Back to School Means Busier Roads in Whatcom & Skagit Counties September brings more cars, buses, and kids on foot in school zones across Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Burlington, and Sedro-Woolley. For parents and commuters alike, safety is top priority. That’s why keeping your Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) properly calibrated after a windshield replacement is more important than ever. What Is ADAS & Why Does Calibration Matter? Many newer vehicles are equipped with ADAS technology—features like: Lane departure warnings Forward collision alerts Automatic emergency braking Pedestrian detection These safety systems rely on cameras and sensors that are often mounted directly to your windshield. When your windshield is replaced—even with the highest quality glass—the camera’s position shifts ever so slightly. Without calibration, your ADAS may give false warnings, or worse, fail to detect a child crossing the street. According to AAA and Consumer Reports, properly functioning ADAS can prevent thousands of crashes every year, but only if the system is accurately aligned. How Calibration Works at Louis Auto Glass At Louis Auto Glass, we specialize in ADAS calibration services to ensure your safety systems work exactly as the manufacturer intended. Using advanced equipment, we: Recalibrate your vehicle’s cameras after windshield replacement. Verify that lane departure and pedestrian detection systems are functioning correctly. Perform both static and dynamic calibration, depending on your vehicle make and model. The result? Peace of mind that your ADAS is ready to protect you, your family, and the students walking through school zones. School Zone Safety: The Local Perspective In Whatcom and Skagit counties, school zones can be especially busy: Ferndale: Heavy morning traffic near Ferndale High School and elementary campuses. Burlington: Busy drop-off lines by Burlington-Edison schools. Sedro-Woolley: Increased foot traffic near Cascade Middle and Sedro-Woolley High School. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission reports that speeding and driver inattention are leading risks in school zones. Properly calibrated ADAS systems add another layer of protection—helping drivers react faster and avoid tragic accidents. Don’t Wait—Schedule Your Calibration Before School Season Ramps Up If you’ve recently had your windshield replaced, or even if you’re unsure whether your ADAS was recalibrated, now is the time to act. The start of the school year means more children on the roads and more responsibility for drivers. �55357;�56393; Schedule your ADAS calibration with Louis Auto Glass today and drive with confidence through every school zone in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Key Takeaways ADAS features rely on precise camera calibration after windshield replacement. Proper calibration ensures safety systems like lane departure and pedestrian detection work correctly. Local school zones in Ferndale, Burlington, and Sedro-Woolley make calibration especially crucial during back-to-school season. Louis Auto Glass provides professional ADAS calibration services across Whatcom and Skagit counties.
Can Summer Heat Crack Your Windshield? What Bellingham Drivers Need to Know
Summer in Whatcom County is the perfect time to hit the road and take in the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest. From coastal cliffs to alpine lakes, our region offers some of the most scenic drives in Washington. But before you take off on your next adventure, ask yourself: Is your windshield ready to enjoy the view? At Louis Auto Glass, we know that a clean, damage-free windshield isn’t just about looks—it’s about safety, visibility, and making every mile of your journey more enjoyable. Here are five of our favorite scenic drives in Whatcom County, along with a few tips on making sure your auto glass is road-trip ready. 1. Chuckanut Drive (State Route 11) Why it’s scenic: Hugging the cliffs of the Chuckanut Mountains, this historic highway offers sweeping views of Samish Bay, the San Juan Islands, and lush coastal forests. Perfect for: Sunset drives, coastal day trips, and dining stops in Bow-Edison. Auto glass tip: The curves and dips of Chuckanut Drive mean glare can be intense during golden hour. Consider having your windshield treated for clarity or investing in wiper blade replacement to reduce streaking and glare. - Learn more about our windshield repair and replacement services in Bellingham. 2. Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542) Why it’s scenic: This alpine drive climbs through forests, waterfalls, and mountain vistas, ending at Artist Point—one of the most photographed locations in Washington State. Perfect for: Hikers, nature photographers, and snow-free summer road trips. Auto glass tip: Elevation changes can cause existing windshield chips to crack further. If you're planning a drive up to Mount Baker, be sure to repair any chips ahead of time. - Schedule a repair appointment with us before you go! 3. North Cascades Highway (via SR 20) Why it’s scenic: While technically just outside Whatcom County, this drive is a must for summer travelers. The route passes through the North Cascades National Park and offers glacier views, turquoise lakes, and dramatic peaks. Perfect for: Weekend getaways and long scenic cruises. Auto glass tip: Bug splatter and road dust can quickly reduce visibility on longer drives. A professional windshield cleaning can help you maintain clear sightlines. 4. Lake Whatcom Boulevard Why it’s scenic: A lesser-known gem, this quiet lakeside route offers peaceful views of Lake Whatcom, tall evergreens, and cozy waterfront homes. Perfect for: Leisure drives and post-work decompression. Auto glass tip: Tree debris and sap are common in forested areas. Regular detailing can help protect your windshield and paint. �55357;�56393; Visit our friends at Final Touch Auto Spa for expert detail services. 5. Lummi Island Scenic Loop Why it’s scenic: A quick ferry ride from Gooseberry Point, this island loop is full of pastoral charm, ocean views, and quiet back roads. Perfect for: Weekend escapes, artist studio tours, and quiet picnics. Auto glass tip: Ferry travel and island roads can kick up extra dust and debris. It’s a good idea to have your windshield inspected before and after your trip for small chips or scratches. Before You Hit the Road: Check Your Glass Taking in Whatcom County’s views is a lot better when you're looking through a clean, crack-free windshield. A small chip now can turn into a major crack later—especially with changing summer temperatures and rugged road conditions. At Louis Auto Glass, we’ve been trusted by Bellingham drivers since 1929. With locations in Bellingham, Lynden, and Mount Vernon, we make it easy to get your vehicle ready for the road—whether you need a quick chip repair or a full windshield replacement. ✅ Fast, friendly service ✅ Insurance-approved work ✅ Free estimates ✅ Same day rock-chip services available Ready to Roll? Contact us today to schedule your windshield check before your next scenic drive: �55357;�56542; Call Louis Auto Glass �55357;�56525; Bellingham • Lynden • Mount Vernon Let’s make sure your view is as beautiful—and safe—as your destination.