Stop a Small Chip Before It Grows: Winter Windshield Tips for BC Drivers

Stop a Small Chip Before It Grows: Winter Windshield Tips for BC Drivers

It starts as a tiny, barely noticeable chip on your windshield. But as temperatures drop across British Columbia, that little mark can spread faster than you’d think.

At Kirmac Collision & Autoglass, we see it every winter. A small rock chip becomes a full crack overnight, especially when cold mornings meet damp BC afternoons. Understanding why this happens can help you act before it’s too late.

Small chip, big problem: what cold weather does to glass

Glass expands and contracts with temperature changes. When the outside of your windshield is freezing while your car’s heater blasts warm air inside, that stress can cause even the smallest chip to spread.

Add a bit of pressure from wipers or a pothole, and that hairline crack suddenly becomes a full windshield replacement. That’s why fast rock chip repair is key to preventing bigger problems later.

Pro tip: If you spot a chip, avoid blasting the defrost directly on it until it’s repaired.

Road salt and temperature swings – BC’s unique challenge

From Burnaby to Kelowna, BC drivers face a perfect storm of rock chip risks. Road salt, sand, and gravel used to keep highways safe in winter often cause small dings that quickly expand when temperatures fluctuate between freezing nights and mild afternoons.

These constant freeze-thaw cycles put stress on windshields, especially those already weakened by a chip.

Kirmac’s expert glass technicians understand local road conditions because we drive them too. Whether it’s a salted city street or a mountain commute, our team knows exactly how BC winters affect your glass.

Free chip repair and how it works

Depending on the location of the chip, if it’s smaller than a loonie, Kirmac offers free* chip repair even if you don’t need a full replacement. Many insurance claims are fully covered, and our team can handle the paperwork with you. Plus, this will not affect your insurance premiums!

We’ll inspect your windshield, inject a specialized resin, and cure it with UV light to restore strength and clarity. It usually takes less than 30 minutes.

Protecting your family and your view this winter

Your windshield does more than block the wind, it’s a key safety component that supports airbag deployment and structural integrity.

Taking care of a small chip before it spreads helps keep you and your family safe on the road. Plus, it saves you time, money, and the stress of a full windshield replacement.

And when you choose Kirmac, you’re helping your community too. 100% of proceeds from every chip repair supports Kirmac Cares for Kids, funding local hospital foundations that help BC families.

Start your glass claim today!

*Only applicable under comprehensive insurance coverage