:
- Tire Condition and Pressure: Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread to handle winter roads.
- Lights and Signals: Confirm that all headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are functioning correctly.
- Brakes: Listen for unusual noises and check brake responsiveness. If anything feels off, have them inspected by a professional.
- Battery: Cold weather can strain your car battery, so ensure it’s fully charged and corrosion-free.
- Emergency Kit: Pack an emergency kit that includes jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, and basic tools.
Step 6: Plan Ahead for Weather and Road Conditions
Winter weather in the Midwest can be unpredictable. Before your trip, check the forecast for potential snow, ice, or rain. Keep a snow brush and ice scraper handy, and give yourself extra time to travel safely. Driving slowly and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles helps reduce the chance of damage to your windshield and mirrors from road debris or sudden stops.
When to Seek Professional Auto Glass Service
If you notice chips, cracks, or other damage to your windshield or mirrors during your inspection, don’t wait until after the holidays to get them fixed. Even a small chip can spread quickly when exposed to temperature changes or vibration from driving.
The experts at Auto Glass Hammond specialize in professional windshield repair and replacement, side window glass replacement, and mirror repairs. Our experienced team uses high-quality materials and proven techniques to restore your visibility and safety.
Why Choose Auto Glass Hammond?
Auto Glass Hammond is proud to serve drivers throughout the Hammond, Indiana area with fast, reliable, and affordable auto glass services. Whether you’re preparing for a long holiday drive or just need a quick repair, our goal is to get you back on the road safely and efficiently.
- Professional, certified technicians
- High-quality OEM and aftermarket glass options
- Mobile service available for added convenience
- Prompt and friendly customer service
We understand that your time is valuable, especially during the busy holiday season. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling and efficient repair services designed to minimize disruption to your travel plans.
Stay Safe and Travel with Confidence
Holiday travel should be enjoyable — not stressful. Taking a few simple steps to prepare your car can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth, safe trip. Clean glass, properly adjusted mirrors, and prompt repairs all contribute to better visibility and greater peace of mind on the road.
If you’re planning to travel this holiday season, don’t wait until the last minute to get your vehicle ready. Let the experts at Auto Glass Hammond help make sure your windshield, windows, and mirrors are in top shape before you hit the road.
Contact us today to schedule your inspection or repair service. Safe travels and happy holidays from the team at Auto Glass Hammond!