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Jump to section:
The weather in Alaska and how it can cause foggy windows
Preventing foggy windows in Alaska
How to fix foggy windows in Alaska
Conclusion
 

The weather in Alaska and how it can cause foggy windows

Many people assume that car windows are less likely to get fogged up in a colder climate and that assumption is incorrect. This is because people assume that humidity is the only thing that causes car windows to fog up.

In reality, humid weather does contribute to foggy car windows, but it isn’t the only thing that does. Foggy car windows are caused by two things: moisture and cooler car glass. So, when your windshield is cold in the winter and you crank the heat up, you end up creating condensation which will bind to the windshield thus causing it to fog up.
 

Preventing foggy windows in Alaska

The best way to stop an issue is by preventing it altogether. Foggy car windows are no different. There are actually a few simple ways that you can do this:

• Keep your window cracked – Keeping the air inside of the car fresh and the right temperature is critical to preventing foggy windows. So, keep your window cracked while you drive and even when you are not in your car if possible.
• Spray the inside of the window with some ammonia – If you use a bit of ammonia cleaner on the inside of your windshield, you can prevent the build-up of dirt and excess moisture. This will really help stop foggy windows from happening in your car.
• Refresh not recirculate – Be sure that you are getting new and fresh air in the inside of your car while you are driving, so do not recirculate air conditioning or heat – refresh instead.
• Check the weather – Know that you will need to take these extra steps if you see humidity or particularly cold weather in the forecast. So, make sure that you always check the forecast and then take preventative steps if necessary.
• Keep the glass clean – It is and unfortunate but simple rule, the more dirt that you have on your window, the more moisture you will have on your window as well. This will directly cause foggy windows.

How to fix foggy windows in Alaska

Sometimes, you will inevitably end up with foggy windows when you are in Alaska. You can remedy this by using any of the following tips:

• Use a defogger pad – You can search online for “window defogger pad” and you will likely come across a worthwhile product. This is simply a pad you can use to remove fog without streaking up your window.
• Turn the wipers on – Many times, simply turning on your wiper blades will be enough to remove the fog from your windshield.
• Keep the window cracked overnight – If you slightly crack your windows while you are not in the car, you can keep the moisture level low in the car thus preventing any fog.
• Prevent the fog in the first place – If you take the necessary steps in the section above this one, you will not need to fix any foggy windows because you will not have them in the first place.

Conclusion

De-fogging your car windows is critically important. If you do not have completely clear vision of the road while you are driving, it can pose a serious safety risk. Preventing the occurrence of foggy windows by treating your windows or keeping one window cracked while you are not in the car will help you save the time that you need to spend de-fogging them once you get into your car.

Jump to section:
The car auctions of Alaska
Tips for success in a car auction
Final word
 

The car auctions of Alaska

Alaska has several notable car auctions. These are great opportunities to get a car at a price that is much lower than you would normally expect to pay. Always be on the lookout for when these auctions take place. Some of them occur more frequently than others.

• Copart – Copart holds car auctions every Tuesday at 12 PM. These auctions take place in anchorage. Although, the auctions also take place online.
• Dealers Auto Auction of Alaska – Dealers Auto Auction of Alaska has several car auctions each year. These auctions are held in Anchorage. Many of their auctions only allow dealers to bid but several times each year they do have public auctions.
• Aurora Towing Auctions – The Aurora Towing Auctions happen weekly in Anchorage. These auctions are cash-only so make sure you bring the amount of cash that you plan on spending because checks and credit are not accepted.

Tips for success in a car auction

When you are going to participate in a car auction, you should know a few things first:

• Know that the cost goes beyond the price – Cars that are sold at auction are almost always sold “as is” which means if something goes wrong with the car after you purchase it, you will not be covered for it nor can you take any legal action to recoup any money. Many cars sold at auction will require hundreds or even thousands of dollars of maintenance after they are bought.
• Be knowledgeable or bring someone who is – If you are not a car guru yourself, you should really bring someone who is. They will know which model cars to persue and for how much.
• Learn the history – You can login to Carfax on your phone and see what the history of the vehicle is. We highly recommend that you do this.
• Don’t bid an even amount at any point – Many people make the mistake of bidding an even amount such as $500. Instead, if you decide to bid a number like $501 you can outbid those who have also bid $500 without any considerable additional expense.
• Check the dipsticks – One of the quickest and easiest ways to check an auction cars’ condition is to pull out the cars’ dipsticks and see how clean they are. If the car has been properly maintained over the years, then the dipsticks will be at least moderately clean.

Final word

Buying a car at auction is a great way to get the car you want for much cheaper than you would normally need to pay. However, you do need to have some know-how first. You should always do what you can to know the vehicle history, know what cars are really worth and always bid an odd number. If you do win a car at auction, you can always ship it home rather than driving it.

Jump to section:
Pay close attention to where you park
Ways you can avoid being towed in Alaska
Tips for finding parking in Alaska
Conclusion
 

Pay close attention to where you park

Just like anywhere else, the most simple rule when it comes to avoiding being towed in Alaska is to pay close attention to where you are parking. Watch for things like signs and colored lines that stipulate a space may be handicapped parking only or for loading and unloading only.

This can get a bit more difficult when you are dealing with inclement winter weather. Signs can become more difficult to read and lines on the street can become nearly impossible to see. In this case, your best bet is to stay home and avoid driving altogether. However, if that is not a possibility, you can park briefly nearly anywhere. Once you have parked, take a quick look around and clear the snow off of any nearby signs if possible. Odds are you will not get towed if you are only parked for a few brief moments. Although, be careful that you do not block the progress of any snowplows, that is an easy way to get towed. So, try to stay off the roads during those times.
 

Ways you can avoid being towed in Alaska

In general, there are several simple ways for you to avoid being towed in Alaska.

• Always pay close attention – This has already been mentioned but it is important enough to mention again, you need to read all the signs in the area that you are parking before you commit to leaving your car there. Also, make sure the lines on the street are not painted any special colors.
• Feed the meter – If you park next to a meter, make sure that you put money in and also that you pay attention to how much time you have bought yourself. You will need to either head back to your car and put more money in the meter or move your car before the meter expires.
• Keep an eye on the clock – If you park in a space that says parking is limited to a certain period of time such as twenty minutes or a hour as well as spaces with signs that say parking is only allowed in-between certain hours, you will need to make sure that you move your car when time is up. You might ask “How can someone enforce hour-long parking without a meter of some kind?” Well, parking enforcement officers will take a piece of chalk, mark your tires, then come back a little over an hour later. Your best bet is to set some sort of alarm on your phone for when it is time to move your vehicle.
• Avoid parking on the side of unplowed roads – We have mentioned this briefly already, but an easy way to get towed is by impeding the progress of snowplows during a storm. So be sure that you only park on the sides of streets that are already plowed.
• Have a roadside assistance plan – In case your car breaks down or gets stuck out on the road during a storm or even in general, you should have a membership for a roadside assistance plan. By paying a small monthly fee every month you can avoid having to pay the extremely high fee of getting your car towed by an independent truck. You additionally will receive a bunch of other benefits as well with membership in one of these programs.

Tips for finding parking in Alaska

Alaska does not have a very high population, but the population density is fairly high in Anchorage which means that in a small area there are a pretty high number of people for a pretty small area. In areas like this, parking can sometimes be tough to come by in Alaska. You can use the following tips to find parking in Alaska:

• Be ready to pay – In the more crowded areas like Anchorage, there are a bunch of premium options for parking, but some can get pricey. Always think and plan ahead if you are going to be driving around an area like Anchorage. You can find some paid options for parking by downloading the EasyPark app.
• Walk or take taxis during the day – In city areas like Anchorage, there is little to no parking during the day. You should walk to your destination if the weather is not too bad and it is not too far of a walk. If that is not the case, then you can always call a taxi or use a ride-share service such as Uber.
• Ask your hotel about their parking – Some hotels will charge an additional fee for parking there. We do not recommend using that option. If you are visiting and will be staying at a hotel, be sure that you stay at one that provides free parking as a part of your booking.
• Parking during or immediately after it snows can be more difficult – If it snows, much of the parking on the side streets of Alaska might become unavailable. So, we recommend that you wait at least half a day after any considerable snowfall to go out driving.

Conclusion

Parking in Alaska can get tricky because of weather, parking regulations and some crowded city areas. It is critically important that you pay very close attention to where you are parking because you could possibly get ticketed or even towed. You will likely need to pay for parking in areas such as Anchorage, so consider taking cabs in areas like that or even walking if at all possible. If you are moving to Alaska or going there for an extended stay, you can always have your car shipped there.

Jump to section:
The most dangerous roads in Alaska
Why these roads are considered dangerous
Tips for driving on these roads
Conclusion
 

The most dangerous roads in Alaska

If you are moving to Alaska or staying there for an extended period of time, odds are that you will need to do some longer distance driving. That means that there is a chance that you will need to drive on one of Alaska’s more dangerous roads.

The most dangerous roads in Alaska are:

1. Dalton Highway – At the top of the list you have Dalton Highway which is infamous for its reputation as the “loneliest road in America” due to the lack of places you can stop along the extremely long 414-mile-long road. It is often plagued with cold temperatures as well as with snow and ice. The visibility on the road can often be pretty bad. The road also has large commercial oil trucks traveling on it with pretty aggressive speed, so pay attention. You can even have animals randomly wandering out on the road. Do not try to travel this road at night.
2. Seward Highway – This road is infamous for the amount of car accidents that occur on it. These accidents are a result of the winding path of the road, only two lanes total (one lane for each travel direction), and the high amount of traffic the road has during warmer weather months. Tourists flock to this road for the legendary sight-seeing which leads to denser traffic in an area where passing can be an extremely dangerous move.
3. Sterling Highway – Sterling Highway suffers some of the same issues as Seward Highway in terms of congestion from tourists and sightseers. However, the road also has the unique issue of being plagued by nearby wildfires. Depending on the time of year, this can make travel on the road very dangerous and there are no alternate routes either.
4. Richardson Highway – Night travel is not a good idea on the more dangerous roads of Alaska during the winter months. Unfortunately, there is a period for a certain area of Alaska where it barely gets light out for a couple of hours a day and this is an area that the Richardson Highway cuts through. The road is ripe with black ice and difficult-to-navigate terrain in the winter months. So, try to avoid the Richardson Highway during the winter at all costs.

Why these roads are considered dangerous

As you now know, each of these roads has it’s own unique challenges. However, they also have a lot in common when it comes to the level of danger they present. In the winter months, these roads can all have extremely poor visibility which can make travel nearly impossible. Wildlife crossings are also another dangerous part of the Alaskan road ecosystem. Animals can dart out onto roads without warning at times.

During the summer, some of these roads suffer from congestion due to tourists. This leads to more multi-vehicle accidents each year. Finally, many of these roads have stretches that are over an hour away from any sort of emergency service, so if you get stuck, you could be waiting a while.
 

Tips for driving on these roads

These roads can be very treacherous, however, sometimes you will have no choice but to travel on them. Use the following tips if you find yourself needing to drive on these dangerous Alaskan roads:

• Check the forecast – Before you leave for the trip, make sure that you see what the weather will be like for the duration of your time out on the road. If the weather seems like it might get bad, consider holding off on traveling that day.
• Be prepared for an emergency – You should be ready for a situation where you get stuck or stranded. This includes having emergency supplies such as gravel or kitty litter to help get your tires un-stuck, spare food, water, road flares and a fully charged cell phone to call for help.
• Get your car ready for the trip – If you are traveling during the winter, make sure that you have the car winterized before you head out on the road. This includes having snow tires and a full tank of gas. You should even consider having some spare gas with you because if you get stuck, you will need to run your car for heat.
• Drive with extreme caution – Do not speed or drive aggressively when you are driving on these roads. Doing so can much more easily lead to a serious accident on roads like these.
• Avoid using these roads if possible – If you can avoid taking these roads, we recommend that you do so. You can always plan alternate routes using Google or an app like Waze.

Conclusion

If you find yourself driving in Alaska, do whatever you can to avoid the highways mentioned above during the times of the year that were mentioned. Thankfully, these roads usually just grant access to the more remote parts of Alaska. If you are staying in an area like Anchorage, you won’t need to worry about these roads unless you plan on venturing far out of that area at some point.

Jump to section:
The best day trips in Alaska
Sightseeing in Alaska with your car
Advice for taking a day trip in Alaska
Conclusion
 

The best day trips in Alaska

Alaska has some of the more incredible day trips that you can take in the entire country. These trips offer great opportunity to sight-see and to experience the awesome expanse that is the Alaskan wilderness.
The top five day trips that you can take in Alaska are:

1. Kenai Fjords National Park – This is one of the most famous places in Alaska to visit for a day. Part of the attraction here is that the best way to see the park is on a day-long cruise. On top of taking in all the expansive beauty that the park itself has to offer, you might even see some whales along the way.
2. The Alaska Railroad – The Alaska Railroad is likely the best way to spend a day trip in Alaska without having to worry about doing much driving yourself. The railroad includes day trip routes through anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks, Girdwood, Seward, Whittier, Portage and more. On these various day trips, you will be able to see bears, glaciers and the overall beauty of the great state of Alaska.
3. Chugach National Forest – This is one of the biggest forests in the entire country. This area is perfect for a day of hiking, biking, and kayaking.
4. Portage Valley – The Portage Valley is likely the best spot in Alaska to catch a view of a glacier. The aptly named Portage Glacier is the main attraction here. You can see it by hiking the Byron Glacier Trail to the very foot of the actual glacier itself.
5. Katamai National Park – Katamai National Park offers the wonderful opportunity to see bears, glaciers and even volcanoes. We recommend seeing the park by taking the seaplane.

Sightseeing in Alaska with your car

If you are going to be taking your car to sightsee in Alaska, you should keep a few things in mind. First of all, you should pay close attention to the forecast. Alaska is no stranger to inclement weather. The point of a day trip is to be able to get out and experience the sights, if the weather is bad, not only will you not be able to do that, you will have a hard time driving as well.

Next, you should have a GPS app like Waze on your phone for directions. However, you should also bring a hard copy paper map too. There are areas in Alaska where cell service is usually at a minimum so you might have no choice but to revert to using an actual map like the old days.

Finally, you should be prepared for a potential emergency situation. This includes having a spare tire and other emergency supplies such as road flares, food, water and a first aid kit. It is also advisable that you have a membership to an emergency roadside service program such as AAA.
 

Advice for taking a day trip in Alaska

• Odds are that you will need to dress pretty warm – Obviously this will depend on what time of the year that you choose to visit but it can get pretty chilly and windy in many of the spots of the list, so be sure you at least bring a light jacket just in case.
• Bring a camera or make sure that your phone is well charged – There will definitely be ample opportunities for pictures so be sure that you are ready.
• Make sure you plan out the trip – Preparation is key to your success when it comes to a day trip in Alaska.
• Bring food! – You won’t want to get caught out in the Alaskan wilderness with no food, the day could easily be ruined if you need to spend it while you are overly hungry.
• Don’t venture too far – If you are taking a day-trip, you will not want to spend more than half the day traveling. So, make sure that the total distance to and from your destination will only take a couple hours maximum to travel.

Conclusion

Day trips in Alaska are a perfect way to experience all the gorgeous sights the state has to offer while only taking a day at a time to do so. Just make sure that you take the time to plan out the trip so that you do not have any issues such as inclement weather.

Jump to section:
Winterize now if you have not already
Caution goes a long way when driving in the snow
Prepare for the worst
General advice for driving in winter conditions
 

Winterize now if you have not already

When it comes to driving in winter conditions in Alaska, preparation is one of the most important parts. This means getting your car winterized before the snow really starts to fall. If you are reading this, you have likely already waited too long so get your car winterized as soon as possible.

In order to get your car winterized properly for the harsh Alaskan winter, there will be a few things that need to be completed. First, you should switch to winter tires. These tires are specifically designed for driving in the snow versus regular tires which can easily slip and slide.

Next, you will want to get winter windshield wipers installed as well. These wipers have rubber on them which goes a long way to keeping the blades from icing up. After this, you will want to make sure that you have windshield wiper fluid is completely full. You will also want to be sure that you keep at least a full spare bottle of windshield wiper fluid around. You will end up going through a lot of it over the course of the winter.

You should also get some higher visibility headlights installed. These will help you see through heavy and snowy conditions during the winter in Alaska.

You can take care of all of these things yourself or you can have it all done by making an appointment with a mechanic who can do it for you. Just be sure that you make an appointment as soon as possible because it might be a week or two before the mechanic will be able to squeeze you in.
 

Caution goes a long way when driving in the snow

There is no such thing as “driving too carefully” when it comes to driving in the snow. Slowing down and taking tasks such as turning and breaking carefully will really help you avoid sliding into an accident.

Always keep your eyes on the road and take extra time to brake and turn if you need to. In most cars these days, you will have an anti-lock braking system. What this does is it essentially “pumps the brakes” for you in order to prevent the brakes from locking up. So, you should keep your foot placed firmly on the brake.

When you are steering in the snow and ice make sure that you do not ever slam down on the brakes because this can make steering nearly impossible. If you do happen to start skidding, be sure to remain calm, steer into the direction of the skid and very mildly accelerate in order to correct the skid.
 

Prepare for the worst

This might sound pessimistic, but it will definitely help if you are prepared for an emergency situation. First, you should have an emergency kit packed and prepared in your car.

This will include jumper cables, a flashlight, an ice scraper, some non-perishable food and water, a bag of sand or kitty litter, a shovel, extra anti-freeze, some extra gloves, a first aid kit and whatever else that you think you might need if you were to get stuck in the snow.

Next, you should always have your cell phone with you and charged. Try to avoid driving in areas where cell phone reception is poor during a winter storm because getting stuck there could be incredibly dangerous.
 

General advice for driving in winter conditions

When you are driving in the snow and the ice, use the following pieces of advice to have the safest trip possible:

• Keep your fuel filled – You should always gas up often during the winter. This will help prevent the fuel lines from freezing up in extremely cold temperatures, but, more importantly, you will be able to keep the car running and stay warm longer if you get stuck anywhere.
• Always keep an eye on the forecast – You should always watch the forecast to make sure that you do not end up accidentally getting caught out on the road during a particularly bad storm.
• Keep the car winterized – Make sure that you keep your windshield wiper fluid throughout the winter. If you end up with any issues with your winter wipers or tires be sure that you get it fixed immediately.
• Watch your tire pressure – During the much colder temperatures during the winter in Alaska, tire pressure can decrease quickly. So, check your tire pressure often and fill them up if need be.
• Always clear your car off completely prior to hitting the road – You should take the necessary time to clear and snow and ice debris from your car before you start driving. This includes the sides and back of the car as well.

Jump to section:
The way that a good pair of headlights will help you in Alaska
Headlight types and visibility
Tips for picking out a good pair of headlights for your car
Conclusion
 

The way that a good pair of headlights will help you in Alaska

Having a good pair of headlights will always be helpful, no matter where you are or what season it is. It is critically important that you are able to see at night and that other drivers and pedestrians are able to see you as well.

However, in the dead of winter, a good pair of headlights really helps making driving easier both at night and during the day. When it is snowing, visibility decreases tremendously. Visibility even remains low after it has stopped snowing because a snow-covered road that matches the snow-colored horizon can end up disorienting you as you drive. In fact, visibility has been known to decrease to less than a quarter mile in more extreme winter storms.

Headlights that have stronger lights increase visibility and help you navigate roads more easily.

Headlight types and visibility

It should come as no surprise that different types of headlights have different visibilities. In Alaska during the winter, you will want to get the maximum amount of visibility with your headlights. You can always switch them out later, once the worst part of the winter ends if you feel that they are a bit too much.

There are three primary types of headlights to consider: halogen, LED and Xenon.

• Halogen – Halogen lights are the standard type of lights used in most cars these days. These are cheaper and offer the least visibility of any of the types of headlights, so we do not recommend using them for winter driving in Alaska.
• LED – LED headlights are more expensive and have better quality light than halogens, thus they create better visibility for driving. We recommend that you choose these when you are picking a headlight for winter driving.
• Xenon – These are the brightest lights that you can get but they are so bright that they can be extremely distracting to other drivers. Some have even described them as “blinding.” So, there currently are not any laws against these headlights, there may very well be in the future. They also take time to “warm up” in order to reach their full intensity. We do not recommend getting these type of headlights.

Tips for maximizing your headlights’ performance during the winter

When you are trying to get the most out of your headlights, using these few tricks can go a long way:

• Make sure that your headlights are clean – It is important, on a regular basis, that you check your headlights to make sure there is not any dirt or grime on your headlights. If there is, you must take the time to clean them because dirt on your headlight covers can impede their performance.
• Be sure that you check your headlights for snow and ice – Snow and ice can hamper the performance of your headlights the same way that dirt and grime can. However, during a storm, snow and ice can quickly accumulate. So, you should check your headlights before you get in your car but you should also keep an eye out while you are driving to see if your headlights suddenly seem dimmer. If they do, pull over when it is safe to do so and clear them off.
• Careful with the high-beams – Your high-beams, otherwise known as brights, can be very useful when it comes to driving in Alaska’s inclement winter weather and low light. However, they can also be very distracting to other drivers. So, if you are driving with your brights on, make sure that you switch them off if on-coming traffic is going to pass you.
• Make sure that your headlights are aimed correctly – This a mistake that people make more often than you might think. It is likely because many people are not even aware that this issue can even occur. If you install your own headlights, be absolutely sure that the blubs are properly facing forward. Often people can put the bulbs in and erroneously do so with the bulbs facing too far sideways, downward or upward. Also, blubs can be knocked out of position by a bump in the road. So, if you notice one of your headlights seems dimmer than the others, it could be because it has been knocked out of position.
• Do not be frugal when it comes to new headlights for your car – As we have already mentioned, the better headlights, the more expensive they will be. This includes types of headlights like LEDs which are known for more brightness and better visibility.

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember here is that your headlights are critical to being able to see the road and being able to drive effectively and safely both in winter weather and low-light conditions. Both conditions are prevalent in Alaska for multiple months every year. In order to maximize your headlights performance, you should perform regular checks to make sure that your headlights are not covered by dirt, snow and/or ice.

Jump to section:
Other than cars, what can Alaska Car Transport Ship?
Where in Alaska can Alaska Car Transport ship something?
Outside of Alaska, where can Alaska Car Transport ship something?
What else should I know about Alaska Car Transport?
 

Other than cars, what can Alaska Car Transport Ship?

Alaska Car Transport is the most trusted name in Alaskan car shipping, but what else can we ship? Well, we can also ship trucks, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, trailers, RVs, heavy equipment and more. If you are wondering whether or not we can ship something specific, you can always call us today at (907) 331-3100.
 

Where in Alaska can Alaska Car Transport ship something?

We at Alaska Car Transport can transport your shipment to one of several convenient Alaskan ports. These ports are:

• Anchorage
• Fairbanks
• Dutch Harbor
• Kodiak
• Juneau
• Ketchikan
• Sitka
• Petersburg
• Wrangell
• Kake
• Hoonah
• Haines
• Skagway
• Yakutat
• Cordova
• Thorne Bay
• Valdez

Outside of Alaska, where can Alaska Car Transport ship something?

Alaska Car Transport can ship your vehicle, motorcycle, trailer or whatever you need shipped to any residential location in the United States with ease. The vast majority of shipments can be delivered directly from your door when you are shipping from Alaska. When you are shipping to Alaska, you can have your vehicle picked up at your house. Unfortunately, we do not ship outside of the United States at this time.
 

What else should I know about Alaska Car Transport?

There are a few other things you should know when you are considering shipping with Alaska Car Transport:

• If you need to, you can ship personal items – You can ship your car with some personal items in the vehicle as long as they stay below the window-line and the total weight of these items is less than a hundred pounds.
• Transit time – Transit times will always vary depending on several variables including shipping distance, what time of the year that you are shipping your vehicle, and conditions along the delivery route such as weather. However, it will usually take about five days to ship a car from Washington state to Alaska, whereas it will take a bit over two weeks to ship a vehicle from Florida to Alaska.
• You cannot have more than a quarter tank of gas in your car when you ship it – This is part of a Coast Guard regulation which is strictly enforced. So, make sure you have no more than a quarter tank of gas when your car is picked up for delivery.
• The ports in Alaska have specific hours – The ports in Alaska are only open during certain hours during the day when you can pick your car up or drop it off. So, make sure that you plan to arrive there during the right hours. You can find more information here.

Jump to section:
What areas in Alaska will be affected?
Why are these ferries being cut?
When might full Ferry service return?
Alternative methods of travel in Alaska
 

What areas in Alaska will be affected?

Cordova, Valdez and Tatitlek are currently being affected as they are not expected to have ferry service again until May. These are all costal towns that rely on the ferry service as a vital means of transportation that is critically important to the economy. Without these ferries, residents will be forced to take flights that cost twice as much or more than the ferry trips.

On top of that, the residents will not be able to get their cars out of the area because the ferries were the only way of transporting cars back and forth from those areas. Thus, they will need to rent a car or rely on public transportation whenever they leave the area.

Many residents have even gone as far to re-locate already for these months because their schedules include at least some regular commuting via the ferry.
 

Why are these ferries being cut?

The ferry cuts are a result of budget cuts by Alaskan Governor Dunleavy. Additional funding to sustain the ferry system and its service to coastal towns was proposed last month but was vetoed by the Governor who wants to first wait for a finalized study on how to re-structure the ferry system to be more cost-effective. The study is due to be finished this month.
 

When might full ferry service return?

It could be a while before you see full ferry service return to Alaska. As of right now, most expect that full service will not return until sometime in May. In the interim it is possible that a private ferry service might be established but there have been no concrete developments as of yet.
 

Alternative methods of travel in Alaska

There are a few other ways you can get around in Alaska without the ferry. These methods of travel are not available for all areas of Alaska, so be sure to check online before setting out to travel.

• Flights – There are several airlines that offer smaller and shorter flights in-between different areas in Alaska. Now, this will always be more expensive than taking the ferry. However, when the ferry is not running in certain areas, this is really your only option for getting out of those areas.
• Private ferries – The state-run ferries will very likely not be back until the late spring or early summer. So, private ferries could be an option in the near future. However, right now there are no private ferries or water taxis serving those areas.
• Alaska Railroad – the Alaska railroad does not serve the coastal communities listed above, but you can use it in other areas of Alaska or in conjunction with other methods of travel. You can find more information on the Alaska Railroad here.

Jump to section:
Why getting your windows and windshield repaired is so important
Tips for getting your car windows repaired in Alaska
The best places for auto glass repair in Alaska
Final word
 

Why getting your windows and windshield repaired is so important

Getting your windshield repaired is an immediate priority if you have any chips or cracks because this sort of damage can spread and become worse the longer you let it go. If that happens, you will likely end up having to replace your windshield rather than just repair it which will be considerably more expensive. Often times, a repair can cost a hundred dollars or less while replacing your windshield could cost several hundred dollars.

This can also cause serious safety risks if you drive around with a cracked or chipped windshield. You also risk getting pulled over and getting a ticket if you drive around with damage like this to your windshield.
 

Tips for getting your car windows repaired in Alaska

Getting your windshield repaired is actually a lot easier than it used to be. Years ago, you had to take your car into a mechanic and you often had to wait hours if not overnight for the repairs to be made or for the replacement to be installed.

Now, you can call most auto glass repair companies and they will come out to wherever you are and repair your windshield or replace it on-site. However, there still are a few things that you should know before you go ahead and call one of these companies to fix your windshield.

• Call your insurance company first – Odds are that car insurance will cover the damage to your windshield, or at least most of it. Check with them before you call anyone to come and fix it.
• Get multiple quotes – Make sure that you shop around and get several quotes. Some providers will be able to get out to you quicker. If you think you might need to get the glass replaced entirely, some providers might have the glass to replace and some might not. So, be sure that you ask.
• Pick the company that you want – When you call your insurance company about this, odds are that they will recommend a company. This company is likely just being recommended because they are giving the insurance company a deal for using them for all of their claims. You absolutely have the right to choose whichever company you want.
• Check out the company’s reputation – You will want to make sure that you check out the reputation of whichever company you are interested in repairing your windshield before you make a final decision. Some companies might not have great online reputations.

The best places for auto glass repair in Alaska

The following are the best providers for auto glass repair in the major areas of Alaska:

• Anchorage
  • Anchorage Auto Glass – Anchorage Auto Glass boasts that they do only one thing, auto glass. They are a trusted name in the Anchorage area that repairs windshields, other types of auto glass and more. They also offer mobile service.
  • Novus Glass – A larger company with a division in Anchorage, Novus Glass offers completely mobile service and offers a lifetime guarantee on its work.
  • Glass Doctor – Another operation that offers mobile service, Glass Doctor can fix and replace all windshields.
• Fairbanks
  • Badger Glass – Badger glass is locally operated and owned. They offer very reasonable rates for various types of car glass repair and replacement.
  • Fairbanks Collision and Glass – Fairbanks Collision and Glass is a long locally trusted car repair shop which also offer a variety of glass repair services.
  • Frontier Glass – Frontier Glass offers multiple types of automotive repairs including all types of auto glass repair and replacement.
• Juneau
  • Juneau Glass – Juneau Glass offers all sorts of glass repairs including those for cars. The business is veteran owned.
  • Fix Auto USA – Fix Auto USA offers many different types of car repairs including windshield repair and replacement.

Final word

Getting your car windshield repaired is much easier and more convenient than it was years ago. Now, you do not even need to bring your car into the shop in order to get it repaired, the service technician will come out to you and your car. Most importantly, make sure that you do not put off getting the repairs you need for your windshield, doing so can cause much more harm and expense.