Windshield damage can be caused by something as simple as a stray pebble kicked up by the car ahead. As such, how much damage your windshield takes can vary into several different types. At Andy Mohr Collision Center, we want to help Plainfield, Indianapolis, Fishers, and Bloomington drivers recognize the different types of windshield damage.
Keep on reading to hear more about what to keep an eye on when looking at windshield damage and what you should do when you see a crack in your windshield.
Different Types of Cracks
One of the main types of windshield damage is a crack, a thin line of damage with a clear start and end point. There are many types of cracks, all of which are caused by different factors while on the road. It’s important to note that you can often have cracks repaired if they’re less than three inches in length. Here are just a few of the common cracks you may find:
Edge Crack
An edge crack is a crack that has formed within two inches of the windshield’s edge. A crack can also be considered an edge crack if it extends out to the edge of the windshield.
Stress Crack
Even if your car hasn’t been on the road recently, it doesn’t mean the windshield can’t crack. If your car has recently been under extreme temperatures, you may find a crack in your windshield. This is called a stress crack and it can occur anywhere along the windshield. Therefore, it’s good to keep a close eye on your windshield in the summer and winter months.
Floater Crack
Sometimes, you may encounter a crack that runs right in the center of your windshield. This type of crack would be considered a floater crack, which are any cracks that aren’t along the edge of the windshield.
Different Types of Chips
Sometimes, you may not find a crack in your windshield but rather a little nick in the glass. In this case, we’re looking at a chipped windshield. These chips are more circular marks on your glass, but they can lead to cracks in the future.
Bulls-Eye Chip
A common type of chip is a deep circular cut into the glass called a bulls-eye. These chips will feature a very defined circular pattern, so they’re not hard to miss. Getting one of these repaired is unlikely as they tend to be too large.
Star Chip
If you have a serious chip, you may find that you have a chip with multiple cracks leading out of it. This is called a star chip or just “stars” and it’s best to have it dealt with as soon as possible. Typically, chips like these lead to much larger damage throughout the windshield, so pay attention when you see one like this.
Get Your Windshield Repaired at Our Collision Center
It can seem easy to ignore a crack in your windshield while it’s small, but it’s important to recognize that cracks and chips can grow with age. When you see a crack or chip, it’s best to have it looked at as soon as possible, so it can be repaired before the windshield needs to be replaced.
At Andy Mohr Collision Center, we want to make sure Plainfield, Indianapolis, Fishers, and Bloomington drivers drive as safely as possible. If you have a crack in your windshield, schedule a windshield repair appointment with us online or over the phone today!
