Why Windshield Chips Spread Faster in Winter
(The Science Explained Simply)
Winter in BC is tough on vehicles — and your windshield is no exception. Many drivers are surprised when a tiny chip suddenly turns into a long crack overnight. In reality, winter creates the perfect conditions for windshield damage to spread fast.
Here’s why it happens.
1. Temperature Changes Put Stress on Glass
Windshields are designed to handle pressure, but rapid temperature changes are their weakness.
During winter:
Cold air causes glass to contract
Even a small chip becomes a weak point
Sudden changes in temperature add stress to that damaged area
That stress has nowhere to go — so the chip spreads into a crack.
In BC, temperatures often fluctuate throughout the day, especially overnight, which makes winter cracking even more common.
2. Defrosters + Hot Air on Cold Glass
One of the biggest causes of winter cracks is blasting the defroster on a freezing windshield.
When hot air hits cold glass:
The inside of the windshield heats up quickly
The outside remains cold
The glass expands unevenly
If there’s already a chip, this uneven expansion can cause it to spread instantly — sometimes right before your eyes.
Pro tip: Start your defroster on a lower setting and let the glass warm up gradually.
3. Winter Road Conditions in BC
BC winters mean:
More gravel and debris on the roads
Increased use of sand and traction materials
Standing water that hides potholes
These conditions lead to:
More rock chips
Weakened glass taking repeated impacts
Existing chips growing larger with each hit
Highway driving and winter road spray only increase the risk.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Spring
A chip that could have been repaired quickly in fall can:
Turn into a full crack
Require a full windshield replacement
Cost more once winter damage spreads
The colder it gets, the faster damage worsens.
How Dynasty Glass Helps This Winter
At Dynasty Glass, we help protect your windshield before winter damage gets worse:
✔ Chip repairs and full replacements
✔ FREE professional-grade ceramic coating with every windshield replacement
✔ Help with ICBC claims
✔ Family-owned, detail-driven service you can trust
If you notice a chip — especially in winter — don’t wait. Taking care of it early can save you time, money, and hassle.