Whether your windshield needs to be repaired or replaced depends on the size, location and extent of the damage. The majority of auto glass repair shops can repair chips and cracks up to three inches long. Anything bigger and most places will recommend replacement. The auto glass repair cost, and/or replacement relies on many different factors. It is important to know this information so that you are prepared to deal with all kinds of different situations, if something ever happens to you. Getting a quote from a reputable repair shop like Wizard Auto Glass should be your first step. Also, there are some repair shops that use a unique method that allows them to repair cracks up to 12 inches long. So it pays to check around before committing a windshield replacement.

If you need a windshield repair in the GTA, give Wizard Auto Glass a call at 1-(877)-564-5331 today, or fill out a quote request form online.

Location

Location of the damage plays an important role in determining your auto glass repair cost or replacement cost. Chips and cracks at the edge of the windshield tend to spread very quickly and can compromise the structural integrity of the glass. If they’re caught in time, they can be repaired, and replacement can be avoided. But in most cases, even though it is more costly, it is usually recommended to do a full replacement. Also be aware that some facilities may not repair a chip that appears directly in the driver’s line of vision.

Regardless of the size and location of a chip or crack, it is always recommended to have it repaired quickly. If you wait some time to repair it, dirt can work its way into the damaged area, affecting the effectiveness and clarity of the repair.

Cost

To do a full windshield replacement will cost considerably more and varies greatly depending on the vehicle. However, if your windshield is in genuine need of replacement don’t cheap out, REPLACE IT, for safety’s sake. A heavily damaged windshield is highly unsafe. Auto glass repair cost is pretty standard in the industry. Repairing a single rock chip costs around $40-$50 for the first chip, then usually $10 extra for each additional chip. The cost to repair most cracks is about the same. However, if the crack is longer than three inches, it may require special treatment. For a long crack that requires special treatment, a repair shop might charge about $70 to repair a six- to twelve-inch windshield crack.

Have a qualified glass specialist carefully examine your windshield, and give you a second opinion before making any decisions. Also remember to check with your insurance agent to confirm the terms of your coverage before committing to any windshield work.

Have a damaged windshield? Contact us now to get a fast and free quote online or over the phone!  

You’re driving along when you notice a small crack in your windshield. You might be thinking, “it’s so small, I don’t need to worry about it.” Unfortunately, that’s not the case; a small crack can easily turn into a large one, especially in the winter. The larger the crack gets, the more likely it is that the windshield will shatter. There are some easy ways to stop your windshield crack from spreading. Keep reading to find out how.

If you need a windshield repair in the GTA, give Wizard Auto Glass a call at 1-(877)-564-5331 today, or fill out a quote request form online.

How to Stop a Windshield Crack from Spreading

Use a glass repair kit: these can be found in stores that sell car repair tools and parts. The kits can be used as a temporary option until you have time to get your vehicle to an auto glass repair shop. You should never just assume that because you used the kit you don’t have to take your car in for a professional repair.

Park in the shade: parking in the shade, or better yet indoors, helps to reduce the effects of the elements on the crack on your windshield. Elements such as rain, snow, wind, and even the sun can cause the crack on your windshield to grow. By parking in the shade you can avoid the sun, though not always other elements, which is why indoors is preferred.

Get it professionally repaired: The best way to stop a windshield crack from getting bigger is to take it for a professional repair. Places like Wizard Auto Glass are able to repair the cracks in the glass, rather than having to replace the entire windshield. This can only be done if the crack is relatively small; if the crack is less than a few inches, then they can easily (and affordably) be repaired, but if they exceed 2 inches, then repair will be out of the question and you’ll need a windshield replacement instead.

You should take your car in for a windshield repair right away. When the damage is already there, it extremely easy for it to grow. Not only will this ensure that you need a replacement, but it also puts you and your passengers at risk. If you get into an accident, or too much pressure is applied to the damaged windshield, it can shatter injuring everyone inside.  

Use nail polish: If the cracks in your windshield are small enough, you can use a clear nail polish to try and seal the crack temporarily. Simply apply a few coats of the polish and let dry; it is recommended that you coat both sides of the glass because the crack can spread on the interior of the windshield as well. Remember, this is another temporary fixed; the only real fix for a windshield crack is to get it repaired by a professional technician.

Need to get a windshield repair in the GTA? Book an appointment online or give us a call at (877) 564-5331.

While those pesky chips in your windshield might appear to be no more than a minor annoyance, you should never put off getting a windshield chip repaired. Repairing small chips is often simple and affordable, but an unrepaired chip can easily become larger and cause your windshield to crack. If this occurs then the damage becomes too great and the windshield cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced. As you can imagine, windshield replacement is much more expensive than a windshield repair. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help prevent chips. Keep reading below to find out how.

If you need an auto glass replacement in the GTA, give Wizard Auto Glass a call at (877) 564-5331, or request a quote online.

Tips to Prevent Windshield Chips

While accidents happen, there are a few things you can do to prevent windshield chips, simply by adjusting your driving and maintenance. These include things such as:

Keep your distance from big trucks: One of the easiest ways to get a windshield chip is by following too closely to big construction or dump trucks. Usually, these trucks are carrying parts that can easily break off and send small pieces flying off the back of the truck. If you are close behind the truck, the pieces are likely to hit your car and cause a chip in your windshield, or other damage.

Don’t tailgate: Another easy way to get a chip in your windshield is by tailgating. The back tires of cars can kick up little rocks or sand particles from the road and send them flying, especially if they are traveling at a high speed. Driving too close to the car in front of you puts you at risk for getting hit by those rocks and particles. If they hit the windshield of your car hard enough, or at the right angle, you will get a chip in your windshield.

Choose parking carefully: If you can, you should avoid parking your car on the side of the road. Instead, opt for a parking lot, garage, or private driveway. This way, other cars won’t be speeding past your parked car and sending rocks towards your windshield.

Don’t forget your wipers: You should also be checking your windshield wipers on a regular basis. Windshield wipers that have tears or cracks, or are bent or broken, can create a windshield chip.

Plastic scrapers: You should only use plastic ice scrapers, as metal ones can scratch your windshield.

Check the windshield: You should be regularly checking your windshield for any small chips and cracks. Sometimes they can be hard to spot if you are not looking for them.

Removing ice: Never use hot water to thaw ice from the windshield. This will cause any chips to instantly crack your windshield. Instead, let your car heat up for a bit and then try removing the ice.

Need to get an auto glass replacement in the GTA? Book an appointment online or give us a call at (877) 564-5331.  

Many car owners know too well how aggravating it can be to walk outside on a chilly winter morning to find a layer of snow or ice on your car’s windshield. Snow is easy enough to remove, as you just sweep it off with a snow brush, but ice can be tricky, and scraping takes a lot of time. If there is a crack or chip on your windshield, putting pressure on the glass can cause the damage to spread. Luckily, there are a few simple methods you can use to de-ice your windshield without having to scrape it. Keep reading to find out how.

If you have a large crack in your windshield, and water, ice, or snow manages to get into the crack, it can cause the crack to grow, or it can shatter the windshield. To avoid this, it is best to get your windshield replaced. If you aren’t sure where to replace a windshield in Oakville, Wizard Auto Glass has years of experience, and will replace your windshield, quickly, efficiently, and at an affordable rate.

Ways to Remove Ice from A Windshield

Remote Start System: Most cars manufactured in the last couple of years already come with a remote start system. Basically what this does is starts your car by simply hitting a button. Using this feature in the winter will help to warm your car up while you are getting ready to go, and will help to melt the ice off of your windshield for you. Then when you go outside, you can use either your windshield wipers or a snow brush to remove the last bits of snow or ice. If your car doesn’t come equipped with an automatic start system, you can buy one and have it installed, but it can be pricey. You can also run outside to turn your car on yourself and just leave it running for the same effect.

Cover: One way to reduce the need for scraping is to prevent the ice or snow from forming on the windshield. This is done by securing a cover over top of the windshield, such as a tarp, a large towel, or a sheet. This way, the snow will fall onto the cover instead of the glass. In the morning, all you need to do is shake off the cover. If some frost has formed underneath, letting your car warm up for a few minutes should be enough to remove it.

Rubbing Alcohol: If you have a thick layer of ice on your windshield, but you don’t want to spend a lot of time scraping, you can thaw it with a simple rubbing alcohol solution. Take a bottle with a spray cap, and fill it with ⅓ rubbing alcohol and ⅔ lukewarm water and few drops of dish soap. Do not use hot water, as this can shatter your windshield due to the extreme contrasting temperatures. Spray the mixture all over the windshield and wipe it away with a squeegee. The rubbing alcohol will help to dissolve the ice quickly. Add more of the mixture as needed.

Did the ice cause the crack in your windshield to grow? Get it replaced in Oakville at Wizard Auto Glass. Book an appointment online or give us a call at (877) 564-5331.  

When the seasons change, there are different things we need to do to maintain our cars. In the Winter, failing to take care of your car can lead to damage to certain parts, and in some cases injuries. While Winter has certainly already hit in Canada, it’s never too late to incorporate these driving and maintenance tips to ensure the integrity of your vehicle is not compromised.

If your windshield gets damaged this Winter, give Wizard Auto Glass a call to repair your windshield in Mississauga.

Pouring a Bucket of Hot Water on the Windshield

You should never pour a bucket of hot water on your windshield as a de-icing method. The temperature difference between your cold windshield and the shot water can crack your windshield. This is is especially harmful if you already have damage to your windshield. The hot water gets into the crack and expands, leading to an even bigger crack, or breaking the windshield entirely. Don’t be lazy, use an ice scraper instead.

Windshield Wipers

Forgetting to change windshield wipers is extremely easy, and potentially very damaging in terms of car maintenance. If you are noticing streaks being left behind by your windshield wipers, it’s a sign that they need to be changed. Windshield wipers are essential in order to ensure your safety while driving, as they ensure your visibility on the road. Failing to do so can not only leave you at risk for an accident, but those streaks you are seeing could hide a small crack or chip in your windshield, leaving time for it to get worse and eventually break your windshield.

Warming the Car

No one wants to climb into a freezing cold car is not fun, and warming up your car is fine – for a few minutes. Car engines are not designed to idle for long periods of time; if an engine is left idling for too long, it can cause buildup on the spark plugs, which makes them less efficient. Plus, it makes your engine use up more gas, which means you need to spend more money to fill up more often.

Keeping Up with the Amount of Gas in Your Car

While in the Summer you don’t have to worry too much if your gas tank drops, but in the Winter months, you’ll have to fill up more frequently. The moist air in an empty, or near-empty, tank of gas can lead to freezing, which can cause ice to form in the fuel lines. This can lead to damage to the internal parts of your car.

Tire Pressure

Winter brings more compressed air due to the cooler temperatures, and as  a result the pressure in your tires is reduced every 10-degree drop in the temperature. It is important to get the pressure in your tires checked throughout the winter. It is also a good idea to keep an emergency portable air pump and pressure gauge in your car in case the pressure in your tires drops too much

Did your windshield become damaged this Winter? Give Wizard Auto Glass a call at 1-877-564-5331 for a windshield repair in Mississauga.

Driving in during the Winter can be a daunting task for any driver, but here in Canada where the snow and ice pile up quickly, it can be even more challenging. If you get into a collision, the damage can be costly. Even in instances where no one gets hurt, if parts of your vehicle become damaged, your windshield for example, it will likely result in you having to replace those parts. Depending on the part, it can be extremely expensive, and many people can not afford to replace the parts. While it’s easier said than done, you can alter the way you drive to lessen your chance of having an accident. Keep reading to find out how.

Did you get into an accident and you need to get your windshield replaced? Wizard Auto Glass provides affordable auto glass replacement in the Mississauga area. Call and request a quote today.

Prepare Your Car for Winter Conditions

One of the smartest things you can do when it comes to driving in the Winter is to make sure that your vehicle is prepared. Take extra time to clear all snow, ice, and frost off your car, as this will ensure that you can see around every area of your car. It will also ensure that no ice or snow flies off your car and at another vehicle or person while you are driving. Make sure that you have packed an ice scraper or snow brush, in case a storm hits when you are not at home.

Some people believe that Winter tires are not necessary, but here in Canada, they can really make a difference in your driving. The higher tractions will help you control your vehicle during snow storms, keeping you and your passengers safe.

You should also make sure to that you an emergency kit available in case you get into an accident or your car has issues. Your kit should include items like extra blankets, a flashlight, an ice scraper, jumper cables, a shovel, water bottles, snacks, and an extra phone charger; all of these will all be very useful during emergency situations.

Avoid Speeding

While speeding is never recommended, you definitely shouldn’t when there is ice, slush, and snow on the road. This is especially important when driving through snowstorms. Speeding in these conditions increases your chance of losing control and skidding, which ontop of giving you a heart attack, can also lead to collisions. You should also avoid speeding when turning corners, as it is very easy for you to skid; make sure to make your turns slow and smooth to avoid getting into an accident.

Pay Extra Attention to the Road

While you should always pay attention while you are driving, it is extremely important to pay extra attention while you are driving in snowy or icy conditions. The snow and ice affect how your vehicle performs on the road. For example, if there is ice on the road, it will take longer for you to brake, so if something jumps out in front of you, you may not be able to stop in time if you are not paying attention. Make sure that you are continuously looking around you to spot other cars, pedestrians, and any other potential dangers well ahead of time.

Have your windshield repaired or replaced if it is damaged! Call Wizard Auto Glass today for a free quote.