The Best Time to Book a Windshield Repair in London, Ontario

Most people book a windshield repair when they have to, not when it makes sense to. That's understandable, but there are times of year when getting it done is easier, faster, and in some cases cheaper. Here's what's worth knowing before you pick up the phone.

Fall is the most important window

If you've been carrying a chip or a minor crack through the summer, the stretch between late September and early November is the most important time to deal with it. Cold weather puts stress on existing damage and London's overnight temperature drops accelerate that process faster than most people expect. A chip that was stable in August can run across your windshield by the time the first hard freeze hits.

Getting it looked at in fall also means you're ahead of the winter rush. Shops across London get significantly busier once snow arrives and drivers realize their windshields aren't in great shape. Booking earlier means more flexibility on timing and a faster turnaround.

Spring is the second best window

Pothole season in London is hard on windshields. Once the snow melts and road crews start clearing away the winter sand and gravel, stone chips pick up significantly. Spring is also when a lot of damage that accumulated over winter finally gets noticed, often when the sun hits the glass at a low angle on a morning commute.

If you pick something up in March or April, get it looked at before it spreads. Spring repairs are typically straightforward and most are covered by your insurance with no deductible. Our blog post on insurance claims covers exactly how that process works.

Summer is fine but busier than people think

Summer feels like the obvious time to deal with vehicle maintenance, and a lot of people do. That means shops are busy, particularly on weekends. If you're planning a summer repair, booking midweek tends to get you a faster appointment. The other thing worth knowing is that direct summer sun puts real stress on a damaged windshield. Parking in direct heat with an existing chip or crack can cause it to spread faster than it would otherwise.

Winter is the hardest time to book

January and February are the most difficult months to deal with windshield damage in London. Cold temperatures affect adhesive cure times, which can extend how long you need to wait before driving after a replacement. Mobile service is also more limited in extreme cold. The work still gets done but the process takes longer and scheduling is tighter.

If you're heading into winter with existing damage, the time to deal with it was fall. If you're already in January with a problem, get it booked as soon as you can rather than waiting for spring.

Your insurance renewal is worth thinking about

If your comprehensive insurance is up for renewal, it's worth checking your glass coverage before it lapses. Some drivers switch policies and end up with different deductible terms than they expected. If you've been meaning to get a chip looked at, doing it before your renewal means you know exactly what you're working with. Our windshield repair page covers what the process looks like from start to finish.

The short answer

Fall is the best time, spring is the second best, and the worst time is when you've already waited too long. If you've got something sitting on your windshield right now, the right time to book is before it makes that decision for you.

True North Auto Glass has three locations across London and Exeter with easy online booking available year round. Contact us to schedule your appointment.