The Different Types of Windshield Glass Damage

You’re driving down the road one day behind a big gravel truck, and it hits a bump. Bam! A flying rock just hit your windshield, leaving a two-inch crack in its wake. You feel your stomach tighten up as your mind starts racing. Can it be repaired, or will the entire windshield have to be replaced? Windshield glass damage comes in various forms, and fortunately auto glass repair shops are now able to fix most in-lieu-of a total replacement. What follows are the different types of damage they see.

Cracks

Auto glass technicians treat cracks frequently, and a crack will first appear as a line in your windshield. Some cracks look like small, straight lines with starting and ending points, or they can be longer with several branches protruding from the main line. There are also subcategories of windshield cracks, including:

• Stress crack. These oftentimes form without anything even hitting the windshield because of large temperature fluctuations. For example, a windshield that’s exposed to the sun’s intense summertime rays, or covered in ice during extreme cold, can get a stress crack.

• Edge crack. An edge crack starts within 2” of the windshield’s edge, or extends out to it. These usually form quickly and are between 10” and 12” in length.

• Floater crack. A floater crack starts in the middle of the windshield more than 2” from the glass’ edge. These cracks can be of varying lengths, including longer ones that extend across most of your windshield. Extreme temperatures can cause a floater crack to get worse.

• Crack chip. These smaller cracks have an impact point that’s less than a quarter in diameter.

In general, cracks that are less than 3” in length can usually be repaired.

Chips

Also called “dings” by drivers, a chip is usually formed by a flying rock and its appearance means that a small piece of glass is missing. For that reason, a chip is also referred to as a “stone break” or “pit” by professionals. If the chip doesn’t have any longer cracks extending from it, is less than an inch in diameter, and didn’t penetrate all the way through the glass, it can usually be filled by a technician.

Bulls-Eye

Another type of windshield damage that results from an object’s impact is called a “bulls-eye”

because the resulting circular pattern looks like a dart board. Bulls-eyes are like chips in that a piece of glass was removed upon impact, but they’re usually much larger and non- repairable. There are also partial bulls-eye cracks, or “half-moons”, that are similar in appearance but not completely symmetrical.

Stars

Windshields can also sustain damage known as “stars”. Those are typically small chips with multiple cracks radiating out from the center that resemble a fireworks explosion. Smaller star patterns can usually be repaired, but after the affected area is filled in it will always be slightly visible. For that reason, when you’re ready to sell it could lower your vehicle’s value.

Combination

As the name implies, combination damage refers to a diagnosis where the glass is suffering from two or more of the aforementioned-types. Repairs in these instances are also more complicated, and oftentimes a total windshield replacement is recommended.

Should You Repair or Replace?

A trained auto glass specialist will inspect your windshield’s damage and then let you know if it can be fixed safely versus a total replacement. If repairs are possible, the technician will first clean all dust and debris from your windshield, and do some drilling to prepare the area. Once a smooth surface has been created, they’ll inject a clear resin material into the opening, allow it to cure, and then polish it up like new.

Your auto insurance policy may include coverage for windshield damage repairs or replacements, so check with your agent if you’re not sure. And, most auto glass repair shops offer mobile on-site services for your convenience!

Find Good Auto Body and Glass Repair Shops Nearby

Finding a good Auto body shop in St Petersburg FL can be challenging but when you find one, you will feel accomplished as they restore your vehicle like-new again promptly and reliably. Most shops work directly with insurance companies, so you don’t have to, and warranty their outcomes to put your mind at ease.