What are the Most Common Types of Windshield Damage?
Windshield damage is one of the most common types of auto glass damage and can range from small chips to large cracks. The seven most common types of windshield damage include rock chips, bullseyes, stars, combination breaks, long cracks and edge cracks.
Rock Chips
Rock chips – also referred to as stone chips or pits – are circular or oval-shaped marks on the windshield that can range in size from the size of a dime to the size of a quarter. These chips typically occur when small rocks and debris strike the windshield at high speeds, causing tiny cracks and fractures to spread outwards from the point of impact.
Bullseyes
Bullseyes, also referred to as bulls-eyes, are circular or oval-shaped marks that look like a target. These fractures can range in size from the size of a dime to the size of a quarter and usually occur when small rocks and debris strike the windshield at high speeds. There is often a dark-colored center that can be surrounded by multiple layers of lighter colored cracks.
Stars
Stars, also referred to as spider web cracks, are roughly star-shaped marks on the windshield. These fractures typically occur when a small piece of debris strikes the glass at high speeds and causes tiny cracks to spread outwards from the point of impact in a radial pattern. For this reason, stars are often larger than other types of windshield damage.
Combination Breaks
Combination breaks are rectangular or oval-shaped fractures that occur when larger pieces of debris strike the windshield at high speeds. These fractures can range in size from the size of a quarter to the size of a half-dollar and usually occur when rocks, gravel, or even tree branches strike the windshield with enough force to cause it to crack. For this reason, combination breaks are often larger than other types of windshield damage.
Long Cracks
Long cracks are exactly what they sound like – long, linear fractures on the windshield. These cracks are usually caused by a sudden change in temperature or when something strikes the glass with enough force to cause it to crack from end-to-end. The length of the crack can range from a few inches to several feet, depending on the severity of the impact.
Edge Cracks
Edge cracks are fractures that occur at the edge of the windshield. These cracks can range in size from small chips to large cracks and are usually caused by impacts to the side or edge of the glass. Edge cracks can also occur when a sudden change in temperature causes the windshield to expand and contract at different rates, causing it to crack along the edges. When left unrepaired, edge cracks can quickly spread and become more severe.
It is important to note that all of these types of windshield damage have the potential to worsen over time if they are not repaired. This is why it is important to have your windshield inspected and repaired as soon as possible after it has been damaged. A professional auto glass technician can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action for you and your vehicle.