Driving in Mississauga has its perks—beautiful neighbourhoods, well-connected roads, and a solid mix of city and suburb life. But let’s be real: the local road conditions can also be rough on your vehicle—especially your windshield. From surprise potholes to debris flying out of nowhere, there are more ways to chip or crack your auto glass than you might think.
As a local auto glass shop, we’ve seen it all. So, here are the top 7 causes of windshield damage in Mississauga—and what you can do to avoid costly repairs or full-on replacements.
1. Debris from Construction Zones
Mississauga is always growing. Whether it’s condos going up downtown or new lanes being added to major roads, there’s no shortage of construction. Unfortunately, with construction comes loose gravel, metal fragments, and other debris.
Prevention Tip: Try to avoid active construction zones when possible. If you have to drive through one, slow down and keep extra space between your car and any trucks hauling materials. The further back you are, the less likely something will bounce off their tires and hit your windshield.
2. Gravel and Loose Stones on the Road
Ever driven down Derry Road or Eglinton after a storm or during the early spring? You’ve probably heard the ping of a tiny rock hitting your windshield. Loose gravel is super common on Mississauga’s arterial roads—especially during seasonal clean-ups or when road salt is being spread.
Prevention Tip: Stick to well-maintained lanes whenever you can and be cautious when following large vehicles like dump trucks. Even a small pebble can create a chip that spreads fast if left untreated.
3. Potholes and Rough Roads
Mississauga winters can be brutal—and they leave behind potholes big enough to ruin your alignment and crack your glass. When your tires hit a deep pothole, the sudden jolt can send vibrations through your vehicle’s frame and weaken your windshield, especially if there’s already a small chip.
Prevention Tip: Avoid puddles (they could be hiding deep potholes), keep your tires properly inflated, and always approach rough roads at a slower speed to minimise impact.
4. Sudden Temperature Changes
We’ve all experienced those unpredictable April days when it’s snowing in the morning and sunny by lunch. These rapid temperature swings can be confusing, but they can also be harsh on your windshield. Glass expands and contracts with temperature changes, which can turn a small chip into a large crack. You might be surprised to learn just how much summer heat can impact your windshield; extreme temperatures can stress existing damage and cause cracks to spread more quickly.
Prevention Tip: If it’s cold outside, avoid blasting your defroster on high immediately. Let your car warm up slowly. Likewise, in summer, avoid splashing cold water on a hot windshield. Gradual temperature changes are key to keeping your glass intact and can help stop a windshield crack from spreading before it gets worse.
5. Falling Ice and Snow
If you park outdoors, you already know what we’re talking about. In winter, thick chunks of ice or snow can fall from nearby buildings, trees, or even other vehicles, especially trucks. The impact can be enough to shatter or severely crack a windshield.
Prevention Tip: Try to park in covered or sheltered areas during winter months. And always clean off the roof of your own car—falling ice from your own vehicle can also cause damage or hurt someone else.
6. Poor Windshield Installation or Previous Repairs
Not all windshield jobs are done with care. If you’ve had a windshield replaced before and it wasn’t properly installed, it may not be secure enough to handle the usual stress from potholes or vibrations. This makes it more likely to crack.
Prevention Tip: Always go with a reputable local auto glass shop that guarantees quality installation—like us at Fix It Fast Auto Glass. We stand by our work and make sure your windshield is ready for anything Mississauga roads can throw at it.
If you suspect a bad install or you’ve had recurring issues, it might be time for a windshield replacement in Mississauga. Give us a call at 416-662-8761 and we’ll inspect it for you.
7. Tree Branches and Storm Damage
Mississauga gets its fair share of windy days and summer storms. Falling branches, flying debris, or even an unlucky hit from hail can wreak havoc on your windshield. These are the kinds of cracks that often need full replacement.
Prevention Tip: Avoid parking under trees or in open areas during windstorms. If a storm is in the forecast, try to find covered parking or keep a windshield cover in your car as a protective layer.
Need Fast Windshield Repair in Mississauga? We’ve Got You Covered!
Windshield damage can go from “no big deal” to “major headache” real quick if left unchecked. Whether you’re dealing with a chip, a crack, or one of the many types of windshield damage we commonly see, we’re here to help.
At Fix It Fast Auto Glass, we know Mississauga roads like the back of our hand. Our team is ready to get you back on the road quickly and safely with high-quality repairs or windshield replacement in Mississauga.
Need help right away? Call us now at 416-662-8761 or Contact us today for a professional assessment. We’re just a click or a call away!
