The windshield is arguably one of your car’s most important components since it keeps your vision clear, softens the blow of deploying airbags, and can affect the road sensors in your vehicle. Because of this, damages, like a cracked windshield, need to be addressed right away, and understanding the different types of damages will help you anticipate whether a windshield replacement or repair is needed. Below is an overview of the different damages and their fixes.

Chips 

A chip is a small piece of missing glass. Chips happen when something hard hits the window and takes a piece out of it, leaving you with a cracked windshield. They can be small and shallow—not penetrating through the layers of glass—or large and almost pierce all the way through the windshield. Deeper chips may have cracks extending out from them. 

If a chip is small, doesn’t go all the way through, and doesn’t affect a sensor, it can be repaired. Chips surrounded by cracks can possibly be repaired if they aren’t so close to the edge that they jeopardize the glass’s stability, but the repair will be mildly noticeable. Chips that go through the top and middle layers of the windshield, block sensors, are larger than an inch wide, or have deep cracks around them may require you to replace your windshield.

Scratches

Scratches are shallow, thin cuts on the windshield's outer layer that you can run the edge of your fingernail over without feeling it catch. They can occur if something sharp was dragged over the glass, such as worn windshield wipers, or from abrasive cleaning techniques, like using a metal scouring pad to remove a stain. Scratches don’t weaken the glass, but they can disrupt road sensors and obstruct your eyesight if they accumulate or deepen. They can almost always be repaired, even if they’re long.

Cracks

Windshield cracks cut through one or more layers of glass. If you try to run your fingernail over one, you’ll feel it catch. A cracked windshield can occur from a collision, a foreign object hitting the glass, or extreme temperature changes. They weaken the windshield’s integrity, especially those in corners or close to the edge.
A crack that only goes through one layer of glass, is towards the middle of the windshield, and is less than 3 inches in diameter should be repairable, though the repair may still be slightly visible for larger or deeper ones. A crack that goes deeper than the outer layer, is positioned near an edge or corner, or is longer than 3 inches will likely call for a windshield replacement.

If you have a cracked windshield, the seasoned professionals at MO-Ark Glass in West Plains, MO, will assess the damage and advise you on the best solution. They’re backed by over 30 years of experience in auto and residential glass services, including repairs for chipped, scratched, and cracked windshields. To schedule an appointment, call them at (417) 257-2040.