Ontario winters are harsh—and that’s not just on your commute. If you’ve got a chip in your windshield, freezing temperatures can make it worse fast. But can the damage be repaired when it’s this cold out? The answer: yes, with the right tools and experience.
At RAM Auto Glass, we perform mobile windshield chip repairs in cold weather all winter long across Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and the GTA. Here’s how cold temperatures affect chip repairs and what we do to make sure they last.
Why Cold Weather Makes Chips Riskier
Glass expands and contracts with temperature changes. In winter, that movement becomes more extreme—especially when your defroster blasts hot air on an icy windshield. This sudden stress can turn a small chip into a long crack overnight.
Moisture inside the chip can also freeze and expand, worsening the damage. That’s why the sooner you repair it, the better.
Yes, You Can Repair Chips in the Cold—Here’s How
Professional technicians use cold-weather equipment and techniques to repair chips safely. At RAM Auto Glass, we use:
- Specialized resin designed for low temperatures
- Heated tools to warm the glass before repair
- Portable UV curing systems to set the resin fully
- Protective tents or mobile shelters for on-site service
As long as we can fully dry and warm the glass before injecting the resin, the repair will bond correctly—even in sub-zero conditions.
When Cold Weather Delays Repairs
If the chip has absorbed moisture and frozen solid, we may need to delay the repair until it can be dried completely. Performing a repair on wet or frozen glass leads to poor adhesion and can cause the repair to fail.
We’ll always inspect the damage first and advise whether it’s safe to proceed or better to wait for a warmer moment—or a covered location like a parking garage.
DIY Repairs in the Winter? Not Recommended
Over-the-counter chip repair kits don’t work well in the cold. They can’t warm the glass, dry the crack, or cure the resin properly. You may end up sealing in moisture or making the damage worse.
According to I-CAR and NHTSA, windshield repairs require precise temperature and curing conditions for reliable safety results.
Signs You Should Replace Instead of Repair
- Crack is longer than 6 inches
- Chip has spread into a spiderweb shape
- Moisture has caused hazing or discoloration
- The chip is located near the edge or in your line of sight
If your damage meets any of these criteria, we’ll recommend replacement—and get it done on-site, often the same day.
Cold-Weather Care Tips
- Don’t blast your defroster on max—warm the glass gradually
- Clear snow and ice with soft tools to avoid impact chips
- Cover your windshield overnight with a frost guard
- Inspect chips early in the season and book repairs ASAP
Related Reading
- How Weather Affects Auto Glass Cracks in Ontario
- Does a Small Windshield Chip Always Require Repair?
- How to Prevent Windshield Cracks From Spreading
Need a Winter Repair? We’ve Got You Covered
Don’t wait until spring. RAM Auto Glass offers cold-weather chip repairs with heated tools, fast curing, and mobile service throughout the GTA. Whether you’re at home, work, or a parking lot—we’ll get the job done safely and quickly.
Call (647) 777-7080 or book online for fast winter windshield repair today.