Windshield damage comes in many shapes and sizes and all damage should be fixed. Your windshield is part of your vehicle’s stability, which might seem a little strange considering it can shatter if hit hard enough. Nonetheless, the windshield strengthens your car, truck, or SUV’s body, so any damage to the windshield not only weakens the windshield but also the body. There are specific types of windshield damage and Pit Shop Auto Repair lists them below for your reference.
Bulls-Eyes
If a rock hits your windshield just right, you might notice what looks like a bulls-eye where the impact occurred. This damage can usually be fixed if the bulls-eye isn’t too big – say, an inch in diameter or smaller. If the bulls-eye is larger than that, you’ll likely need a windshield replacement. Bulls-eyes are rare, but they do weaken your automobile’s windshield. As such, it’s best to repair them.
Chips
If a rock or other road debris hits your windshield at an angle, it will create a divot or chip. This basically means a small part of your windshield’s glass was knocked out. If left alone, the chip has the potential to cause further windshield damage. Vibrations from vehicle movement and/or extreme temperatures can cause cracks to radiate from the glass divot. A chip less than 1/8-inch can be repaired.
Cracks
As mentioned above, cracks usually radiate from chips. Cracks are bad news. They weaken your windshield throughout and, in turn, weaken your vehicle’s body. Some cracks can be filled. If the crack doesn’t impair your vision and is less than 14 inches, it can usually be filled and your windshield strengthened with specialized resin. A seriously cracked windshield should be replaced.
Stars
Stars are beautiful in the night sky. Stars entertain us. Stars on your windshield stink! As with bulls-eyes, if a rock hits your windshield just right, it will create a divot with cracks radiating from it that make the damage look like a star. Stars can be fixed in some cases if they’re under three inches in diameter but honestly, the radiate cracks will continue to spread so it’s best to replace the windshield.
Pit Shop Auto Repair in Libertyville, IL , does windshield repair and replacement, whether the damage is one of the above or a combination of windshield dings. We can handle all of your auto glass needs, even the side windows. Call us today to get an estimate on your windshield damage repair.
