A cracked windshield may seem like a minor annoyance, but it can lead to much bigger problems if not taken care of in a timely fashion. The major issue is safety. A blemished windscreen can lead to:

Impaired vision while driving

Cracks and chips can spread throughout the entire windshield if left untreated

Compromises the integrity of the windshield sacrificing protection

Can result in a traffic ticket and fine if stopped by the police

Types of Windshield Damage

Cracks and chips in a vehicle’s windshield are typically caused by rocks, stones, or other debris that fly up from the road or are launched from the tires of other cars on the road.

There several different grades and types of windshield damage, varying in severity and suggested repair methods.

A Chip or Ding from an Errant Stone

This tends to be the most frequently experienced type of windshield damage. This is caused by a pebble or small rock hitting the windshield and knocking out a tiny piece of glass. If handled immediately, the solution for this type of damage is a minor chip repair. If left alone, the chip may spread and result in the need for the windshield to be replaced.

Fractured Chip

This is similar to a ding but can be slightly more serious because it contains a point of impact. This type of damage can also typically be fixed with a simple repair if addressed quickly.

Bull’s Eye

This type of damage gets its name because has a similar appearance to a bull’s eye on a dart board. It is caused by a larger stone or piece of debris, resulting in a circular crack in the windshield that may appear to spiral out. Depending on size and severity, a repair may be possible or a windshield replacement might be needed.

Fringe or Edge Crack

This type of crack generally originates along the perimeter of the windshield and works its way in. These cracks tend to form quickly and vary in length. Edge cracks may require a replacement.

Floater Crack

Behaving in the opposite fashion of an edge crack, a floater crack begins in the middle of the windshield and spreads outward. This type of damage can be repaired if the original point of impact is small enough. Otherwise, a replacement will be needed.

Combination Break

Much like the name implies, this damage involves multiple chips and/or cracks. If the cracks are fairly superficial, the windshield can be repaired. If they run a little deeper, you are probably looking at a replacement.

Stress Cracks

Stress cracks are typically formed over time induced by the age of your windshield, and the environmental conditions it has been exposed to. An older windshield, that has been exposed to extreme weather conditions are more likely to form stress cracks. To fix this type of damage, a windshield replacement is normally recommended.