Windshields not only protect drivers and passengers from the elements, but they also support vehicle roofs. And while the auto glass is designed with strength and resilience in mind, it can still suffer a variety of damages. Here, learn about the different types of damage calling for windshield repair or replacement services to maintain a safe car or truck.

What to Know About Windshield Chips & Cracks

Chips

Small, hard pieces of flying debris, such as gravel, create chips in the windshield’s outer layers. They look like small pits or nicks and are referred to as “stone breaks.” Chips may also have various-sized cracks running out of them and are called combination breaks.

Star chips, for example, are small ones with cracks splaying from the sides, creating a fireworks-like effect. Other severe chip damages include bullseyes, which feature round, deep, circular chips that resemble dartboards. While small, stand-alone chips are quick fixes using filler material, stars, bullseyes, and other combination breaks require a replacement.

Cracks

Flying debris can cause different-sized windshield cracks to form; however, many occur because of temperature fluctuations, such as a cold vehicle entering a heated garage, or structural weaknesses. Both are known as stress cracks.

Those due to structural issues typically appear at the windshield edges and result from manufacturing defects, such as stress from joining two pieces of auto glass with a plastic liner. The force can create imperfections along the glass edges.

Cracks between three and six inches require windshield repair services to keep them from spreading. Those larger than six inches need windshield replacement services. Edge cracks, for example, form quickly and are usually between 10 and 12 inches long. Any crack that extends to the edge of your windshield calls for a replacement to avoid serious breaks and injuries.

Whether you need windshield repair or replacement services, count on United Auto Glass of Iowa to do the job right. The locally owned auto glass repair company has served the 50-mile radius of Iowa City since 2002, providing residential and commercial services for personal vehicles, commercial fleets, and farm and heavy equipment. Call (319) 750-0511 today to make an appointment or learn more about windshield repair and replacement services online.