It always starts small—a chip from a rock on the highway, a tiny hairline crack from a cold morning. But if left untreated, windshield cracks can spread fast. What could have been a quick fix turns into a full replacement. Fortunately, with the right precautions, you can prevent that from happening.
At RAM Auto Glass, we help drivers across Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Toronto preserve their windshields and avoid expensive replacements. Here’s what you can do to stop a crack from spreading—and what to avoid at all costs.
1. Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes
Extreme temperature swings are one of the fastest ways to make a crack grow. Blasting your defroster on a cold morning or turning the AC on full blast after your car has baked in the sun can cause the glass to expand or contract suddenly—stretching the crack.
Instead, warm or cool your car gradually. Open the windows or use a lower fan setting at first to reduce shock to the glass. This is especially important during Ontario’s unpredictable seasons.
2. Park in the Shade or Indoors
Direct sunlight heats your windshield unevenly, which stresses the cracked area. Whenever possible, park in a garage or under shade. This reduces both temperature extremes and UV exposure, which can weaken the structural resin in the glass.
3. Avoid Bumpy Roads and Slamming Doors
Vibrations and pressure changes make tiny cracks grow faster. Avoid potholes, speed bumps, and rough roads when possible. And believe it or not—slamming your car door can jolt the frame enough to lengthen a crack, especially if the windows are closed.
4. Don’t Wash Your Car Immediately
High-pressure car washes and cold water on a hot windshield can worsen existing damage. Wait until you’ve repaired the chip or crack before going through a wash tunnel or using a pressure washer.
5. Apply Clear Tape (Temporary Fix)
If you can’t get the crack repaired immediately, place a piece of clear tape over it to keep dirt and moisture out. While this won’t stop the crack, it helps minimize contamination until a technician can properly seal it.
For long-term protection, get it looked at as soon as possible. Most repairs take less than 30 minutes, especially with mobile service.
6. Use a Repair Kit If You’re In a Pinch
DIY repair kits are available, but they’re not always reliable. They may help temporarily if you’re on a road trip or far from service—but for structural safety and clear visibility, a professional repair is still your best option.
According to NHTSA guidelines, improperly repaired auto glass may compromise your car’s crash performance and airbag deployment.
7. Schedule Mobile Repair ASAP
Prevention only works up to a point. Once the crack has formed, the best way to stop it is to get it professionally repaired. Our mobile team at RAM Auto Glass can come to you anywhere in the GTA and fix the crack on-site—no downtime, no delay.
We also offer full replacement for back windshields, side windows, and sunroofs. If the damage has spread beyond repair, we’ll replace it and provide a written warranty so you can drive with peace of mind.
Related Reading
- What Kind of Damage Can Be Repaired in Windshields?
- What to Expect From a Mobile Auto Glass Repair Service
- How Weather Affects Auto Glass Cracks in Ontario
Don’t Wait—Stop That Crack Before It Spreads
Even the best prevention tips can’t undo damage that’s already spreading. If you see a chip or small crack, take action now. RAM Auto Glass offers fast mobile glass repair throughout Vaughan, Markham, Thornhill, and nearby cities.
Book your mobile service or call (647) 892-4819 to stop that crack before it gets worse.