There are many different types of windshield cracks, but they most often occur from an object impacting the glass. These can be anything from rocks falling from dump trucks to rough objects kicked up by the tires of overtaking vehicles. This damage comes directly from objects striking the windshield but there are also other types of damage such as stress cracks, which most often occur from a large variation in the temperature.

There can also be indirect damage, which may stem from an existing chip that over time, expands into a crack. Generally speaking, cracks less than six inches can be repaired. Those, which are longer or reach the edge of the windshield usually, result in a replacement windshield rather than a repair.

Below we have listed some of the most common types of windshield cracks so that you will be able to spot and identify them.

Damage caused whereby a small piece of glass comes away from the windshield due to the impact of a rock or other similar object.

A more common term used to describe a chip.

A single crack with an impact point that can be covered with a quarter.

A crack that starts within 2″ of the edge of the windshield, or reaches the edge of the windshield. It normally forms immediately and starts at 10-12″ long.

A crack that starts in the middle of the windshield or anywhere that is not within 2″ of the edge of the windshield.

A crack that is over about 6″ (15cm) long, which many windshield repair methods are unable to fix.

Damage caused in the glass that is circular, typically with a cone in the outer layer due to the impact of a rock or other similar object. It is similar to but larger than a chip.

Damage caused in the glass that is similar to a bull’s eye crack, however not completely circular but still due to the impact of a rock or other similar object.

When there are multiple types of breaks in a windshield, such as a chip with cracks emanating from it.

A series of short radial cracks coming off the impact point which can resemble a star.

An area where a small piece of glass is missing.

A crack that occurs without anything impacting the windshield, usually due to a large variation in the temperature. Generally beginning at the edge of the windshield, stress cracks are usually in a straight or in a slightly bending line, and won’t show any signs of impact. With this type of crack, no glass actually comes away from the windshield.

Cracks worthy of repairing are ones that are not too old and are still relatively clean. If the crack is caught early, before it has had the chance to get too much bigger or get dirt inside it, most likely it can be repaired. Either way, an auto glass technician will also balance out the other factors to eventually determine if the crack can be repaired successfully and whether it will be worth the time and expense. For example, multiple single cracks may not be worth repairing while complex cracks are very rarely worth it, in which case a replacement windshield will be necessary.

At NOVUS Glass, we advise that you take action by getting in touch as soon as you notice any type of crack or damage in your windshield, as waiting could be the difference between a simple repair job and a whole new replacement windshield.