Every winter, cracked windshield calls go up across Toronto. Here's why, and how to protect your glass.
What causes winter cracks
- Temperature shock. Blasting the defroster on frozen glass heats the inside while the outside stays freezing. The stress can turn a tiny chip into a long crack.
- Ice in chips. Water gets into small chips, freezes and expands, pushing the crack further.
- Road debris. Salt trucks and sand spreaders throw grit and small stones onto the 401, the Gardiner and the DVP.
- Potholes. Hard jolts flex the car's body and put stress on already-damaged glass.
- Ice scrapers. Hard scraping on a chipped windshield can widen the damage.
How to protect your windshield
- Warm the car up gradually and start the defroster on low
- Never pour hot water on a frozen windshield
- Leave more space behind trucks on the highway
- Get chips repaired before the first deep freeze
Already cracked?
If you have comprehensive coverage, a winter crack is usually covered, and you pay only your deductible. We handle the claim and can replace your windshield in your driveway, so you don't have to drive on damaged glass.