This guide covers windshield rock chip for Calgary drivers, from the experts at MG Collision Centre.
Quick answer: Small chips (roughly smaller than a coin) and short cracks outside the driver’s line of sight can usually be repaired in under an hour. Long cracks, damage in the driver’s view or chips at the edge of the glass usually require a full windshield replacement.
Gravel trucks, construction zones and winter road sand make windshield chips a fact of life in Calgary. The good news is that a quick repair can often save your windshield, if you act fast.
Why Calgary Windshields Crack So Easily
Calgary’s climate is hard on glass. Chinooks can swing temperatures dramatically within hours, and blasting the defroster on a frozen windshield creates stress. Add vibration from rough roads, and a tiny chip can turn into a long crack overnight.
When a Chip Can Be Repaired
- The chip is small, roughly the size of a coin or smaller
- A crack is short, typically just a few centimetres
- The damage is not directly in the driver’s line of sight
- The chip is not on the edge of the windshield
- The inner layer of glass is not damaged
A repair injects a clear resin into the chip, then cures it. It restores strength, stops the spread and makes the chip much less visible. See our chip and crack repair service.
When You Need a Replacement
- Cracks longer than a short repairable length or spreading across the glass
- Damage in the driver’s direct field of view
- Cracks that start at or reach the edge of the windshield
- Multiple chips in the same area
Learn about our windshield replacement service.
Don’t Forget About Driver-Assistance Cameras
Many newer vehicles have lane-keeping and collision-warning cameras mounted behind the windshield. After a replacement, these systems may need recalibration so they read the road correctly. Ask your shop whether your vehicle requires it.
How to Stop a Chip From Spreading Until It Is Repaired
- Cover the chip with clear packing tape to keep out dirt and moisture.
- Avoid blasting hot defrost air on a frozen windshield; warm it gradually.
- Do not slam doors, which flexes the glass.
- Avoid automatic car washes until it is fixed.
- Book a repair as soon as possible.
Does Insurance Cover Windshield Damage?
Glass damage is often covered under comprehensive coverage, subject to your deductible. Because a chip repair usually costs much less than a replacement, many drivers simply pay for the repair directly. Check your policy for glass coverage details.
Key Takeaways
- Repair a windshield rock chip quickly before Calgary temperature swings spread it.
- A small windshield rock chip can usually be fixed in under an hour.
- Long cracks or a windshield rock chip in the driver’s view often need replacement.
Windshield rock chip: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a windshield chip repair take?
Most chip repairs take less than an hour.
Can a cracked windshield be repaired?
Short cracks outside the driver’s view can sometimes be repaired. Longer cracks or edge cracks usually need a replacement.
Why did my windshield crack overnight?
Temperature changes, especially cold nights followed by defrosting, cause stress that makes chips spread into cracks.
Do I need camera calibration after windshield replacement?
If your vehicle has a camera mounted on the windshield for driver-assistance features, recalibration may be required after replacement.
Helpful resource: Environment Canada weather forecasts.
Get Your Free Estimate at MG Collision Centre
MG Collision Centre has served Calgary drivers for more than 15 years. We work with all major insurance companies, use OEM parts, match paint with computerized colour technology, arrange rental vehicles and back our collision repairs with a lifetime warranty. Call +1 (587) 453-3333, email info@mgcollisioncentre.com, or visit us at 933B 48 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2A7 (Monday to Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM–4:30 PM). Request your free estimate online.
