Imagine this: You’re driving along, the sun is shining, and your favorite song is playing. Then, a sudden crack! A small stone flies up and hits your windshield, leaving behind a tiny chip or a disconcerting little star. “It’s small,” you think. “It can wait.” But here at Fix It Fast Auto Glass, we know that little problems can quickly become big headaches, especially when it comes to your vehicle’s safety and structural integrity.
Your windshield is more than just a piece of glass; it’s a critical component of your car’s safety system. It supports the roof in a rollover accident and ensures your airbags deploy correctly. That’s why ignoring damage, no matter how minor it seems, is never a good idea. We want to help you stay safe on the road, so we’ve put together the 10 most common signs that it’s time to stop delaying and get your windshield professionally repaired.
1. You have a chip smaller than a quarter
This is the most common and often the most overlooked sign. A chip caused by a stone or debris that’s about the size of a quarter or smaller is typically an ideal candidate for a simple, fast repair. The longer you wait, the more likely dirt and moisture will seep into the crack, making a clean repair impossible and forcing a full windshield replacement. Don’t let a simple chip turn into a costly replacement.
2. You see a crack shorter than three inches
Similar to chips, a short crack, generally less than three inches long, can often be safely repaired. We can inject a special resin into the crack to stop its spread and restore the windshield’s clarity and structural integrity. However, once that crack starts creeping toward the edges of the glass, the stress on the glass increases significantly, and replacement becomes the only viable option.
3. The damage is in your line of sight
Any damage, regardless of size, that falls directly within the driver’s line of sight is a serious issue. Even a small chip or crack can cause a dangerous distortion or glare, especially when driving into the sun or at night. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a major safety hazard. Your immediate field of vision must be clear at all times for safe driving.
4. You notice moisture or dirt in the damaged area
If you can see a dark line or trapped moisture within the chip or crack, it means contaminants have entered the damage. While our resins are strong, attempting a repair on a dirty area can lead to a less successful outcome, both in terms of clarity and structural strength. If you’ve driven through a rainstorm or a dusty road since the damage occurred, it’s a red flag. Getting windshield repair in Mississauga quickly is key before the damage gets too contaminated.
5. You hear a slight whistling sound while driving
A whistling sound you never noticed before, especially when driving at highway speeds, can indicate that the seal around your windshield is compromised or that a small crack is letting air pass through. This isn’t a direct sign of a repairable crack, but it is a strong indicator of a windshield problem that needs immediate inspection. This issue compromises the cabin’s climate control and soundproofing.
6. The cracks are starting to branch out
The classic star-break or bull’s-eye damage is one thing, but if you start seeing small cracks spider-webbing or branching out from the main point of impact, you’ve reached a critical point. This shows the stress on the glass is distributing rapidly. The spreading of cracks means the damage is growing quickly, making a prompt repair essential to prevent a full replacement.
7. You’re experiencing extreme temperature changes
Sudden and drastic changes in temperature are the biggest enemy of a damaged windshield. Blasting the defrost on a cold morning or having intense heat beat down on your car in the summer can cause the glass to expand and contract rapidly. If you have existing damage, these temperature swings dramatically increase the chance of a small chip or crack suddenly spreading across the entire windshield.
8. The damage is near the edge of the windshield
Damage near the edge of the windshield is particularly risky. This area is under the most stress because it’s where the glass meets the vehicle’s frame. A crack that extends to the edge often compromises the entire glass pane’s structural integrity, meaning a repair is usually not feasible or safe. If your damage is within a couple of inches of the windshield’s perimeter, you should prepare for a replacement, not a repair.
9. You failed a safety inspection due to windshield damage
Most jurisdictions have specific rules regarding the size and location of windshield damage that will cause a vehicle to fail a safety inspection. If you’ve been told your vehicle is unsafe because of a chip or crack, don’t just put off the repair; you must get it fixed. Driving a car that has failed a safety inspection due to windshield damage can also impact your insurance coverage.
10. The chip or crack looks worse after washing your car
Sometimes, damage is hard to see until you’ve given your car a good wash. If cleaning your car makes a barely noticeable flaw suddenly seem more prominent or clearer, it’s a good sign that the damage is deeper than you initially thought. Don’t ignore this visual cue. We’re here to help assess the damage quickly and accurately.
Get it fixed fast today
Don’t let a minor inconvenience become a major expense or, worse, a safety risk. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to act. We provide fast, reliable, and high-quality windshield repair and replacement services. Your safety is our top priority.
Ready to get your windshield fixed? Here’s how we can help:
- Fast, same-day service for windshield repair and replacement.
- Mobile service at your doorstep for added convenience.
- Free, no-obligation estimates so you know exactly what you’re getting.
- Expert repairs using top-quality glass (OEM or OEE) and adhesives.
- Lifetime warranty on repairs as long as you own the vehicle.
- 150+ five-star Google reviews from satisfied customers.
Whether you’re in Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Milton, Etobicoke, Toronto, or surrounding GTA areas, Fix It Fast Auto Glass is here to help!
Call us at 416-662-8761 or book an appointment. Let us take care of your windshield so you can get back on the road safely!
