Types Of Windscreen Damage…
Your car’s windscreen is more than just a piece of glass; it plays a critical role in your vehicle’s structural integrity and your visibility on the road. However, windscreens are vulnerable to various forms of damage, each of which impacts your safety differently. Knowing the different types of windscreen damage and their implications can help you make informed decisions about repairs and replacements. Here, we’ll explore the common types of windscreen damage, what causes them, and how to handle each type. In this post we will cover the following topics…
- Chips
- Cracks
- Bullseye
- Star Breaks
- Combination Breaks
- Half-Moon
- Surface Pits
Chips
Description: Chips are small, localised marks on the windscreen, often caused by flying debris like stones. Chips appear as tiny divots or blemishes on the glass surface, usually no bigger than a coin.
Causes: Chips occur when rocks, gravel, or other small debris hits the windscreen with enough force to displace a small portion of the glass.
Repair: Chips are often repairable if they are small and haven’t started to spread. Repairs can fill the damaged area with resin, which helps restore the windscreens strength, integrity and cosmetic appearance. However, left untreated, chips can expand into cracks, making them much harder and more expensive to fix.
Cracks
Description: Cracks are lines that spread across the windscreen, usually stemming from an initial chip. Cracks vary in length and direction, and they can compromise the windscreen’s structural integrity.
Types of Cracks:
- Edge Crack: Appears within 2 inches of the edge of the windscreen. These cracks tend to spread more quickly because they are near the stress points of the windscreen.
- Stress Crack: Occurs without any external impact, usually due to sudden temperature changes, like using hot water to de-ice a windscreen in winter.
- Floater Crack: Starts in the middle of the windscreen and can spread quickly if not repaired.
Causes: Cracks often originate from untreated chips but can also result from sudden temperature shifts, extreme pressure, or even minor accidents.
Repair: In most cases, damage bigger than 40mm require full windscreen replacement, as they cannot be reliably repaired. Damage smaller than 40mm may sometimes be repairable, but it’s crucial to consult a professional to assess the damage.
Bullseye
Description: A bullseye damage pattern resembles a circular dent with a central impact point, surrounded by concentric rings. This type of damage is more significant than a chip and can expand into a full-blown crack.
Causes: Bullseyes are often the result of blunt impacts, like a stone hitting the glass at a high velocity.
Repair: Bullseye damage is generally repairable if it is not in the driver’s line of sight and is smaller than 10mm. However, this type of damage can lead to cracks if left untreated.
Star Breaks
Description: Star breaks have a central point of impact with multiple small cracks radiating outward, resembling a starburst pattern.
Causes: Star breaks are typically caused by small, sharp debris hitting the windscreen at high speed.
Repair: While some star breaks are repairable, those with long radiating cracks may need windscreen replacement. Immediate repairs are advised because these cracks can quickly expand, especially with changes in temperature or car vibrations.
Combination Breaks
Description: Combination breaks are a mix of chip, crack, and bullseye or star break patterns, creating a more complex type of damage. These can be more challenging to repair because they often cover a larger area and have multiple weak points.
Causes: Combination breaks are usually the result of significant impacts, such as hitting larger stones or debris.
Repair: Combination breaks often require a professional assessment to determine if they’re repairable. In many cases, replacement may be recommended due to the extensive and varied damage.
Half-Moon
Description: Half-moon damage looks like a semi-circular chip on the windscreen, often resembling half of a bullseye.
Causes: This type of damage is caused by a similar impact to bullseye breaks, but it doesn’t complete the circular pattern. It occurs when an object hits the windscreen at a specific angle, resulting in a partial impact mark.
Repair: Half-moons are usually repairable because they lack the complexity of combination breaks. However, addressing them promptly is essential to prevent further spreading.
Surface Pits
Description: Surface pits are tiny dents on the windscreen’s surface that don’t go deep enough to form cracks or chips. These pits are more common on older vehicles or those that frequently drive on gravel roads.
Causes: Surface pits are caused by prolonged exposure to small debris, sand, or gravel, which wears down the glass over time.
Repair: Surface pits typically don’t require repair as long as they don’t impair visibility. However, if pitting is extensive, the windscreen may need replacing to ensure clear vision.
Why Windscreen Damage Needs Immediate Attention
Ignoring windscreen damage, even if it appears minor, can have serious consequences. Chips and cracks weaken the structural integrity of your windscreen, reducing its ability to withstand future impacts. In the event of an accident, a damaged windscreen is less likely to protect you from injury, and it can also impair airbag function, as the windscreen supports airbags during deployment. Additionally, small chips and cracks can quickly expand under stress, temperature fluctuations, or vibrations from driving. What might have been a quick and affordable repair could become a costly windscreen replacement if neglected.
Stay safe on the road! Contact us here for further questions or free quotations…
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