Winter Weather & Your Windshield: How Freezing Temps and Road Debris Can Lead to Costly Damage
February 5, 2025
February 5, 2025
Winter Weather & Your Windshield: How Freezing Temps and Road Debris Can Lead to Costly Damage
Whatcom County just experienced a significant snowstorm, bringing below-freezing temperatures, icy roads, and plenty of road debris. According to
KOMO News
, the recent storm brought wind gusts up to 34 mph and temperatures dropping as low as 16 degrees, leading to hazardous driving conditions and increased risks of vehicle damage. While many drivers are focused on staying safe in slippery conditions, another major concern during extreme cold is windshield damage. At Louis Auto Glass, we want to help you understand how cold weather and winter storms impact your windshield—and what you can do about it.
When temperatures drop below freezing, your windshield is at greater risk of cracking or chipping. Here’s why:
To protect your windshield during winter storms, follow these simple tips:
If you’ve noticed a rock chip or crack on your windshield after this recent snowstorm, don’t wait until it worsens. At Louis Auto Glass, we specialize in quick, professional rock chip repairs and full windshield replacements to keep you safe on the road.
We proudly serve drivers in Whatcom and Skagit County. Our locations are Bellingham , Lynden , Mount Vernon
Contact Louis Auto Glass today to schedule your repair! Stay safe and drive with confidence this winter.
How Freezing Temperatures Damage Your Windshield
When temperatures drop below freezing, your windshield is at greater risk of cracking or chipping. Here’s why:
- Thermal Expansion & Contraction: Glass expands and contracts with temperature changes. If your windshield already has a small rock chip, the stress from freezing and thawing can cause it to spread into a full crack.
- Ice & Snow Removal: Using hot water or excessive force to remove ice can shock the glass, leading to cracks.
- Road Salt & Sand: While essential for traction, salt and sand get kicked up by vehicles, increasing the chances of rock chips and pitting.
- Heavy Snow & Ice Buildup: The weight of ice and snow, combined with windshield wipers working against frozen layers, can put stress on existing weak spots.
How to Prevent & Repair Winter Windshield Damage
To protect your windshield during winter storms, follow these simple tips:
- Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes: Use a defroster gradually instead of pouring hot water on the windshield.
- Be Gentle with Ice Removal: Use a plastic ice scraper instead of metal tools that can scratch or weaken the glass.
- Keep Your Distance on Icy Roads: Reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to avoid flying debris.
- Repair Chips Before They Spread: Small chips can turn into large cracks overnight in freezing temperatures, making early repair essential. Learn more about our rock chip repair services.
Need Windshield Repair in Whatcom County? We’ve Got You Covered!
If you’ve noticed a rock chip or crack on your windshield after this recent snowstorm, don’t wait until it worsens. At Louis Auto Glass, we specialize in quick, professional rock chip repairs and full windshield replacements to keep you safe on the road.
We proudly serve drivers in Whatcom and Skagit County. Our locations are Bellingham , Lynden , Mount Vernon
Contact Louis Auto Glass today to schedule your repair! Stay safe and drive with confidence this winter.


September 10, 2025
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.

