Types Of Windshield Cracks You Should Be Aware Of

When it comes to taking care of your car’s windshield, it can be a tricky task given the sensitive nature of the glass. Cracks often form on the windshield owing to factors like pebbles and other sharp objects flying off the road and hitting the glass of the windshield. The impact can cause varying degrees of damage to the windshield, depending on which you can either choose glass repair or replacement.

To decide whether to go for glass repair or replacement, you need to be aware of different types of cracks that can form, depending on which you can decide which option you should choose. Usually, if the crack formed is under 6 inches, it can be repaired.

1. Bull’s eyes: This type of crack is formed when the windshield is hit by a round stone or any other object. It has cone-like projection protruding out, which causes the glass to chip away. It is larger as compared to other types of cracks.
2. Long Crack: A crack that spreads over more than 6 inches (15 cm) is a long crack. It is usually a serpentine crack across the windshield, which cannot usually be repaired and auto glass replacement is required. 
3. Stress crack: Such a crack forms without an external physical object hitting the windshield. It is usually caused due to variation in the temperature. Putting cool water on heated up glass during winters can be one reason for the crack to form. It usually starts from the edge of the windshield and forms a straight or bending line across.
4. Half Moon: A half moon crack is more or less similar to a bull’s eye crack, but it differs in the sense that the cracks formed is not fully circular, more like a semi-circle, just like a half moon as the name suggests. It is mostly caused by stones.
5. Stone Break: This crack is caused when a stone chips away at the glass. The crack can grow bigger over time if not repaired shortly.
6. Floater Crack: Such a crack starts from the middle of the windshield (anywhere more than 2 inches from the edges) and then permeates to the sides. 

To prevent severe damage to the windshield, quick action is required as soon as a crack is observed on the surface of the glass. Sometimes, owing to lack of initiative, a small, repairable crack can grow bigger and the only solution left is to replace the windshield, which costs more.