When does a windshield need replacing?
A windshield should be replaced when a crack is longer than a dollar bill, when damage sits directly in the driver’s line of sight, or when a chip reaches the edge of the glass. These breaks weaken the windshield, which plays a structural role in a rollover and supports proper airbag deployment.
What’s included
- Removal of the damaged glass and old urethane
- OEM-quality replacement glass matched to your vehicle
- Professional installation with automotive-grade urethane
- ADAS camera recalibration where your vehicle requires it
- Clean-up of glass fragments inside the vehicle
- Lifetime limited warranty for as long as you own the vehicle
How long does it take?
Installation typically takes about an hour, followed by a cure period before the vehicle can be driven safely. Most replacements are complete within about 2 hours, and same-day appointments are often available.
Insurance and your deductible
Glass claims are often handled under comprehensive coverage. On most insurance claims we can cover part or all of your deductible, and we handle the paperwork with your insurer. See our insurance page for details.
Windshield replacement in your neighbourhood
We bring free mobile windshield replacement to every part of Ottawa. See the local page for your area:
- Windshield replacement Nepean
- Windshield replacement Kanata
- Windshield replacement Orléans
- Windshield replacement Barrhaven
- Windshield replacement Manotick
- Windshield replacement Greely
- Windshield replacement Gloucester
- Windshield replacement Stittsville
- Windshield replacement Westboro
- Windshield replacement Glebe
- Windshield replacement Centretown
- Windshield replacement Alta Vista
- Windshield replacement Hunt Club
- Windshield replacement Riverside South
- Windshield replacement Findlay Creek
Why the windshield is a safety part, not just glass
Windshields are made of laminated safety glass — two layers of glass bonded to a plastic interlayer — and are marked “AS1” to show they meet the glazing standard for windshields. In Canada, glazing and windshield retention are covered by the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (CMVSS 205 and 212).
Because the windshield is bonded to the body with urethane, it helps keep the roof rigid and gives the passenger airbag a surface to push against. That is why we follow the bonding and cure practices described in the Auto Glass Safety Council’s AGRSS standard rather than rushing the job.
Our windshield replacement process, step by step
- Confirm your vehicle’s glass, sensors and camera brackets from the year, make, model and VIN
- Protect the dash, paint and interior, then cut out the damaged windshield
- Trim the old urethane, prime the frame and apply fresh automotive urethane
- Set the new glass, refit mouldings, wipers and sensors
- Recalibrate the ADAS camera where your vehicle requires it
- Tell you the safe drive-away time and vacuum up any glass fragments
Repair instead of replace?
If the damage is a chip no bigger than a loonie and not at the edge of the glass, a 30-minute windshield chip repair is usually faster and cheaper. Rock damage from highway driving is covered on our stone chip repair page.
Ottawa winters and cracked windshields
Ottawa roads are treated with salt and grit all winter (see the City of Ottawa’s winter maintenance program), and freeze-thaw swings put stress on any existing chip. Small breaks that would wait in summer often spread overnight in January — so replace or repair early.
Can’t get to us? Our mobile windshield repair team comes to your driveway or office free of charge, and our insurance page explains how deductibles work on glass claims.
Our work
Recent windshield replacements in Ottawa
Real vehicles serviced by the QuickGlass team — from daily drivers to race cars.
Audi race car 
Toyota RAV4 — mobile service 
Mercedes-AMG 
BMW 7 Series 
Audi A5 
Classic Ford Mustang 
Infiniti Q60 
Acura — in the shop
Free damage check
Can my windshield be repaired, or does it need replacing?
Chips smaller than a loonie that are away from the edge and the driver's view can usually be repaired in about 30 minutes. Long cracks, edge damage and damage in the driver's view usually need a replacement, which takes about 2 hours. Answer three questions for a quick guide.
Safety cameras
Does my car need ADAS calibration after a windshield replacement?
If your vehicle has a forward-facing camera mounted behind the windshield, it usually needs recalibration after a new windshield is installed. The camera powers driver-assist features, and a small change in its angle can affect where it "looks". More on ADAS calibration in Ottawa.
| Your car has… | What it means |
|---|---|
| Lane departure warning or lane keep assist | Uses the windshield camera — calibration usually needed |
| Automatic emergency braking / forward collision warning | Often uses the windshield camera, sometimes radar too |
| Auto high beams or traffic sign recognition | Usually reads through the windshield camera |
| A dark box behind the rear-view mirror | Common sign of a camera mount |
| None of these features | Calibration is usually not needed |
Not sure? Tell us your year, make, model or VIN on the quote form and we'll check before we start. Your vehicle's owner's manual also lists which driver-assist features it has.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can you replace my windshield at my home or work?
Yes. QuickGlass offers free mobile windshield replacement throughout Ottawa and Gatineau, including Nepean, Kanata, Orléans and Barrhaven.
Q. Do I need ADAS calibration after replacement?
If your vehicle has a camera mounted behind the windshield for lane-keeping or collision warning, recalibration is needed so those systems read the road correctly. We’ll confirm for your vehicle.
Q. How soon can I drive after a windshield replacement?
The adhesive needs time to cure. Your technician will tell you the safe drive-away time — typically about an hour after installation.
Q. Will a cracked windshield fail an Ontario safety inspection?
Damage that obstructs the driver’s view can cause a vehicle to fail a Safety Standards Certificate inspection. If you are buying, selling or certifying a vehicle, have the windshield checked first.
Q. Do you use OEM glass?
We install OEM-quality glass matched to your vehicle. If you specifically want dealer-branded OEM glass, mention it when you request your quote and we will price it for you.
Q. Is replacement covered by insurance?
Glass damage is commonly handled under comprehensive coverage. On most claims we can cover part or all of your deductible and handle the paperwork with your insurer.
