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. 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.

Why Choosing an Auto Glass Safety Council-Certified Company Matters

The holiday season is a time of joy, but it can also bring financial stress. Between gift shopping, holiday travel, and unexpected expenses, car repairs may seem like the last thing you want to deal with. If you’ve found yourself with a cracked or damaged windshield, you might be wondering: “Will windshield replacement increase my insurance rates?” Let’s put your mind at ease. Windshield Replacement and Insurance Rates The good news is that windshield replacement typically won’t increase your insurance premiums. In Washington State, comprehensive auto insurance often covers windshield repair or replacement. Filing a claim for glass damage is considered a non-fault claim, meaning it usually won’t cause your rates to rise. Most insurance providers understand that windshield damage is often caused by unavoidable factors like road debris or severe weather. That’s why many policies include glass repair coverage with little to no deductible, depending on your specific plan. Why Act Now? Delaying windshield repairs can cause small chips to turn into large cracks, making repairs more costly or even requiring a full replacement. Driving with a damaged windshield is also unsafe, especially during the winter months when icy roads and poor visibility increase accident risks. How Louis Auto Glass Makes It Simple At Louis Auto Glass, serving Whatcom and Skagit counties, we aim to ease your holiday stress by providing fast, reliable, and seamless windshield repair and replacement services. Here’s how we make the process worry-free: Insurance Assistance: We work directly with your insurance company, helping you file your claim and ensuring the process is hassle-free . Affordable Options: Even if you don’t have glass coverage, we offer competitive pricing and financing options to fit your budget. Expert Technicians: Our certified technicians use top-quality materials to restore your vehicle’s safety and appearance. Convenient Service: With multiple locations , we accommodate your schedule, whether you're at home, at work, or holiday shopping, to ensure a quick appointment. Peace of Mind This Holiday Season Don’t let a damaged windshield add to your holiday worries. Trust Louis Auto Glass to keep you safe on the road while protecting your budget. Contact us today to schedule your windshield repair or replacement and enjoy peace of mind throughout the holiday season. Call Now or Request a Quote Online!

Shop Local: Why Supporting Small Businesses Benefits Our Community Year-Round

Halloween is just around the corner in Whatcom and Skagit Counties, bringing fun, frights, and families on the move. With trick-or-treaters filling the streets and pumpkin patches bustling with activity, there’s no better time to make sure your car is ready for safe driving. Here at Louis Auto Glass, your local trusted auto glass repair shop, we’re here to help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable Halloween by keeping your windshield crystal clear. Why a Clear Windshield Matters on Halloween Night During Halloween, many neighborhoods are filled with extra foot traffic. Kids in costumes, sometimes less visible, may be running across the streets, and families are out in full force. A clear, streak-free windshield helps improve your reaction time, enhances visibility in low-light settings, and ultimately keeps everyone safer. Here are a few tips to get your windshield ready for the night: 1. Get Small Chips and Cracks Fixed Early With temperatures dropping as fall sets in, any small chips or cracks in your windshield can quickly turn into bigger problems. Cold weather can expand those cracks, making your windshield weaker and less safe. Not to mention, chips can create annoying light refractions at night, making it harder to see clearly. At Louis Auto Glass, we specialize in fast, efficient chip and crack repair to prevent these issues from worsening. Getting those minor repairs done now can make all the difference for visibility and safety—especially if you’re driving in areas like Downtown Bellingham or Mount Vernon, where Halloween events tend to attract lots of families. 2. Beware of Rain, Fog, and Humidity Fall weather in Whatcom and Skagit Counties often means unpredictable rain, fog, and high humidity. This moisture can make dirt and debris stick to your windshield, reducing visibility. To combat this, make sure your wiper blades are in good shape and consider applying a hydrophobic treatment to repel water. Louis Auto Glass can recommend the best treatments to keep rain and fog from interfering with your view on those dark, spooky October nights. It’s an extra layer of protection that can make all the difference when you’re trying to spot trick-or-treaters in dimly lit neighborhoods. 3. Inspect Your Headlights and Interior Glass For the clearest possible view, ensure your headlights are clean and working properly, especially if you’re headed through winding roads like those found in Chuckanut Drive or the scenic Skagit Valley. Additionally, keep the inside of your windshield and other windows clean to avoid glare and fog buildup that can occur during chilly Halloween nights. 4. Stay Aware of Local Events and Traffic Patterns Halloween events throughout Whatcom and Skagit Counties—whether it’s a community trick-or-treat or a haunted corn maze—tend to draw larger crowds, which means more cars on the road. Having a clean, clear windshield is essential when driving around other families enjoying the holiday fun. Louis Auto Glass is proud to serve our local communities and offer the peace of mind that comes with safe, reliable glass repair and replacement services. Why Choose Louis Auto Glass for Your Auto Glass Needs? As a family-owned business serving Whatcom and Skagit Counties for over 90 years, we are dedicated to helping our neighbors drive safely all year round. We take pride in offering top-notch auto glass repair and replacement to keep you safe on the road. So before you hit the road to enjoy the Halloween festivities, stop by Louis Auto Glass to ensure your car’s glass is in great shape. From windshield repairs to complete replacements, we’re here to make sure you can focus on what matters most: keeping your family safe while having a little Halloween fun.

We are thrilled to announce that Louis Auto Glass in Mount Vernon has won the Skagit Valley Best of the Best award for the Best Residential/Auto Glass Company—two years in a row! This incredible achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our loyal customers and the amazing Skagit Valley community. We are humbled and deeply grateful for the trust you place in us to take care of your vehicles and homes when it comes to auto and residential glass needs. Thank You to Our Amazing Customers! At Louis Auto Glass, we believe that our success is built on the relationships we’ve fostered over the past 90+ years in business. From repairing your windshields to replacing residential windows, every job we do is handled with the highest level of care and precision. We know you have options, and we’re honored that you’ve chosen us, time and again, as your go-to glass company in Skagit Valley. Your votes in the Skagit Valley Best of the Best award, remind us how fortunate we are to be part of such a supportive and close-knit community. Whether you're a first-time customer or someone who has been with us for years, your feedback and continued trust fuel our passion for delivering outstanding service. What’s Next for Louis Auto Glass in Mount Vernon? As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on serving the Mount Vernon community and surrounding areas with the same dedication that earned us this award. With fall and winter approaching, we’re ready to help you stay safe on the road by ensuring your windshield and auto glass are in top condition for the colder months. Looking ahead, we’ll continue to innovate and improve our services, keeping customer satisfaction at the forefront of everything we do. From our team of expert technicians to our friendly office staff, everyone at Louis Auto Glass is dedicated to exceeding your expectations. Once Again, Thank You! Thank you, Skagit Valley, for trusting us with your glass repair needs and for supporting us with your votes. We are beyond grateful and will continue striving to provide the best auto and residential glass services in the area. If you need auto or residential glass services, don’t hesitate to give us a call or stop by our Mount Vernon location. We look forward to serving you!

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