When you’re driving along and notice a nick or crack in your vehicle’s windshield, the stress starts immediately. Windshield replacement can be very expensive, especially for modern models with sensors and other advanced technology. And, even a small crack, could be enough to mean you need a replacement rather than a repair.
Still, don’t start quaking in your wallet just yet: understanding the types of windshield damage that you can sustain is important in judging whether you need a professional, and whether you need replacement or repair. Learn more about all types of windshield damage as you assess your windshield before you drive into a Mr. Glass and choose replacement.
Types of Windshield Damage
There are several classifications of windshield damage, some more perilous than others.
Cracks
Cracks are a common type of windshield damage, and fortunately, cracks are among the most often seen types of damage for windshield repair and replacement professionals. However, once a crack first appears, it can get worse quickly. A crack may look like a small, straight line, or can be larger with the straight line branching off into additional cracks. A stress crack is a type of crack that forms without something hitting the windshield, a common reason why we see cracks form on windshields. With a stress crack, typically temperature fluctuations are to blame.
Other types of cracks you may see include an edge crack, floater crack, and a crack chip. An edge crack is what it sounds like, starting with 2” of the edge of the windshield. Unfortunately, edge cracks worsen quicker than other types of windshield cracks. A floater crack is usually seen in the middle of the windshield, and can be caused by damage or weather. A crack chip is caused when something makes contact with the windshield, like a hail stone or a rock, and the crack forms from that chip.
Chips
Have you ever been driving along the highway and heard that sudden, telltale “ding” against your windshield? Chances are your windshield now has a chip. Chips are often caused by hail stones or small rocks – a small object that makes a slight impact on your windshield in one place. For professionals, chips are also called “stone breaks” or “pits” depending on the size of the chip. Crack chips may develop from a single chip, which as stated, means that the initial impact causes a small crack to form from the chip.
“Bulls-Eye”
Bulls-eye windshield damage is named so because, once the impact happens, you lose a small piece of glass in the process. So, this kind of damage most resembles a bulls-eye. These can be as small as chips and, in those cases, are easily repaired. However, most bulls-eye damage tends to be large and requires professional repair or replacement.
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Stars
While stars are a beautiful sight in the night sky, they lower the value of your vehicle and its windshield. A star typically looks like a chip with multiple cracks coming from the center. This unique firework design is neat, but star-shaped windshield design most often leads to windshield replacement. Smaller star damage can be repaired and filled in by a professional, but usually cannot be repaired completely. So, in that case, larger or more stubborn star-shaped windshield damage should ultimately lead to windshield replacement.
Should I Repair or Replace My Windshield?
Because of how much it costs to fully replace your vehicle’s windshield, you want to make sure that checking yes on replacement is absolutely necessary. Repair and replacement truly means the difference between $100 and $800. In general, cracks that are less than 3” are easily repaired for $100 or less. However, larger damage, like most star-shaped damage, costs much more in the form of replacement. Whether you repair or replace will always depend on a thorough inspection of the damage.
Turning to windshield replacement, there are several signs that immediately point to replacement. These include:
- The glass is tempered and not laminated.
- The crack is longer than 10” to 12”.
- The crack, chip, or other damage type is too deep to be filled effectively. A general rule: the crack is more than halfway through the windshield.
- The crack extends to the outside edge of your windshield, especially if it starts near to the middle.
Do you Need Professional Windshield Repair?
In the end, you may feel better visiting a professional windshield repair or replacement company. They can thoroughly inspect your windshield, offer a professional opinion and an honest estimate on how much either type of service would cost. More than that, there are several benefits to using professional windshield repair.
Benefits of Professional Windshield Repair
Consider the many benefits of seeking professional windshield repair.
Save Money. When you use professional windshield repair rather than DIY methods or home remedies, you can clean and simple repair. There is no risk as to whether one thing will work and whether it won’t. With a certified, licensed, and experienced professional, you get simple repair or replacement as its needed.
Save Time. Seeking a professional for windshield repair always means saving time. You may have experience with DIY methods or those home remedies, but a professional has repaired simple cracks, chips, or small star-shaped damaged time and again, and this ensures they can get the job done quickly and efficiently. If you need your windshield damage fixed quickly, always consult with a professional.
Save Your Windshield. It may seem as if your windshield damage indicates replacement, passing repair efforts completely. However, without the expert eye of a professional windshield repair technician, you may be giving up on a reparable windshield for a more expensive and unnecessary replacement.
Is Your Windshield Beyond Repair? Call the Experts with Mr. Glass in Dallas, TX
When you notice that first small crack and begin to search windshield repair near me, you are already taking a good first step in finding a Dallas, TX professional.