What to Do If Your Windshield Gets Damaged While Driving

A windshield can crack or chip unexpectedly while you’re driving, often due to flying debris, rocks, or sudden temperature changes. When this happens, it’s crucial to stay calm and take the right steps to ensure your safety and prevent further damage.

If your windshield sustains damage on the road, you might need a windshield replacement in Calgary depending on the severity of the crack. In this guide, we’ll explain what to do if your windshield gets damaged while driving and how to minimize the risks.

Immediate Steps to Take If Your Windshield Cracks While Driving

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Damage

The first step is to remain calm and assess the severity of the damage. A sudden impact can be startling, but panicking can lead to unsafe driving decisions.

🚨 Check for:
✔ Small chips or cracks that are not spreading.
✔ Large cracks that obstruct your vision.
✔ Shattered glass or spiderweb-like fractures.

If the damage is minor, you can continue driving cautiously until you reach a safe location. However, if the crack is spreading or affecting your visibility, you may need to pull over immediately.

2. Reduce Your Speed and Avoid Sudden Movements

A cracked windshield is weaker than normal glass, meaning road vibrations, potholes, or sudden braking can cause the damage to worsen.

✔ Reduce your speed to prevent wind pressure from worsening the crack.
✔ Avoid slamming the brakes or driving over rough roads.
✔ Keep a safe distance from other vehicles to avoid further debris impact.

If the crack is severe, consider taking the next exit or pulling over to a safe spot to inspect the damage.

3. Avoid Touching the Cracked Area

It might be tempting to feel the damage, but pressing on the crack can make it worse. Windshield glass is laminated, and a weakened section can shatter under pressure.

✔ Avoid applying force on the damaged area.
✔ Do not attempt to remove any loose glass while driving.
✔ Keep your hands on the steering wheel and focus on the road.

If the damage is extensive, a windshield replacement in Calgary may be necessary.

4. Turn Off the Defroster or Air Conditioning

Extreme temperature changes cause windshield glass to expand or contract, which can worsen existing cracks.

✔ If it’s hot, avoid blasting the air conditioning directly onto the windshield.
✔ In cold weather, do not use hot air on a frozen windshield.
✔ Keep your cabin temperature stable to reduce stress on the crack.

By maintaining a steady temperature, you minimize the risk of further spreading.

5. Avoid Driving on Bumpy Roads

Rough roads put extra stress on a damaged windshield. If possible, choose a smoother route to prevent the crack from getting worse.

🚨 Avoid:
✔ Gravel roads with loose debris.
✔ Speed bumps and potholes.
✔ Sudden lane changes that cause windshield flexing.

If you notice the crack spreading rapidly, you may need to stop and arrange for a windshield replacement in Calgary as soon as possible.

6. Use Clear Tape as a Temporary Solution

If you’re unable to get your windshield repaired immediately, covering the crack with clear tape can help prevent dirt and moisture from making it worse.

✔ Use transparent packing tape (not duct tape).
✔ Cover the entire crack to seal out debris.
✔ Avoid pressing too hard on the glass while applying the tape.

This is only a temporary fix—professional repair is still necessary to ensure your windshield remains safe.

7. Drive to a Safe Location and Get Professional Help

Once you have assessed the damage and taken immediate precautions, your next step should be to seek professional windshield repair.

🚗 Options for repair:
✔ If the crack is small, you may only need a quick repair.
✔ If the damage is severe or blocking your vision, a windshield replacement in Calgary is the safest solution.
✔ Many auto glass services offer mobile repairs, meaning they can come to you if your windshield is too damaged for driving.

8. Know When to Stop Driving

If your windshield damage is severe, it may not be safe to continue driving.

🚨 Signs you should stop immediately:
✔ The crack is blocking your line of sight.
✔ The windshield is shattering or making cracking sounds.
✔ Glass fragments are coming loose.

In such cases, pull over safely and call for roadside assistance or a mobile windshield repair service.

9. Schedule a Windshield Replacement in Calgary

If the damage is too extensive for repair, your safest option is a full windshield replacement.

✔ A windshield replacement is necessary if:

• The crack is longer than 6 inches.
• The damage extends to the edge of the windshield.
• The crack is in the driver’s direct line of sight.
• The windshield has multiple chips or fractures.

A replacement ensures that your windshield maintains its strength, clarity, and protective function in case of an accident.

Conclusion

Windshield damage while driving can be stressful, but taking the right steps keeps you safe and prevents further damage. Reduce speed, avoid sudden movements, and seek professional repair as soon as possible.

For expert windshield replacement in Calgary, trust Stealth Windshield Repair. Their skilled technicians provide fast, high-quality repairs and replacements to ensure your windshield remains safe and durable. Don’t risk driving with a damaged windshield—get it fixed today and drive with confidence!