Your windshield is designed to protect you while driving, but it’s also vulnerable to damage. Cracks can appear due to flying debris, temperature changes, or road vibrations. While some cracks may seem minor, others can weaken the windshield and lead to windshield replacement in Calgary if not addressed promptly.
Understanding the different types of windshield cracks can help you determine whether a repair is possible or if a replacement is necessary. Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of windshield damage and what you should do if you spot one.
1. Chip or Stone Break
A chip is a small piece of glass that breaks away from the windshield, usually caused by rocks or debris hitting the glass at high speed.
Key Features:
✔ Small and circular in shape.
✔ Can sometimes be repaired if caught early.
✔ If ignored, it can expand into a larger crack.
What to Do:
Get a professional inspection as soon as possible. If the chip spreads, you may need a windshield replacement in Calgary instead of a simple repair.
2. Bull’s Eye Crack
A bull’s eye crack is a circular damage pattern that resembles a target, usually caused by a direct impact from a rock or hard object.
Key Features:
✔ Circular shape with a dark center.
✔ Can often be repaired if it’s small.
✔ Larger bull’s eye cracks may require replacement.
What to Do:
If the damage is smaller than a quarter, it can often be repaired. However, if it’s larger or located near the driver’s line of sight, a windshield replacement in Calgary may be needed.
3. Star Break Crack
A star break consists of several small cracks that spread outward from the point of impact, creating a star-like pattern.
Key Features:
✔ Small cracks radiate from a central point.
✔ Can spread quickly if left untreated.
✔ More difficult to repair than a simple chip.
What to Do:
Because star cracks weaken the glass, they should be repaired immediately. If they spread too far, a windshield replacement in Calgary is the only solution.
4. Half-Moon Crack
A half-moon crack is similar to a bull’s eye but has an incomplete circular shape. It is caused by an object hitting the windshield at an angle.
Key Features:
✔ Looks like a half-circle instead of a full circle.
✔ Less likely to spread than a star break.
✔ Can often be repaired if it’s small.
What to Do:
A professional can usually repair this type of crack, but if it grows larger, windshield replacement in Calgary may be required.
5. Stress Crack
Stress cracks occur without direct impact and are typically caused by extreme temperature changes. For example, blasting hot air on a frozen windshield can create a stress crack.
Key Features:
✔ No point of impact—forms due to temperature changes.
✔ Can spread rapidly.
✔ Usually requires a full windshield replacement.
What to Do:
Avoid extreme temperature changes and sudden heating or cooling. If a stress crack appears, a windshield replacement in Calgary is often the best solution.
6. Edge Crack
Edge cracks start near the edge of the windshield and can extend across the entire glass. They are usually caused by pressure, poor installation, or structural stress.
Key Features:
✔ Begins within two inches of the windshield’s edge.
✔ Can grow quickly due to road vibrations.
✔ Often requires a full replacement.
What to Do:
Once an edge crack appears, it’s difficult to repair. In most cases, windshield replacement in Calgary is the safest option.
7. Floater Crack
Floater cracks start in the middle of the windshield, away from the edges. They can be caused by debris impact or sudden temperature shifts.
Key Features:
✔ Starts in the central area of the windshield.
✔ Can be short or extend across the glass.
✔ May be repairable if it’s small.
What to Do:
If the crack is long or in the driver’s field of vision, it may require a windshield replacement in Calgary.
8. Combination Crack
Combination cracks involve multiple types of damage, such as a chip combined with a star break or bull’s eye.
Key Features:
✔ A mix of different crack types.
✔ Can spread unpredictably.
✔ More difficult to repair.
What to Do:
Combination cracks are harder to fix, and a windshield replacement in Calgary is often the best solution for long-term safety.
When to Repair vs. When to Replace Your Windshield
Knowing whether to repair or replace a windshield depends on:
Size: Small cracks (under 3 inches) can often be repaired. Larger cracks usually require replacement.
Location: If the crack is in the driver’s line of sight, replacement is recommended.
Depth: Deep cracks that reach both layers of the glass often cannot be repaired.
Spreading Damage: If the crack continues to grow, a full windshield replacement in Calgary is necessary.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of windshield cracks can help you take action before the damage worsens. Some cracks can be repaired if addressed early, but larger or spreading cracks often require a windshield replacement in Calgary.
For professional and reliable service, trust Stealth Windshield Repair. Their expert technicians provide fast, high-quality repairs and replacements to keep your windshield safe and strong. Don’t wait—get your windshield checked today and drive with confidence!
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