Damage to your vehicle’s windshield comes in many shapes and forms. Timely repair is crucial for the safety of your vehicle, as the windshield must be completely intact in the event of a roll over accident. Cracks and chips can also affect your ability to see clearly while you drive. Here are a few common types of damage and how they can be repaired.
Edge Cracks
Placement of cracks have an impact on their severity. Even minor cracks appearing in the vicinity of the edge of the auto glass compromise the stability of the windshield. These defects usually require a replacement, as it’s difficult to repair the windshield effectively to ensure driver and passenger safety.
Stress Cracks
Stress cracks are often caused by an extreme, sudden change of temperature. For example, your auto glass might develop a stress crack if your vehicle has been sitting in the sun all day and ice-cold water is poured on it.
Chips
A chip is a pit in the windshield where glass has been gouged out. Chips can occur when a piece of gravel or rock is kicked up by tires and flung towards your vehicle on the road. Minor chips can often be repaired without the need for windshield replacement, but it depends on the extent of the damage.
Bullseyes
Similar to chips, bullseye damage features a significant crater in the center with additional damage around it. Bullseyes can also be caused by rocks and gravel, but they’re usually larger and more damaging than chips.
Combination Breaks
A combination break occurs when several type of defects merge into one. Chips, cracks, and breaks compromise the stability of your windshield, and also prevent you from having a clear view of the road.
Star Breaks
Once auto glass is chipped, the likelihood of it breaking further is high. Star breaks feature a chip in the center, with lots of lines extending outward from the center. Lines will continue to form until the chip is repaired or the windshield is replaced.
No matter what type of auto glass damage you experience, Astro Auto Glass is here to repair it. We’ve provided quality care and assistance throughout Albuquerque since 1997. We can even help you determine whether repair or replacement is the best option for your vehicle. Schedule an appointment by calling 505-766-5176 today, or contact us to learn more.
