-       Fill your vehicle’s windshield wiper fluid before the first snowflake hits

-       Use high-quality, “no-freeze” fluid.

-       Consider buying an extra bottle and leaving it in your trunk.

-       Inspect your windshield wipers and defroster in both the front and rear windshield.

-       Replace worn-out blades.

Safe driving during a snowstorm, rainstorm, or hail depends on maintaining the best visibility possible

To avoid a rear-end auto collision, steer your vehicle as it slows down into a safe place and then brake lightly until your vehicle comes to a complete stop.  You can always drive on a flat tire if you are at a slow speed.

Also all interstate highways and major roads are patrolled regularly and some even offer a call box phone.  If you’ve changed a flat tire on your own, it’s important to have a mechanic check the vehicle to ensure that no damage as been made to the vehicle in the aftermath.

1. Stop your vehicle if it is clear, safe and legal.

2. Move the vehicle out of the traveled roadway, if it is clear, safe and legal. (In some states it is against the law to move the vehicle from the place where the crash occurred. Know the ordinance in your area.)

3. Turn off the ignitions of the cars involved.

4. Make a first aid check of all persons involved in the crash.

5. Call the police and, if necessary, emergency medical services.

6. Mark the scene of the crash with retroreflective triangles.

7. Gather the names of all persons in the motor vehicles and people who witnessed the crash.

8. Make a quick diagram of where the vehicle occupants were seated and indicate the vehicles’ direction of travel and lane. Also note the date, time and weather conditions.

9. Ask to see the other driver’s license and write down the number.

10. Exchange insurance company information. Do not discuss “fault” or make statements about the crash to anyone but the police.

11. Get a copy of the police report of the crash from the local precinct.

The National Safety Council 2009.

So what can you do to avoid a collision during rain, snow, or sleet? Gerber Collision and Glass recommends the following:

1. Learn your car. Since each will handle differently, practice driving in winter conditions on roads that are familiar to you  – not on a main road.  Sharpen your winter weather skills and learn how your vehicle reactions to snowy conditions in places that are full light during the day such as an empty parking lot.

2. Drive Slowly.   It is much more difficult to suddenly stop on slick or snowy roads and also be sure to give plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.

3. Stay Calm.   If you find yourself skidding during a rain or hail storm, gently ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of your car to go.  Do not press on either the brake or gas until you have control of your car.

Those three tips will help drivers avoid auto collisions and if you find yourself driving in severe road conditions, pull over and wait out the storm, you’ll be glad you took the time.  And don’t forget to get your car serviced now to ensure optimal driving conditions.

The Illinois Child Passenger Protection Act states that any person who is transporting a child under the age of 8 years in a non-commercial motor vehicle on the roadways, streets or highways of this State, shall be responsible for providing for the protection of such child by properly securing him or her in an appropriate child restraint system.

Gerber Collision urges parents and caregivers to visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Information for more information on child safety seats, laws, and safety technicians in your area. Certified child passenger safety technicians can inspect car seats and provide hands-on advice free of charge.

• Does it matter if I have broken glass or a chipped windshield? Yes, absolutely it does. Damaged or chipped glass can break when you hit a bump in the road, but more importantly your glass serves as an important structural purpose during an auto accident.
• Do I have to replace my windshield? Many small rock chips and cracks can be repaired without needing to replace your windshield, saving you time and money. If your rock chip is smaller than a quarter in diameter, it may be repairable. If your windshield crack is less than 6” long (the size of a dollar bill), it may be repairable.
• Is there a difference between my windshield and the other glass in the car? Yes there is. Windshield glass is laminated safety glass, designed to react differently in an auto accident, where the sides and rear are often tempered glass.
• Do I have to take my car somewhere for the repair? Gerber Collision and Glass glass has locations throughout the United States or our mobile service can come to you at your home or office at no additional charge.
• How long will the repair take?Most repairs at Gerber can be completed in 30 minutes or less. Actual time may vary depending upon climate conditions and the extent of the damag
• How long before I can drive my car again after the repair? Generally our OEM adhesives cure within an hour. However, safe drive away times do vary depending upon climate conditions. Your Gerber technician will be able to provide you with the safe drive away time for your windshield replacement.
• How soon can I wash my car? You want to wait at least 24 hours prior to washing your car after a windshield repair.

View more FAQ’s for Windshield Glass Auto Repair >

Here are two tips from Gerber Collision and Glass to take care of your windshield wipers.

Keep them clean – Put windshield washer fluid on a damp sponge or rag and wipe debris off the rubber and your car windshield where the wiper rests.

Keep them free – If wipers are frozen to the glass, use the defroster and hand-clear snow and ice from around them before turning them on. Use windshield washer fluid with antifreeze.

If you notice a crack in your windshield glass, first inspect the damage. You can do this yourself or even take your car to Gerber Collision and Glass for inspection.  Windshield damage that is limited to a minor chip, crack, or knick should be repairable. Many small rock chips and cracks can be repaired by Gerber without needing to replace your windshield, saving you time and money.Some larger or “spider-like” windshield cracks may not repairable and require windshield replacement.

While a chip in your windshield may seem insignificant, it’s important to take care of as soon as possible before they grow or in worst cases, cause a driving hazard.

If you have any questions regarding auto glass repair or auto glass replacement service, our helpful customer service representatives are available to answer your questions at 877-7gerber (877-743-7237) or online through our Contact form.

With weather chill in the air, not only are we having to bundle up a bit more but we also need to be on the lookout for changes in the windshields of our car. Because changes in temperature can expand and contract your vehicles windshield, it’s important to look for small cracks that can travel the length of your auto glass.

For instance, if the inside of your car is around 60 degrees but the outside is in the 20s, the inside layor of the class will expland while the outside will contract, causing distortion and often cracked auto glass that is in need of windshield repair.  Even a small difference in degrees can stress your auto windshield.

If you’ve had a small windshield crack after about a month or so you will notice it begins to get dirty.  How do windshield cracks become dirty?  Typically the windshield wipers push dirt into the crack over time or when it rains dirt can be carried into the auto glass crack. It’s important to have your vehicle looked at by an auto glass service company because preventative measures will take care of the crack before it spreads.

Be aware that you may be issued a ticket if you are caught in these lanes if you are not carpooling.  These lanes are a way of eliminating traffic and controlling smog.  Some people in recent years have called them unconstitutional.  Whatever the case, these lanes are there and you should be aware of their purpose.  You can avoid a collision by staying in these lanes if you meet the guidelines.  Gerber Collision and Glass strongly advise staying out of these lanes during the posted carpooling times if you are not carpooling.  This only causes more traffic and headaches, and could put you and other drivers in danger.