Imagine you’re driving along the QEW—whether enjoying the Lake Ontario views or heading toward Oakville—when you hear a quick thwack. A small rock or piece of debris has hit your windshield. At first, it seems minor, but then you notice a crack starting to spread. So, what should you do next?
A cracked windshield is not only annoying—it can also be a serious safety hazard. Even small chips or cracks can compromise your visibility and the structural integrity of your vehicle. Whether you’re near home or far from it, knowing what to do next can help you stay safe and prevent further damage.
At Fix It Fast Auto Glass, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a practical guide to handling a cracked windshield during your drive through Oakville.
1. Safety first: stay calm and assess the situation
Your first reaction should be to stay calm and ensure your safety. A cracked windshield can be startling, but erratic maneuvers can be more dangerous than the damage itself.
- Avoid sudden braking: Don’t slam on the brakes. Instead, slow down gradually and avoid any sharp, jerky movements.
- Assess the damage: Take a quick look to see how bad the damage is. Is it a small chip or a large crack? If the crack is longer than a few inches or in your line of sight, it could be unsafe to continue driving.
- Pull over safely: Once you’ve assessed the damage, find a safe location to pull over. This could be a service centre, a parking lot, or the shoulder of the road—just make sure you’re out of the way of traffic. If you’re on busy roads like the QEW or Trafalgar Road in Oakville, it’s crucial to park in a well-lit, safe area away from high-speed traffic.
2. Why are cracks dangerous?
A windshield is more than just a piece of glass—it’s an essential part of your vehicle’s safety system.
- Structural integrity: Your windshield provides up to 45% of the vehicle’s structural integrity in a frontal crash and up to 60% in a rollover. A cracked windshield can’t absorb impact or bear the weight in the same way, increasing the risk of injury or roof collapse.
- Airbag function: In the event of a collision, the windshield supports the passenger-side airbag’s deployment. A cracked or weakened windshield can cause the airbag to deploy improperly, or worse, blow out the glass, rendering the airbag ineffective.
- Visibility and glare: Even small cracks can cause light to refract, creating glare that reduces your visibility. Driving into the sun or at night with a cracked windshield can seriously impair your ability to see clearly, making it harder to react to potential hazards.
3. Mitigating the damage: keep the crack from spreading
Once you’re safely pulled over, the next priority is to keep the crack from getting worse. Cracks can quickly expand due to temperature fluctuations, bumps, or even the vibrations from driving.
- Apply clear tape: If you have some clear packing tape, painter’s tape, or even a Band-Aid in your emergency kit, use it to cover the crack. This temporary fix helps keep dirt, moisture, and debris out of the crack, which can make professional repairs easier.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Don’t blast the air conditioning or defroster directly onto the windshield. The drastic temperature change can cause the crack to expand due to thermal stress. Keep the climate control at a moderate level.
- Drive carefully: If you absolutely must drive to a repair shop, do so cautiously. Avoid rough roads, potholes, or anything that could put additional stress on the glass.
4. Know your legal obligations in Ontario
Driving with a damaged windshield isn’t just a safety risk—it can also lead to legal issues. According to the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) in Ontario, your vehicle must be in good condition, and your view of the road should not be obstructed.
- Ticketable offense: If the crack obstructs your view, especially if it’s in the driver’s line of sight, you could be fined. Cracks larger than a palm or those directly in the center of your vision may not be tolerated by law enforcement. In the Oakville area, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) may issue fines if they deem the damage dangerous.
- When to drive: If the crack is larger or in a critical area of the windshield, you should avoid driving until it’s repaired. It’s better to stop and get professional help than to risk a ticket or, worse, a serious accident.
5. Contact Fix It Fast Auto Glass for immediate help
Once you’ve safely stopped, your next step is to call a trusted auto glass repair shop like Fix It Fast Auto Glass. We specialize in windshield repair in Oakville and the surrounding GTA. With our fast, reliable service, we can help you decide whether a repair or replacement is necessary and send a technician to your location if needed.
- Mobile service available: We understand that you’re on the road and need a quick fix. Our mobile windshield repair in Oakville means we can come directly to you. Whether you’re at a rest stop, hotel, or even just pulled over on the side of the road, we’ll get to work on fixing your windshield as soon as possible.
- Repair vs. replacement: Small cracks or chips (less than six inches) can usually be repaired with resin, while larger cracks may require a full replacement. If your windshield is equipped with advanced features like cameras or sensors, we’ll ensure that everything is recalibrated properly after a replacement.
We proudly serve Oakville’s many vibrant neighborhoods, including: Bronte Village, Central Oakville, College Park, Falgarwood, Ford Drive, Glen Abbey, Morrison, Old Oakville, River Oaks, Sherwood Heights, Southwest Oakville, Joshua Creek and Wedgewood Creek, West Oakville, and Westoak Trails. No matter where you are in Oakville, our skilled technicians are ready to deliver fast and dependable windshield replacement in Oakville and auto glass repair solutions at your doorstep.
6. Back on the road: post-repair care
After the repair or replacement is completed, it’s time to get back on the road. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Mobile service convenience: If your windshield can be repaired, we’ll perform the work right at your location, so you don’t have to worry about towing your car to a shop. This can be a huge time-saver if you’re in a rush.
- Curing time: If your windshield was replaced, there’s typically a curing period to allow the adhesive to set. You’ll need to wait 1–3 hours before driving to avoid disturbing the adhesive. Our technician will let you know exactly how long to wait, and it’s crucial to avoid slamming the doors or washing the vehicle during this time.
Contact Fix It Fast Auto Glass today!
If you find yourself with a cracked windshield in Oakville, don’t wait for it to get worse. Fix It Fast Auto Glass is here to help with windshield repair in Oakville and surrounding areas. Whether you’re dealing with a small chip or a large crack, we offer same-day service and mobile repairs for your convenience.
Call us now at 416-662-8761 or schedule an appointment. Let us handle the repair while you get back to your journey with a clear, safe windshield.
