A windshield crack is obviously an unpleasant thing. A minor crack if not taken care of would widen and increase the expenses for you. Thus, a windshield repair should never be taken lightly or delayed.
You might be interested to know the types of windshield cracks. It will give you some idea about the damage extent, and the if you can give yourself some liberty in terms of the timeframe for getting the windshield repaired. Thus, our windshield chip repair Ottawa team is here with this blog.
Types Of Windshield Cracks
1) Bull’s eye crack: When a certain portion of your glass is missing from your car’s windshield, it is termed bull’s eye crack. This crack type is most repairable. However, if left untreated the extent of damage could keep on increasing and could lead you to windshield replacement.
The usual causes of this windshield defect include the rock or any other heavy object hitting your car’s windshield. Bull’s eye crack is spherical in shape.
2) Half-moon crack: A half-moon crack is almost similar to a bull’s eye crack. However, the difference is that the half-moon crack is not spherical.
In most cases, the damage is caused by the blunt object. Half-moon crack is always easy to get repaired. However, the timeframe within which you take action is an important thing here.
3) Surface pit crack: A small chip in the glass that doesn’t reach the middle of the plastic layer is termed surface pit crack. It is the most insignificant crack type, but it gradually keeps on widening with time. It’s okay if you aren’t able to get your windshield repaired on an immediate basis, but don’t delay it too much.
This crack widening might allow the debris to come in which might lead you to the windshield replacement. Thus, even if you notice any neglectable crack on your car’s windshield, it’s always wise to reach out to the windshield crack repair Ottawa team now.
4) Star break: As the name implies, the windshield crack in the shape of a star is termed star break.
Star breaks usually seem insignificant initially but take very little time to open up. The result of the sharp object hitting your windshield is usually a star break. This crack type grows outwards, so demands immediate attention & action from your side.
5) Long crack: In simple words, the windshield cracks having a length of 15 cm, or more is termed long crack. As the name implies, this crack type is the most difficult one to repair and it often leads a car owner to windshield replacement.
Long crack usually comes into the picture when the car owner neglects the minor cracks, or when the extent of damage is too much to handle for a car windshield.
If you notice a long crack on your car’s windshield, you must take your car to the professional on an immediate basis. In fact, we highly advise you to use mobile services, as driving a car with a long crack on the windshield is extremely dangerous.
6) Stress crack: The most common cause of this crack type is a sudden change in temperature. Sudden changes in temperature exert pressure on your car’s windshield while results in a stress crack.
Stress crack cannot be felt using fingers as it’s an internal crack. The stress crack is usually repairable, but if this crack type starts from the edge, it is a bit difficult to repair.
7) Windshield chip: Some portion of the car’s windshield missing without any crack surrounding it is termed chip. If you notice a chip on the windshield, it’s important to get it repaired without any delay.
8) Stone break: When you leave a windshield chip unattended, it gives birth to the stone break. This is a serious concern, for both, your life & safety. If you notice a stone break on your car’s windshield, avoid driving your car at all until the damage gets repaired.
10) Combination break: If your windscreen has sustained significant damage, whether from hail or an accident, the situation can become more complex. When the damage involves a combination of breaks, repairing it may not be feasible. In such cases, it’s typically advisable to opt for a replacement, although it’s always wise to consult with your technician before making a decision.
11) Floater crack: Similar in size and severity to edge cracks, floater cracks originate from the middle of the windscreen, typically more than 5 centimetres away from the edge. They exhibit various shapes and are commonly triggered by fluctuations in temperature.
Floater cracks have the potential to spread across a significant portion of the windscreen, posing a serious hazard. If you observe a crack emerging at the centre of your windshield, it’s crucial to promptly seek assistance from Novus windscreen repair professionals. They may have the capability to salvage your windshield before the crack extends to the edges.
12) Edge crack: Edge cracks can be attributed to exposure to excessive heat, although not exclusively. They may occur when the summer sun heats the metal and surrounding materials near the glass, causing the edges of the windscreen to warm while the centre remains relatively cooler. Even minor temperature differentials can lead to cracks forming at the edges of the glass.
Typically, these cracks start small but can rapidly expand, reaching lengths of 25-30 centimetres, posing a considerable concern. Windshields afflicted with significant edge cracks often require complete replacement, as these cracks typically compromise the seal of the windscreen.
What to do until you have fixed the windshield?
1) Protect the crack or chip: Use clear adhesive tape to cover the damaged area temporarily. This can help prevent debris from entering the crack or chip and worsening the damage.
2) Avoid extreme temperatures: Try to park your car in shaded areas to minimize exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat, as this can cause the crack or chip to expand.
3) Drive cautiously: Be mindful of road conditions and avoid rough terrain or sudden impacts that could further damage the windshield.
3) Schedule repairs promptly: Contact a professional service like Novus to schedule repairs for your cracked windscreen or chip windshield as soon as possible. They can assess the damage and determine if a repair is feasible or if a replacement is necessary.
For top-notch windshield chip repair in Ottawa, trust Auto Glass Ottawa. Recognizing the various types of car windshield cracks is crucial, and if you spot any, our expert team is here to help. Call us at 613-234-9111 for a swift analysis of crack type and damage extent.
Our services extend to fixing chipped windshields and cracked windshield repair with precision and care. Specializing in auto glass and windshield replacement, we offer a lifetime warranty for workmanship and leakage. Enjoy hassle-free service with our 100% FREE mobile service, bringing our expertise to your doorstep. Our dedicated customer service ensures a smooth experience from consultation to appointment scheduling.
Whether it’s windshield repair or replacement for any car make or model, count on us for quality solutions. Experience same-day service with Auto Glass Ottawa.