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Types and Causes of Windshield Cracks

Posted by Mariios on May 21, 2024

It’s not surprising that most drivers are unaware of the types and causes of windshield cracks. However, they should know the facts before getting windshield repair or replacement services. This article presents precise details about types and causes to give them proper information.

Here are the types of windshield cracks:

  • Chip
  • Bull’s eye
  • Edge crack
  • Floater crack
  • Half moon
  • Combination break
  • Stress crack

The causes behind windshield cracks may include these factors:

  • Pressure
  • Vibration
  • Road debris
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Improper repair 
  • Poor installations

Types of Windshield Cracks

Knowing the nature of windscreen cracks is essential to get the perfect solution. To help you understand, here are the details of seven different types of auto glass cracks.

1. Chip

A chip is a smaller piece of glass that comes off after a collision or another impact. Tiny pebbles and rocks can cause your windscreen to get chipped and develop more chips.

2. Bull’s Eye

When the rocks or pebbles on the road hit hard on the vehicle’s windshield, they can cause circular-shaped bull’s eye cracks. This type of crack removes chunks of glass and affects the outer layer.

3. Edge Crack

Edge cracks are commonly defined as those that begin within 2′ of the corners of the vehicle glass. Cracks like this usually form immediately and can be as long as 10′ or 12′ in length.

4. Floater Crack

There is a kind of crack known as a floater crack that can’t reach the corner of a windscreen. Its beginning point is anywhere other than within 2′ of the edge of the windshield.

5. Combination Break

If your vehicle’s windscreen has multiple chips and cracks at once, it’s also known as a combination break. It could happen in a drastic collision or accidental impact.

6. Half Moon

Half moon is a type of crack similar to a bull’s eye crack, except it is not circular. These cracks are also caused by rocks and hard objects.

7. Stress Crack

Stress cracks usually develop without any pressure on the glass. They can appear when your vehicle stays in an extreme change of temperature. Windscreens expand in hot weather and contract in cool weather, allowing stress cracks to form when these conditions occur constructively.

Causes of Windshield Cracks

Well, you have learned the types of cracks in detail. Now, it’s time to explore the causes that contribute to the making or spreading of these cracks.

  • Pressure: The air pressure can change when driving through tunnels or over mountain passes, causing a hairline crack in windshield to happen or spread.
  • Vibrations: It is possible for cracks to spread over time due to vibrations when driving or from other sources.
  • Temperature Changes: A changing temperature causes the windshield glass to expand and contract, causing cracks to form. 
  • Improper repair: In any case, if a windscreen is not properly repaired, chips or cracks on it keep spreading and can cause the glass to break completely.
  • Poor Installation: Improper installation of the windshield can also be the problem behind the formation of chips or cracks. 
  • Road Debris: Small stones, pebbles, or rocks thrown by passing vehicles’ tyres can cause windshield damage.

What are the different types of windshield chips?

There are different types of chips: pit, chip, and bulls-eye. Pit is the area from where a small piece of glass is missing, while that piece of windshield is called a chip. Meanwhile bulls-eye is a circular-shaped hole and larger than a chip in size. 

What’s the difference between a cracked and a chipped windshield?

The main difference between these two terms is their sizes. A chip is a damage smaller than an inch. Meanwhile, when the damage is bigger than a few inches in length, it’s called a crack. 

How do you stop windshield cracks?

You can prevent windshield cracks by following these tips. First of all, try sealing the cracks with superglue or spreading nail polish. Plus, you can stop exposing the windshield glass to extreme temperatures. Better than all, seek assistance from a auto glass repair specialist

Final Thought

Conclusively, a windshield is an essential component of your vehicle that saves you from dust and rain. Sometimes, your windshield gets chipped or cracked, but you don’t know why. Theref ore, we have covered all the types and causes of windshield cracks.

There are seven types of windshield cracks, including chip, bull’s eye, edge crack, floater crack, stress crack, half moon, and combination break. Meanwhile, the causes of windshield cracks would include pressure, vibrations, extreme temperatures, road debris, improper repair, and poor installation.

To avoid all the cracks, you have to seek professional assistance. For this purpose, you can get auto glass repair services from Blue Diamond Auto Glass. We have highly skilled professionals who can inspect the cracks and cover them.

 

May 21, 2024
Written by
Blue Diamond Auto Glass
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