Glass America is releasing their 2011 checklist for winter driving. Glass America is one of the largest independently-owned automobile glass replacement and repair companies in the country. They urge all drivers to spend a few minutes making sure they are prepared for the winter driving season ahead.

Chicago, IL, January 27, 2011 -- Glass America is releasing their 2011 checklist for winter driving. Glass America is one of the largest independently-owned automobile glass replacement and repair companies in the country. They urge all drivers to spend a few minutes making sure they are prepared for the winter driving season ahead.

“All drivers need to prepare themselves for winter with a simple checklist to ensure their family’s safety on the roads,” says David Rohlfing, President and CEO of Glass America. “As a company that focuses on windshield safety, we are very attuned to the needs of drivers during the cold weather season.”

Tips to Prepare Your Car for Winter Driving

1. Preventative maintenance:
Check the treads on your tires to make sure they can grip during slippery and icy conditions. Insert a penny in the treads. If you see the entire top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace the tire.
Check your anti-freeze
Replace worn wiper blades and refill windshield wiper fluid
Check belts and hoses for fraying and cracking; replace as necessary
Keep up with regular maintenance such as oil changes and switch to a winter weight oil in cold climates
Check your turn signals, head lights and tail lights
Check your battery at a local service station (some do this for free)

2. Ice/Snow Removal:
Remove all snow and ice from your vehicle’s roof, windshield and hood with a scraper and brush. This is a law in many states because dangerous ice blocks can form that may blow off onto cars behind you, causing damage and even breaking windshields.
Do not use hot water to melt ice on your windshield which can spread cracks in the windshield. Instead, warm up your car before driving, using the warm air blowers and defroster to slowly heat up the front and rear auto glass.
When expecting a big storm, use an ice and snow cover for your car’s windshield to reduce the time it takes to clean it off.

3. What to do if you get a crack or chip in your windshield:
If your windshield damage is minor, and not directly in the driver’s line of vision, your auto glass can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of replacement. The windshield repair process takes about 30 minutes. Even better, most insurance companies waive your comprehensive deductible so the auto glass repair could cost you nothing.
If the windshield damage is more severe than a minor chip or crack, or if the crack is in the driver’s line of vision, then most likely your windshield will require replacement.
Download our brochure on Safe Windshield Installation.

4. Create an emergency kit in your vehicle:
Basic tool box
Box of kitty litter (for traction on ice)
Cell phone
Cell phone charger
Emergency blanket
Extra baby care items: diapers, wipes, bottles
Extra fuses
First aid kit
Flashlight (Reverse the batteries to avoid accidental burnout when not in use.)
Gloves
Hats
Ice scraper and brush
Jumper cables
Portable car battery charger (This will be your new best friend in an emergency.)
Reflective hazard triangles (flares run out)
Small metal shovel
Snacks for the family (for traffic jams during storms)
Socks
Spare tire, Fix-a-Flat, and/or tire pump
Water

Finally, remember to observe posted speed limits, and drive slowly during poor visibility and slippery conditions. Avoid sudden or jerky movements during acceleration and braking.
About Glass America

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Glass America is one of the largest independently-owned automobile glass replacement and repair companies in the country. The company is American owned and operated, with 95 service centers conducting business under the names Glass America and Auto Glass Service in Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Glass America offers a complete line of auto glass repair and replacement services for all years, makes and models, foreign and domestic, commercial or passenger vehicles. In contrast to many auto glass companies in the country, Glass America buys glass only from OEM (original equipment manufactured) suppliers. This means the proper windshield with the perfect fit.

As a leader in the auto-glass replacement industry, Glass America upholds the highest levels of quality craftsmanship, and consistently maintains a proven track record for excellent customer service. The company is a member of the Independent Glass Association and all technicians are certified by Sika Adhesive Systems and LYNX Services. All auto glass installations and workmanship will meet or exceed the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS), and have a national lifetime warranty. Glass America uses only the most advanced Polyurethane Adhesives that cure quickly and provide a One Hour Safe Drive Away Time on all windshield replacements. Glass America’s direct billing procedures and pricing structures meet or exceed the requirements of all insurance companies and glass networks. All of the company’s national service areas offer both drive-in and mobile services, and always strive to make business as quick and as convenient as possible for their patrons. For more information on Glass America, or to place an order, please call 1-800-634-5623 to connect to the nearest location. For more information, please visit www.glassusa.com. Glass America has a media library at http://www.glassusa.com/MediaLibrary.asp that contains the following informational videos: Eye on America, The Importance of Auto Glass Safety, The Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard, and Why Quality Matters, an interview with David Rohlfing, President & CEO.

Contact:
Skye MacBroom
Skye Communication, LLC
34 Allentown Road
Wolcott, CT 06716
203-879-2258
sm@skyeline.com
http://www.GlassUSA.com