Windshield damage is an unfortunate possibility when driving. Understanding auto glass damage and whether it needs to be repaired or replaced can ensure your vehicle is restored quickly. Here’s what you should know about the problem. 

Types of Auto Glass Damage

There are two basic varieties of auto glass damage: chips and cracks. Chips can range in shape from small, semi-cylindrical pits to bulls-eye chips, which are typically dark in color and contain a hole at the bottom. A half-moon chip is a semi-circular piece of glass missing from the windshield. 

While chips can transform into cracks, they don’t always. Force, stark temperature fluctuations, and additional chips can cause cracking.

Stress cracks can form when the windshield undergoes temperature fluctuations, since part of the windshield may heat up or cool down faster than other portions. Cracks can also occur along the edges of the windshield, especially if the vehicle has been involved in an accident or the windshield wasn’t installed properly. 

Does Your Auto Glass Need to Be Repaired or Replaced? 

As a general rule of thumb, auto glass can usually be repaired if the damage can fit under the area of a dollar bill. If the cracks are larger than that or interfere with your field of vision, the windshield may need to be replaced. You should also replace the glass anytime there are more than three cracks or chips since windshields help to maintain the structural integrity of the vehicle. 

The next time you’re faced with windshield damage, contact Auto Glass Company in Troy, MO. With more than 15 years of experience, these trusted professionals help drivers throughout St. Charles County with everything from chip repair to full windshield replacement. To learn more about how they can help, visit their website, or call (636) 697-7222 to schedule a maintenance appointment.