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January 5, 2026
If you drive in British Columbia, you know the sound. A quick “tick” on the glass from road debris and suddenly you’re staring at a new mark on your windshield.
The good news: a lot of chips can be repaired if you act early. The tricky part is figuring out whether you’re looking at a chip (often repairable) or a crack (often spreads and may require replacement), especially during winter when temperature swings put extra stress on the glass.
This guide breaks it down in plain language so you can decide what to do next, fast.
Quick note on safety: Your windshield supports visibility and contributes to vehicle safety. If you’re unsure, a trained technician can confirm whether repair is possible.
A chip is typically a small impact point where a rock or debris hits the glass and leaves a ding, crater, or star-shaped mark. Common chip types include:
Bullseye chip: a circular ring around the impact point
Star break: short lines radiating from the impact point
Combination break: a mix of bullseye and star features
Chips often look “contained” around a single impact spot.
A crack is a line that runs outward through the windshield, sometimes starting from a chip. Cracks may be:
Stress cracks: can appear without a direct impact (temperature and body flex can contribute)
Edge cracks: start near the windshield edge and can spread faster
Long cracks: run across the glass and typically require replacement
If you see a line extending away from the impact point, you are likely dealing with a crack or a chip that is turning into one.
People want a straight answer. Here’s the practical reality: repairability depends on size, location, depth, and how long it’s been there.
A single chip that’s relatively small
Damage that’s not right at the edge
Minimal spreading lines
Fresh damage (repaired before dirt and moisture settle in)
A long crack, or a crack that keeps growing
Damage near the edge of the windshield
Damage in the driver’s primary viewing area (visibility concerns)
Multiple chips clustered together
Damage that has collected dirt, water, or looks “old”
Chips that look small but feel deep
Chips near sensors or cameras
Any chip that has turned into short cracks
Tip: Winter moisture can freeze inside the damage. The sooner you get it checked, the better the chance of a clean repair.
Windshield chip repair usually means cleaning the damaged area and filling it with a specialized resin, then curing it. The goal is to:
improve structural strength in that spot
reduce the chance of spreading
restore clarity as much as possible (a faint mark can remain)
Replacement means removing the windshield and installing a new one with proper adhesives and curing time. Depending on the vehicle, replacement may also involve recalibration steps for safety systems.
This matters because some people wait on a small chip, it spreads into a crack, and the job becomes a replacement instead of a repair.
BC winter conditions create a perfect storm for glass damage:
A cold windshield plus sudden heat from a defroster can increase stress in the glass, especially around an existing chip. That stress can encourage cracking.
Moisture can get into the chip, freeze, expand, then thaw. Over time, that expansion can widen damage.
More debris, traction materials, and spray from vehicles can increase the chance of another impact hitting the same spot.
Bottom line: Winter makes it easier for a chip to spread, even if it looked small at first.
If you just got a chip, these steps help protect your chances of repair.
Take a clear photo (good lighting, close up, and one wider shot for context)
Keep it clean and dry if possible
Get it assessed quickly, especially in winter
Avoid blasting hot air directly on the chip right away
Avoid pressure washing directly on the damaged area
Avoid DIY kits if you’re unsure about depth or location (some kits can make professional repair harder)
People often ask about ICBC for windshield repair or replacement. Coverage depends on the type of policy and details of the claim.
A few helpful, general points:
Some drivers have coverage that can help with glass repair or replacement.
Deductibles and coverage vary by policy.
A repairable chip handled early can sometimes reduce the chance of needing a larger repair later.
If you want clarity for your specific situation, a quick conversation about your options is the fastest way to move forward. Give us a call: 604.552.5300.
Many newer vehicles have Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that rely on cameras or sensors near the windshield (for features like lane keeping or forward collision alerts).
Not every chip repair involves ADAS. Replacement is more likely to involve extra steps, depending on the vehicle.
If your vehicle has a forward-facing camera near the windshield, it’s worth mentioning during booking so the right process is followed.
It depends on the chip type, depth, and location. A quick assessment can confirm whether repair is possible.
Edge damage is more likely to spread and is often harder to repair. A technician can confirm the safest option.
Even if repair is technically possible, visibility matters. Some locations are not ideal because a repaired area can still leave a slight mark.
Many chip repairs are relatively quick once assessed, but timing can vary by shop and the specific damage.
Repairs improve strength and reduce spreading risk, but a faint mark can remain.
Coverage varies based on your policy and deductible. Contacting ICBC for a quick review of options can help you decide next steps.
If you’re looking at a new chip or crack, the best move is to get it assessed quickly, especially during winter in BC. If it’s repairable, acting early can keep a small chip from turning into a bigger problem.
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