Different Types of Windshield Damage

Windshield is a very important part of a vehicle. The cops can catch you for having a cracked windshield. Various kinds of windshield cracks can develop depending on factors like weather conditions, road conditions, how you care for your vehicle and your driving habits. Majority of these cracks come from stones or debris lodged in the tires which end up hitting the windshield and thereby producing cracks.

Scrutinizing the following types of windshield damage will help you to decide whether to repair or replace the windshield, if it incurs damage. In many cases, professional vehicle services have to be employed to carry out the repair or replacement of your windshield.

Ding/Chip/Stone Break

This is among the most common type of windshield damage caused by a debris or rock hitting the windshield while a person is driving the vehicle. This type of damage known as the chip repair can easily be done with DIY methods. However, if it is not done promptly or with adequate care, it can crack the entire windshield and a replacement of the same would be required.

Cracked Chip 

This kind of damage in a windshield is that of single crack that is nearly the size of a quarter that possesses an impact point. It is usually repairable.  

Bull’s Eye

Damage of this kind is usually due to some kind of debris or rock of a larger size. It is circular in shape and somewhat bigger than a ding or chip. Most of the times, it can be repaired, but all depends on the size of the chip. If the damage is too big or a big chunk of glass has been shattered, a replacement of the windshield is necessary. Calling for an expert is advisable for fixing this issue.

Combination Break

This type of damage of the windshield creates a number of types of breaks, such as cracks, dings and chips.  If only a few breaks are present which are small and superficial, a repair can usually fix the windshield. A replacement in such cases is not usually needed but in case of larger and much deeper cracks, a replacement of the windshield is mandatory.

Edge Crack 

This kind of crack affecting the windshield begins within 2 inches of the edge of the windshield or starts immediately at the edge of the windshield. This crack which usually forms immediately at the windshield is about 10 to 12 inches in length. A windshield replacement from a reliable vehicle services in such cases is a must.  

Floater Crack

This kind of windshield crack begins in the center of the windshield. Depending on the depth and length of the crack, a decision is made whether the windshield has to be replaced or repaired. 

 Stress Crack

Over a period of time, your windshield can develop stress crack. The weather, both cold and hot plays a role in the development this kind of crack. For instance, if a car is parked in the parking area for several hours, it receives the hot, scorching sun rays and then if the air conditioner is turned on, the windshield is weakened or stressed and stress cracks appear on it. Some cracks are repairable but if the whole windshield is stressed, it is advisable to have it replaced.

Windshield cracks can be of various types and depending on the depth and length of cracks, prudent decision should be taken whether to replace or repair it. Vehicle services of a dependable and reliable service provider should be used in such cases.