Types of Chips and Cracks That Can Damage Your Car’s Windshield
Cars are designed for your feasibility, comfort and safety. Windshield plays a very important role in your safety, as the structure of a car is mainly supported by the windshield.
A windshield bears up to 45% of the support, and is designed to protect its passengers from any harm during unfortunate events. Apart from holding up the structure, it offers a clear view of the road ahead as well.
Therefore, when a windshield of a car is damaged it distorts the view and compromises with the safety of the passengers.
Auto glass experts from Windshield Experts, Pune suggests that whenever a car’s windshield suffers even a small chip or crack, you shouldn’t ignore it. Even if the crack seems minor, it must be repaired.
People act proactively when the crack lies directly in their line of vision. However, they tend to avoid if the crack lies someplace else in the windshield. When ignored, these cracks and chips make the vehicle more vulnerable during a mishap.
The main reason of these cracks are gravel road debris that comes in contact with the windshield while we are travelling. There are different types of cracks that can damage your windshield, some of them are:
STAR BREAK:
A crack that usually happens in the shape of starburst on the windshield is called star break. These cracks spread outwards and when left unattended, they weaken the windshield.
There are times when due to high impact a windshield suffers multiple cracks. Auto glass repair technicians from Windshield Experts recommend that you get them repaired immediately.
BULL’S EYE:
Bull’s eye is one of the most common types of crack that can occur on the windshield. It happens because of the impact of debris. It is small in size and looks like a circle. They usually leave little to no trace when they are repaired within time and under proper guidance.
HALF MOON:
The half moon break is similar to the bull’s eye break; the only difference is that it does not make a complete circle. These breaks can be easily repaired by automotive glass repair technicians.
COMBINATION BREAK:
It is exactly as the name suggests a combination. Such cracks are very hard to repair as multiple cracks of different types occur instantaneously. Instead of repairing the windshield when it suffers from such extensive damage it is better that you replace it.
FLOATER CRACK:
This type of crack generally starts at the central part of the windshield glass. They spread very fast if not fixed. They are usually repaired after the height and width of the crack is determined.
This is done so that one gets a clear idea whether to repair or replace the windshield. Tiny floater crack that is not directly in the vision of the driver can be easily repaired.
STRESS CRACK:
This crack usually occurs when the windshield becomes very old. They are also called edge cracks as they generally start at the edge of the windshield.
These cracks make the windshield more vulnerable to other fractures. These cracks can be from two-to-ten inch in length. In this case, the glass shouldn’t be repaired but replaced immediately.
CHIP:
They are usually tiny spots that appear when the windshield is exposed to different weather conditions. For instance, it occurs during the summer season when the air conditioner inside the car is blasted.
These contradictory conditions affect the windshield. These cracks should never be ignored as they spread across the windshield rapidly.
LONG CRACK:
Cracks that are widespread or over 15 cm long are called long cracks. These cracks are difficult to repair; therefore the complete glass is replaced.
In most cases, minor chips and scratches that have been mentioned above can easily be repaired. One should opt for repair rather than replacement as it is more convenient, saves times and quite economical.
It is also safer as the glass is never removed, thereby maintaining the original seal. Always make sure to opt for a reputed service provider that is known for its trained technicians and offers genuine glass solutions for windshield installation.
The windshield must be specifically manufactured for your car type for a perfect fit, as an ill-fitted windshield can be hazardous to your safety on the road.