The holiday season in Hammond brings families together, road trips, and plenty of miles on the highway. While you’re busy making travel plans and packing gifts, it’s easy to overlook one crucial aspect of vehicle safety—your auto glass. From freezing temperatures to road hazards, your windshield and windows face a lot more stress during holiday travel. At Auto Glass Hammond, we know how important visibility and structural integrity are when you’re driving in winter conditions, especially with loved ones on board.Before you head out for your next holiday road trip, here are essential tips to ensure your auto glass stays in top shape and keeps you safe on the road.
1. Inspect for Chips and Cracks Before You Travel
Even a small chip can turn into a large crack when exposed to cold temperatures and high-speed travel. The vibration of the vehicle and sudden temperature changes—like blasting your heater on a frozen windshield—can worsen existing damage quickly.
What to Do: Perform a visual inspection of your windshield and windows before your trip. Look closely for any small chips or hairline cracks. If you find any, contact us to schedule a professional inspection. Catching and repairing minor damage early can save you from needing a full replacement later.
2. Use Winter-Ready Windshield Washer Fluid
Many drivers forget to switch their washer fluid to a winter-grade formula. Regular fluid can freeze on the windshield, making visibility worse and potentially damaging the washer system.
What to Do: Refill your reservoir with washer fluid that is rated for subzero temperatures. This ensures it won’t freeze and helps clear away road grime, salt, and ice more effectively during long drives.
3. Upgrade to Winter Wiper Blades
Wiper blades are critical for maintaining visibility, especially during winter storms. Summer or all-season blades can become brittle in the cold or clog with snow and ice.
What to Do: Install heavy-duty winter wiper blades before your holiday travel. These are designed to stay flexible in freezing conditions and resist ice buildup, giving you a clear view no matter the weather.
4. Clear Ice and Snow Properly
Scraping your windshield in a rush with a metal tool or pouring hot water over the glass can cause serious damage. Rapid temperature shifts or harsh scraping methods can lead to cracks, especially if the glass already has minor flaws.
What to Do: Use a plastic ice scraper or soft-bristle snow brush to gently remove snow and ice. Always allow your vehicle to warm up gradually with the defroster. Avoid using boiling water to melt ice—it can instantly crack cold glass.
5. Avoid Sudden Temperature Shocks
Hammond winters often bring freezing nights followed by sunny mornings. That temperature swing can be rough on auto glass. If you suddenly blast the heat or park in direct sunlight after a cold night, it puts added pressure on the windshield.
What to Do: Allow your vehicle to warm up slowly. Turn on the defroster at a low setting to prevent thermal stress on the windshield. If possible, park in a garage or use a windshield cover to regulate overnight temperature exposure.
6. Keep a Safe Distance on the Road
Holiday traffic means more vehicles on the road and a higher chance of debris being kicked up—especially gravel or road salt. These small particles can easily chip your windshield when traveling at high speeds.
What to Do: Maintain a safe following distance, especially behind trucks, snowplows, or vehicles with loose cargo. This simple step reduces the risk of flying debris damaging your glass.
7. Get Professional Repairs Before Hitting the Road
If your windshield has any form of damage, it’s best to handle it before holiday travel begins. A compromised windshield doesn’t just affect visibility—it can also reduce the structural safety of your vehicle in the event of an accident.
What to Do: Schedule a professional inspection or repair with Auto Glass Hammond to ensure your vehicle is road-ready. Whether it’s a small chip or a larger crack, our technicians can recommend the best solution to restore both clarity and safety.
Why Auto Glass Health Matters During Holiday Travel
Your windshield does more than shield you from the elements—it also contributes to the overall safety structure of your vehicle. In winter driving conditions, where visibility can be limited and road hazards more common, maintaining a clear, damage-free windshield becomes even more critical.
By taking a few preventative steps before your holiday road trip, you can avoid unexpected glass issues, reduce your risk of accidents, and ensure peace of mind for you and your passengers.
Plan Ahead for a Safe Holiday Season
Holiday travel should be enjoyable—not stressful. Taking care of your auto glass before hitting the road ensures better visibility, fewer surprises, and safer journeys through Hammond and beyond. Whether you’re visiting family across town or traveling across state lines, let Auto Glass Hammond help you drive with confidence this winter.
Need an inspection or repair before your next trip? Contact us today to schedule service. Our local team is here to keep your auto glass in top condition for the holiday season and beyond.