Breaking Down the Most Common Types of Windshield Damage

Guess what! Windshield repair and damaged auto glass are the most commonly filed types of insurance claims — making up almost 30% of all auto insurance claims. It makes sense when you think of it. Windshields face the constant risk of damage from road debris or other vehicles and they are a large surface that is often racing along at 70 miles per hour, attracting bugs, rain drops and occasionally more dangerous objects. But how do you know when to repair your windshield or have it replaced? Below, we’ll look at some of the common types of windshield damage and explain why some cases call for windshield repair and others for replacement.

Cracks and Chips

There are six main types of cracks and chips. A crack refers to a line in the glass which can get worse over time, while a chip refers to a small point of damage, typically caused by rocks or similar debris. According to the National Windshield Repair Association, cracks under 14-inches long and chip damage under 2-inches wide are generally repairable. This is good news as cracked or severely chipped windshields present a hazard since they obscure the view of the road and other drivers.

Want to know the lingo that glass professionals use about your windshield damage?

1. Bullseye – A bullseye is a specific kind of break, in which debris penetrates the first layer of glass and leaves a cone in the windshield with a much deeper impact point.
2. Stars – Star breaks refer to a chip in the windshield that has several cracks radiating from a central impact point, resembling a star or an asterisk.
3. Combination – Combination breaks have multiple characteristics, and often mean extensive damage has been done.
4. Half Moon – Half-moon cracks, or half-bullseye cracks, are generally repairable and not likely to spread new cracks from the initial impact point.
5. Surface Pit – Surface pit breaks are common and relatively harmless unless they begin to spread across the windshield. These breaks are generally shallow since they don’t penetrate the second layer of the windshield.
6. Stress Cracks – Stress cracks can form from rapid and/or extreme temperature variations. These cracks are usually straight and begin from the corner of the windshield.

The Bottom Line

There are many different kinds of cracks and chips that can damage your windshield and even make it dangerous for you to drive. Generally speaking, if a crack is longer than 14 inches or a chip is more than two inches deep, it’s best to replace the entire windshield. Under these relative thresholds though, most damage can be repaired. If you want to know more about some of the factors that can help you make that decision, feel free to read more here about auto glass repair. In any case, it’s important to have any cracks or chips in your windshield addressed as soon as possible, so get in touch with an auto glass professional soon.