Auto Glass Repair FAQ
- How easy can I get your windshield repaired?
- Can you fix a cracked windshield without replacing it?
- How fast do windshield cracks spread?
- Is it illegal to drive with a cracked windshield in Canada?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions Auto Glass Replacement
Here are some common questions that customers have been asking about Auto Glass Replacement and/or Repair.
deployment of airbags, helping to safeguard your passengers.
The ease of repair depends on the size and age of the chip. If the chip is smaller than a nickel, relatively new, and doesn’t have cracks longer than 20mm, it can usually be repaired at any of our locations. A better question might be, “Is my chip repairable?” If the chip has “spidering” cracks, it can still be repaired, but there’s a higher risk of the crack spreading during the process.
It depends on the age of the crack and the weather conditions. Cracks can take anywhere from a few hours to several months to spread. However, sudden temperature changes, such as using
the defrost, or prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the crack to spread more quickly. The longer the crack is left untreated, the more it’s exposed to contaminants and moisture, which can increase the likelihood of further cracking.
No, repairing a crack is not safe or effective. If the chip is larger than a nickel, it cannot be repaired and must be replaced for safety reasons. To repair a chip, we use a special tool to gently break into the chip. Using this tool on an existing crack could cause the crack to spread.
Yes, it is illegal to drive with windshield damage in Ontario. If the crack is in the driver’s line of sight, it is more likely to be considered an issue, but even cracks in other areas can be problematic if they affect the vehicle’s structural integrity. It’s always best to get it repaired as soon as possible to avoid any legal or safety issues.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): These parts are the same ones installed in your vehicle during manufacturing. While the car manufacturer doesn’t always make them, they meet strict safety and quality standards. OEM parts are sold at dealerships and feature the original logos.
- OEE (Original Equipment Equivalent): These parts come from the same manufacturer as OEM parts but are sold after the vehicle is built. They are identical to OEM parts but don’t carry the car manufacturer’s logo. Both OEM and OEE meet all safety regulations and provide a perfect fit.
- Aftermarket Glass: We don’t use aftermarket glass because it is made by third-party manufacturers without the car maker’s approval. While cheaper, aftermarket glass doesn’t meet the same specifications as OEM or OEE, which can affect the fit and safety.
You can typically drive away immediately after a windshield repair or side-window replacement. For windshield replacements, we recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after the replacement has been completed.
Yes, all of our technicians are certified, meaning they have been thoroughly trained in the proper procedures for repairing and replacing auto glass.
No, we take care of that for you. We’ll contact your insurance company and submit the claim on your behalf.
