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You’re getting ready for a vehicle safety inspection. The tires are fine, the brakes are good, and the lights work perfectly. But wait — there’s a tiny crack on your windshield. It’s barely noticeable, so no big deal, right? Not so fast. That small crack could be enough to fail your vehicle inspection in Ontario. Let’s take a closer look at why that small crack matters, what the regulations say, and how you can stay inspection-ready.
Your windshield does more than block bugs, rain, and wind. It’s a vital safety feature in your car. It:
That’s why inspectors pay close attention to the condition of your windshield during a vehicle safety inspection. Even a small crack could be a big red flag.
In Ontario, you need a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) to register a rebuilt car, transfer ownership of a used vehicle, or get a car back on the road after it’s been off for a while.
To get that certificate, your car must pass a Vehicle Safety Inspection. And yes, your windshield is part of that check. Here’s what inspectors are looking for when it comes to windshield damage:
You could fail if:
Basically, if the crack makes it hard to see or unsafe to drive, you may not pass. Want to read the official inspection guidelines? You can find them on the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website.
Think your crack will stay the same size? Think again. In hot weather, your car’s interior can heat up like an oven — we’re talking up to 50°C or more inside. This causes the glass to expand. If your windshield already has a crack, the pressure can cause it to grow quickly, especially if you’re blasting cold air from the AC at the same time. The sudden shift in temperature = stress on the glass. So that tiny chip from a rock on the highway? It might become a massive windshield crack in a day or two.
Here’s the thing: small windshield cracks are unpredictable. They might stay small for months, or they might suddenly shoot across your whole windshield.
That’s why mechanics and inspectors don’t take chances. If a crack is in the wrong spot, or if it looks like it might spread, they’ll fail the vehicle until it’s repaired.
Besides failing an inspection, a cracked windshield can:
Even if the crack is small, get it checked immediately. The sooner you act, the more likely it can be repaired instead of replaced — saving you time and money.
At Auto Glass Canada, we specialize in fast, professional windshield crack repair and replacement. Whether it’s a tiny chip or a long crack, we’ll help you figure out the best solution.
Many insurance policies cover windshield repair — often with no deductible. Our team can help you check your coverage and file a claim if needed.
Only if it’s not in the driver’s view, is shorter than 1.5 inches, and isn’t likely to spread. But why take the risk?
If the crack is small and not deep, repairing it is usually enough. But if it’s longer or spreading, replacement is the safer bet.
Most crack repairs take 30 minutes or less. Replacements usually take under 2 hours.
It’s best to book ahead to avoid wait times. You can easily book online with us at Auto Glass Canada.
We’ve helped thousands of drivers across Ontario keep their vehicles road-safe and inspection-ready. When you choose Auto Glass Canada, you get:
✅Certified auto glass technicians
✅ Same-day service options
✅ Free mobile service (we come to you!)
✅ Insurance claim assistance
✅ High-quality OEM or equivalent glass
Our goal? To make the whole process fast, affordable, and stress-free.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “It’s just a tiny crack…” — think again. It’s not worth the risk of failing an inspection, paying again, or worse — driving with a weakened windshield. A few minutes today could save you hundreds later. So, don’t roll the dice. Let’s fix that crack before it turns into a big problem.
Ready to pass your inspection with flying colors? Book your appointment at Auto Glass Canada We’ll take care of that crack before it becomes a headache.
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