Even the most careful of drivers will most likely find themselves needing auto glass repair sooner or later. A tiny pebble flying from someone else’s tires could easily leave a chip, but this isn’t the only kind of damage that can affect your windshield. As the team at FB Glass in Rochester, NY, explains, understanding the different types of potential glass damage will help you know when you need to schedule windshield repair.

Top 3 Types of Windshield Damage: When Do You Need Auto Glass Repair?

1. Chips

Rock chips are particularly common and are the most easily repaired type of damage. Chips may look like a bull’s-eye or half-moon, and some even have small cracks extending from the impacted area. In general, rock chips are quick repairs if they’re smaller than a quarter. Larger chips cannot be safely repaired, which is why a windshield replacement is usually recommended instead.

2. Cracks

If you wait too long to repair a rock chip, fluctuating temperatures or the presence of dirt in the chip could cause a larger crack to form. This crack will continue to spread if the damage isn’t addressed. Generally speaking, small cracks that don’t interfere with the driver’s view can be repaired, but anything greater than a foot long will require a windshield replacement.

3. Surface Pits

Over time, normal wear and tear can create small surface pits in the outer layer of the glass. Typically, these small pits don’t even reach the windshield’s inner plastic layer. Because there is no underlying damage (such as what occurs with chips and cracks), they don’t require repairs. 

Don’t let windshield damage compromise the safety of your vehicle. When you choose FB Glass for your auto glass repair needs, you’ll receive fast, reliable service with lasting protection. For additional information about the services offered to Rochester residents, visit the website or call (585) 441-1209. You can also receive social media updates by liking them on Facebook and following them on Twitter.