Got a Windshield Break? Find Out What Kind and What to Do About It

If you find yourself in need of auto glass repair, it's often for an innocuous reason, not something as dramatic as all-out collision repair. Something as innocent as a stone kicking up in the wrong way or falling off a passing vehicle can cause a crack in your windshield, and in some cases, hail (which can also cause dents in the body of the car). Though you might be tempted to let the windshield crack go for a while, it's actually really important to seek out auto glass repair as soon as possible, for a few different reasons, which we'll get into more below. We'll also discuss the different types of windshield cracks you might see, what's involved in fixing the break, and where you can go to get it done.


What are the Different Kinds of Windshield Breaks?

There are six main types of breaks. There's surface pit, combination break, half moon, bullseye, crack, and star breaks. A surface pit is perhaps the most common kind and happens naturally over time as you use your vehicle. Debris hitting your windshield every day naturally causes damage and these items can become embedded into your windshield.


A combination break happens when there are multiple kinds of breaks in your windshield. A half moon break is usually caused by a rock or another object in a half moon shape, whereas a bullseye break is circular, and usually has a conical shape in the outer layer. A crack is more or less what it sounds like -- a crack in the glass (compared to a chip, which takes a piece of the windshield off with it). And a star break is a bunch of short cracks that radiate off the initial impact point. Interestingly, around 90% of stone breaks (or breaks caused by objects) never result in a crack, though they should still be seen to.


What's Involved in Fixing a a Windshield Break?


It's important to get auto glass repair if you have a windshield break because any type of imperfection in your windshield can hamper your safety and driving ability. A chip might not seem so bad, until the sun hits it just right and winds up being totally blinding. A star break can reduce visibility -- which is workable on a perfectly sunny, clear day, but what if you're driving in heavy fog or rain? And the worst cracks can eventually wind up letting the elements in or making your windshield susceptible to totally falling apart.


In some cases, the professionals might recommend that you have a total windshield replacement (this can happen especially if you've just left the break for too long and it's gotten worse). There are also windshield repair kits, for more minor breaks, and an auto shop might be able to do an auto glass repair to keep the chip or crack from spreading further. Keep in mind that it's recommended that you have a professional at an auto body shop look at your cracked windshield -- it's best not to do this yourself.


Where Can I Go to Fix a Windshield Break?


Almost any auto body repair shop will have someone on hand who can take a look at your windshield and assess the damage. You may need to make another appointment to come back and have it fixed, depending on how extensive the repair is, but they may also be able to just fix it right there, especially if the break is more minor. You can expect a windshield repair to take around a half hour (give or take).


If you need a full windshield replacement, you'll definitely be looking at a higher cost, but luckily, you likely won't have to leave your car over night. In many cases, the replacement can be done in an hour, though it's suggested that you not drive your car for another hour after the replacement is finished.


If you have a windshield crack or break, don't wait to get it fixed. It's important not only for your safety, but for the safety of others in the car with you.