Types Of Windshield Cracks That Can Be Repaired

Types of windshield cracks

Car owners must know the types of windshield cracks that can be repaired. A small chip or crack in the glass grows over time to cause windshield cracks, often due to temperature changes, road debris, and weather conditions. Types of windshield cracks that can be fixed are chips and small cracks, stress cracks, edge cracks, spider-web cracks, bull’s eye cracks, half-moon cracks, star break cracks, non-impact cracks, long cracks, and combination cracks.

10 Different Types of Windshield Cracks

Here are some kinds of windshield cracks that can be fixed.

1. Chips and Small Cracks

Chips and tiny cracks are the most common types of windshield damage. These generally result from small debris, like rocks, hitting glass at road times. These kinds of windshield cracks that can be repaired appear as very small craters in the glass, often forming from the point of impact.

Chips and small cracks smaller than a quarter and not in the driver’s direct line of vision are normally easy to fix. They can usually be repaired by auto chip repair technicians by using windshield repair kits, which inject resin into the crack or chip, restoring the glass’s clarity and strength.

2. Stress Cracks

These cracks do not appear directly from impact on the windshield. Instead, they develop due to sudden temperature changes, such as pouring cold water on a hot windshield or extreme differences in temperature between the inside and outside of the vehicle.

These types of windshield cracks can be repaired if they are small and not larger than a certain length, usually 12 inches. Still, stress cracks can spread rapidly, so timely repair is essential to avoid further spreading.

3. Edge Cracks

The crack generally occurs along the outer edges of the windshield, and 2-3 inches is a general range. Such cracks are usually caused by improper installation, pressure, or stress from the auto’s frame. Since the edges are some of the weakest points, the cracks expand more rapidly.

Edge cracks are perhaps the most challenging to repair since they spread quickly across the window. If the crack’s length is less than 6 inches, it can be easily repaired.

4. Spider-Web Cracks

A spider-web crack consists of a circular shape, with the outline of a web, and the crack spreads from the center point of impact like in a spider’s web. Such cracks are typically associated with large-object impacts, such as hitting the windshield with a rock and coming to a forceful stop.

The diameters of the small spider-web cracks must be under one inch. If such cracks happen to cross more than one inch or block the view of the driver, chances are that replacement may be the only alternative.

5. Bull’s Eye Cracks

A round, circular crack in the windshield, resembling a dartboard bull’s eye, results from being hit by a rounded object such as a rock. The damage is generally localized, and fixing this type of windshield crack is easy.

Bull’s eye cracks are easier to fix than other types of cracks. If the crack diameter is less than an inch, a auto glass repair technician can fill it with resin so that it will not spread out and cause more damage to the windshield.

6. Half-Moon Cracks

Half-moon cracks are almost like bull’s eye cracks, except that they are caused by the impact of a rounded object instead. The major difference here is that they are not circular; instead, they are semicircular, hence the name half-moon.

Most types of cracks are repairable, especially those less than 1-2 inches long. Half-moon cracks are less likely to spread than spider web and edge cracks.

7. Star Break Cracks

A star break crack resembles a starburst where arms spread out from a center point and is a cracking of the airframe. These cracks usually arise from rock impacts against the aircraft; if not monitored, they can propagate quickly.

Smaller star break cracks can be repaired using resin. If the crack has progressed too far, especially when it obstructs the driver’s clear view, it should be replaced for safety.

8. Non-Impact Cracks

Non-impact cracks appear without any impact or external force. This kind of repairable windshield crack can be attributed to:

  • Improper installation
  • Defects in the glass
  • Structural changes in the car

This will cause the car’s structural integrity to break. They mostly appear on older cars, whose windshields have weakened with time.

Non-impact cracks may be repaired if detected early enough. However, the cause of this crack needs to be determined so as not to make it worse. If the crack is significant and continues to expand, then replacement may be in order.

9. Long Cracks

Long cracks are those larger than 6 inches in length. Several causes could be behind such cracks, including impact, stress, and edge cracks. Therefore, these types of windshield cracks are normally more difficult to repair and spread rapidly across the windshield.

Long cracks less than 12 inches may sometimes be repaired. Again, this depends on the area and nature of the crack. A longer or more serious crack in the windshield always can’t be repaired and must be replaced as the best option.

10. Combination Cracks

Combination cracks happen when two types of windshield cracks form at once. For example, a crack can have a bull’s eye in the center with spider-web cracks radiating from the center, or multiple cracks of different types may appear in the same pane of glass.

Combination cracks are harder to repair. In less severe cases, resin injections may correct the problem. Otherwise, replacement would be recommended where the area affected is large or hinders a driver’s line of vision.

What Kind of Windshield Cracks are Fixable?

Small chips, short cracks, cracked plexiglass windshield and edge cracks that are less than 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length and do not intersect with the windshield’s edges or corners are types of windshield cracks that can be repaired. In addition, cracks that originate from small impacts and have not spread significantly can often be treated effectively. It’s important to address these issues promptly, as environmental factors such as temperature changes and vibrations can exacerbate the damage over time. Additionally, some repair shops offer specialized services for particular types of cracks, like star breaks or bullseyes, enhancing the chances of a successful repair.

What Size Cracks Can Be Repaired?

Most windshield repair shops can repair cracks up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length, and some can repair cracks up to 6 inches (15.2 cm) in length. The ability to repair longer cracks may vary based on the shop’s technology and expertise. For instance, advanced methods, such as using specialized resins and vacuum techniques, can sometimes allow repairs on cracks beyond the typical length. A common example of a repairable issue is a hairline crack in windshield, which is usually thin and short, making it an ideal candidate for repair. However, it’s crucial to remember that cracks exceeding these lengths or those that compromise the driver’s line of sight are usually deemed too severe for repair and may necessitate a full windshield replacement for safety reasons.

How do You Stop Your Windscreen Crack From Spreading?

To prevent a windscreen crack from spreading, apply a windshield repair kit or a professional-grade resin to the affected area and use a UV light to cure the resin. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid sudden temperature changes, such as using hot water to defrost a windshield, as this can increase stress on the glass and lead to further cracking. Keeping the vehicle in a shaded area or a garage can also help minimize temperature fluctuations. Regular inspections of the windshield can help catch any minor damage early, allowing for timely repairs before they worsen.

Conclusion

Vehicle owners should understand that various types of windshield cracks can be repaired. The different categories of windshield cracks that can be repaired include- chips and small cracks, stress cracks, edge cracks, spider-web cracks, bull’s eye cracks, half-moon cracks, star breakage cracks, non-impact cracks, longitudinal cracks, and combined cracks.

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