Compared to standard window glass, auto glass is designed to be much stronger so it can protect your vehicle and everything inside of it. But while windshields and car windows are tough, they can still succumb to damage that can put your visibility and safety at risk. After identifying the type of issue your windshield has, there are steps you can take to repair the problem. To help catch issues early, consider three common ways that auto glass can break and how it may need repaired.

3 Types of Auto Glass Breaks

1. Impact

Impact fractures occur when an object collides directly with the glass, such as a large rock or another vehicle. The pressure from this type of collision is so powerful that it can dent the surface and cause smaller cracks to erupt from the center of impact. Due to the unique flexibility of auto glass, windshields and car windows should not shatter entirely after impact but bend instead.

Small impacts such as those caused by hailstones may be minimal enough to be repaired if brought to a specialist immediately. However, if there are multiple cracks or the impact pushed the glass inward, window or windshield replacement may be the only option.  

2. Stress

Stress cracks are those that occur when the auto glass has been manipulated or twisted. For example, if your car’s frame was damaged it in an accident, it may warp the glass and cause it to break. While less common, stress damage can also occur if the vehicle experiences extreme temperature or pressure changes.

This type of damage is typically characterized by cracks that appear around the edge of the window or windshield. In many cases, this breakage requires a full window or windshield replacement. However, if the incident caused only a few small cracks, repair may still be an option.

3. Chipping

When small pebbles hit your windshield while driving or storm debris strikes your vehicle, you may end up with a small chip in the glass. Typically, this damage is small and forms a small divot in the auto glass. If the size of the damage is less than three inches, chips can usually be restored with the help of an auto glass repair shop. However, if you leave the problem unaddressed, the chip may continue to grow larger and put the entire panel at risk.

Whether your car’s windshield or windows are affected by a major impact or a small chip, Auto Glass Experts in Hastings, NE, has all the resources needed to restore your view. Using the latest industry tools, these experienced specialists can repair and replace windshields, mirrors, and windows quickly and reliably. To make the process as seamless as possible, this team will also deal with your insurance company directly. Visit this auto glass repair shop online to learn more about their versatile services, or call (402) 463-0025 to request a free estimate.