It might seem harmless—a small crack in your windshield that you plan to fix later. But even a minor crack can create major risks for you and your passengers. Driving with a cracked windshield compromises your vehicle’s structural integrity, visibility, and safety in ways many drivers underestimate.
At RAM Auto Glass, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a small crack can become a dangerous situation. Our mobile team provides fast, certified repair and replacement services for all vehicle glass—including back windshields—across Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, and nearby communities.
Why Windshield Cracks Are More Than Just Cosmetic
A windshield does more than block the wind. It supports the roof of your car and helps airbags deploy properly in a crash. According to NHTSA safety standards, the windshield accounts for up to 60% of a car’s structural strength in a rollover accident. If it’s already cracked, your vehicle could collapse more easily during an impact.
How Cracks Affect Airbag Deployment
Most people don’t realize the windshield plays a role in how airbags function. In many vehicles, the passenger-side airbag relies on the windshield for support when it inflates. If your windshield is already compromised, the airbag may deploy incorrectly or fail to offer protection at all.
Reduced Visibility = Increased Accident Risk
Even small chips or cracks can refract light, create glare, and obscure your vision. Driving in bright sunlight or at night becomes more dangerous when you’re distracted by a line across your field of view. According to CAA safety tips, clear visibility is one of the most critical components of defensive driving.
Cracks Spread Faster Than You Think
Temperature fluctuations, road vibrations, and moisture can all cause a crack to grow—sometimes within hours. A chip that seemed harmless yesterday could become a jagged fracture stretching across your windshield today.
Ontario’s fluctuating weather makes this even more likely. Rainwater can seep into cracks and freeze overnight, expanding the glass and creating long spiderweb patterns that make repair impossible. That’s why acting early is essential.
Legal and Insurance Consequences
Did you know that driving with a severely cracked windshield could get you ticketed? In Ontario, if the damage obstructs your view, you could be pulled over and fined. According to Ontario Regulation 611, any vehicle safety issue affecting visibility must be addressed immediately to remain roadworthy.
Fortunately, many insurance plans cover auto glass repair with little to no deductible. At RAM Auto Glass, we can help you understand your coverage and work directly with your provider—saving you time and paperwork. We also back every installation with a written warranty.
What If It’s the Back Windshield?
Rear windshields are just as critical as front ones. They provide rear visibility and protect your cabin from external elements. Unlike front windshields, rear glass is typically tempered, meaning it shatters completely when damaged—and cannot be repaired. If your back glass is cracked or broken, it must be replaced immediately for your safety and vehicle integrity.
Our Free Mobile Service = No Excuses
Don’t risk your life or face a ticket for something preventable. RAM Auto Glass offers free mobile service across the GTA. Whether it’s your front or back windshield, our certified technicians come directly to your home, office, or parking lot with everything they need to do the job right.
Related Reading
- Auto Glass Repair vs Replacement: How to Decide
- What Is Auto Glass Repair and When Do You Need It?
- How Weather Affects Auto Glass Cracks in Ontario
Don’t Drive With a Risk
It’s not worth the gamble. A cracked windshield can fail you when you need it most. Book your appointment today with RAM Auto Glass or call (647) 892-4819 for same-day mobile service. We’ll get you back on the road—safely.