By Low Price Auto Glass · Updated October 22, 2026
The short answer: damaged glass is the weak spot
A windshield is laminated glass, and an undamaged one handles normal winter driving. The risk is existing damage. A chip or crack is a stress concentration, and changes in temperature, road vibration and another small impact can all act on that weak spot.
No one can predict exactly when a chip will spread, and appearance alone does not tell you. A mark that has stayed small for months can lengthen after one cold morning, and another can stay unchanged. That uncertainty is the reason to have damage assessed instead of waiting to see what happens.
Why temperature swings matter
Glass expands and contracts as it warms and cools. When one part of the windshield is much warmer than another, such as a warm defrost vent on an icy pane, the glass is under uneven stress. If that stress meets a chip, a crack can start to run.
That is why the common winter advice is gentle. Use the vehicle's normal defrost settings, start with a moderate fan and temperature, and let the glass warm gradually. If a crack is visible, avoid blasting maximum heat directly onto it.
What not to do on a frosty morning
Clear visibility before you drive. If ice is covering a damaged area, let the vehicle warm and the defroster work, then inspect from a distance once it has cleared.
- Do not pour hot or boiling water on a frozen windshield.
- Do not scrape hard over a chip or crack with an ice scraper.
- Do not press on the damaged area or tap it to see if it moves.
- Do not drive with the view obstructed by ice, frost or a spreading crack.
- Do not assume a crack is harmless because it has not moved yet.
Have the chip assessed before a trip
A longer drive can put you far from your usual repair options. Call with the vehicle details and a photo before you leave so the shop can advise whether an assessment is needed and whether a replacement part would need to be ordered.
Do not use a trip deadline as a reason to ignore obstructed vision. If the damage is in your line of sight, or you have a crack running across the glass, arrange safe transport instead.
Repair and replacement are different choices
Small suitable damage may be repairable with resin, which can stabilize the break and improve its appearance. Other damage requires replacement. The decision depends on the actual condition of the glass, such as depth, location and whether the damage reaches the edge, not on the season. Our guide to chips and cracks explains the factors.
If replacement is recommended, ask about the correct glass for your equipment and about camera calibration if your vehicle has a windshield-mounted camera.
How to defrost safely
Start the engine, set the defroster to a moderate temperature and let it work for a few minutes while you clear the side windows and mirrors. Use a plastic scraper on ice, working away from any chip, and wipe with the wipers only once the glass is clear and the blades are free of ice.
If a crack is visible, you can limit stress by letting the cabin warm gradually and avoiding the highest heat setting aimed directly at the glass. Do not use a heat gun or a hair dryer on the windshield. The goal is gentle, even warming.
Preparing for a cold-weather trip
A few minutes of preparation can prevent a roadside problem. If the damage is already in your line of sight, do not depend on a long trip to see how it holds up.
- Inspect the windshield in daylight before you leave, from a safe parked position.
- Photograph any chip or crack so you can tell whether it has grown.
- Check that the wipers, washer fluid and defroster work.
- If damage is near the driver's view or growing, arrange an assessment first.
- Allow extra time to defrost, and never drive through a small cleared patch.
What a cold-weather assessment looks like
The technician examines the damage in person, looking at its depth, length, location and whether it touches the edge of the glass. Temperature affects how glass and resin behave, so the shop may suggest a particular time of day or a heated indoor space for a repair.
You will also hear whether repair is suitable or replacement is recommended, along with an explanation of why. Ask what result to expect from a repair and what happens if it cannot be completed, so there are no surprises when you arrive. Photos taken before you come in let the shop plan the visit.
Keep records of the damage
Photograph the chip or crack with a coin or ruler beside it for scale, and note the date. If the damage grows, a record makes it easier to explain what changed and when, whether you are talking to a shop or an insurer.
Tell the shop if you have already used a repair kit or applied tape, because earlier resin or adhesive can affect what is possible later.
Nashville specifics: freeze-thaw and storm seasons
Middle Tennessee winters often hover around the freezing mark, so a morning frost can be followed by a mild afternoon. That freeze-thaw rhythm, combined with the road vibration of daily commutes on I-24, I-40 and I-65, puts repeated stress on a chip. Gravel and debris on interstate lanes also mean new chips are common in any season.
Cold and wet conditions can affect whether an outdoor work area is suitable for glass work. Tell the shop about sheltered parking and access instead of assuming a job can be completed anywhere. A visit to 7106 Centennial Blvd in West Nashville may be more practical for some jobs, and mobile service is by appointment depending on conditions.
We are open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 5pm and Sunday from 9am to 3pm. Call (615) 350-7227 to confirm an appointment and the release time before making plans.
Should you wait until spring?
Waiting leaves you with a clearer picture only if nothing changes, and you cannot control that. A prompt assessment gives you a cleaner repair decision than waiting for a chip to grow, and a repairable chip can become a replacement job if it spreads.
Photograph the damage when you notice it, note any change and send the photos with your year, make and model. Keep an eye on it from a safe, parked position and report changes when you call.
