The Top Windshield Damage Types Revealed

What types of windshield damage are the most common issues that drivers experience? Whether you just bought your first car or have years on the road under your belt, take a look at what you need to know about different types of auto glass damage.

Windshield Chips

A piece of gravel flies off the road and hits your car. If it lands on the car's body, this small rock isn't likely to do major damage. But if a pebble (or similarly sized piece of road debris) hits the window, it could chip the glass. 

This common type of auto damage is a break in the outer layer of the windshield. A chip can happen anywhere on the windshield, including along the back and side windows. Chips also come in different shapes and forms. Smaller chips include surface pits (less than one-eighth of an inch in diameter), bullseye (less than one inch), half-moons (smaller than one inch), and combination breaks (less than two inches). 

All chips require professional repair. Even though a chip may seem minor due to its size, you still need to call a glass or windshield professional about this common auto issue. Failure to adequately or promptly repair a chip could result in additional damage. Never attempt to fix a chip yourself. While a do-it-yourself chip repair kit may seem like a cost-saving idea, you could accidentally cause more damage to the windshield, fail to fully fix the problem, or miss another issue a professional could easily find. 

Some chips may require a full windshield replacement. These include chips that go through the exterior and interior layers of glass, chips inside of the windshield, chips that damage or discolor the windshield's plastic interlayer, and a larger-sized chip. A windshield professional can assess these issues and recommend a repair or a replacement. 

While it's possible to drive with a windshield chip, it's not advisable. A chip on the driver's side of the windshield can make it hard to see the road. Even though your windshield is still intact, the obscured view could cause an accident. This makes it essential to fix a chip before you try to drive. 

Windshield Cracks

Unlike chips or pits, cracks are typically larger in size and straighter in shape. This type of damage can spread out, creating more extensive issues in the windshield. Cracks and chips often happen for the same reason — impact damage. 

Along with damage from a rock or other type of flying debris (such as hail), cracks can form with extreme temperature changes, exposure to intense sunlight, pressure changes, and poor windshield installation. 

Contact a glass repair specialist as soon as you notice a windshield crack. The glass professional will evaluate the crack, look for other areas of damage, and help you to understand the next steps to take. Again, crack (like chip) repair and windshield replacement are not DIY jobs. This type of auto glass damage also requires the knowledge and experience of a trained pro. 

Shattered Windshield

Some types of windshield damage don't stop while the glass remains intact. An extreme impact, car accident, or untreated crack could cause your windshield to shatter. Every crack (including the small ones) requires immediate attention.

Cracks won't go away on their own and, like chips, could grow with time. Some shattered windshields won't immediately fall into the car. The urethane adhesives used to prevent leaks, movement, or sound transfer may hold the shattered glass in place at the edges. But this doesn't mean a completely shattered windshield can't fall or won't pose a safety risk.

The worst-case scenario is a chip that grows long or large enough to result in a shattered windshield. Moisture, temperature, dirt and debris, bumps on the road, and harsh driving conditions can turn what seems like a minor crack into a shattered windshield. 

Always replace a significant crack or shattered windshield as soon as possible. Never drive with this potentially hazardous type of windshield damage. If the glass hasn't already shattered, it could break apart while you're driving. If it shatters while you're on the road, the damage could cause an accident or the glass could land on you and your front seat passenger — especially if the sealants or glass lamination don’t hold the windshield together at the edges. 

A severe crack or shattered windshield can also obstruct your view of the road. This poses an accident risk and makes it almost impossible for you to drive safely. If your windshield shatters or multiple cracks form while you're driving, pull over immediately and call a glass or windshield contractor.

Many of these professionals offer mobile services. This means you can wait in a safe place and the windshield replacement professional will come to you. If your first-choice glass replacement company doesn't offer mobile services or can't get to you immediately, you will need a tow. 

Do you need to replace your car's glass? Contact MS Glass Outlet for more information.