Nothing is more frightening than hearing a loud ping while driving on the highway and looking up to discover a big bumpy dent in your car’s windshield. While putting off windshield repair may appear to be a viable short-term solution, the longer you wait to get it done, the more problems you’ll have down the road.

Not only can rock chips obscure your vision while driving, but if left unchecked, they can eventually lead to a full-on crack.  Depending on the size and location of the chip or crack, this can be a very dangerous situation.

Knowing the different types of windshield rock chips can help you determine if a minor repair is all that’s needed, or if total replacement is necessary.

COMMON TYPES OF WINDSHIELD ROCK CHIPS

STAR CHIP

Star chips are a common type of windshield damage. They occur when a small object hits the windshield and leaves a star-shaped crack. Star chips range in size from small to large, and they can be deep or shallow. While star chips are usually not serious, they can sometimes lead to bigger problems. If left untreated, star chips can spread and become larger cracks. In severe cases, they can even cause the windshield to shatter.

For this reason, it is important to repair star chips as soon as possible. There are two main types of star chip repair: resurfacing and replacement. Resurfacing involves filling the chip with a special resin and then polishing it smoothly. Replacement involves removing the damaged portion of the windshield and installing a new piece of glass. While star chip repairs are usually quite straightforward, it is always best to consult with a windshield repair specialist before proceeding.

BULLSEYE

A bull’s eye break or chip is a large, dark-colored circle with numerous inner rings of cracking. They resemble dark circles with many concentric layers of fissuring within. The depth of the fracture depends on the velocity of impact at which a rock strikes the windshield.

Bullseye chips are common, and they can typically be remedied rather quickly as long as windshield repair is done promptly. In the most severe situations, windshield replacement may be required depending on the position of the bullseye chip and the length and width of the diameter.

COMBINATION BREAK

Combination breaks are more severe than regular windshield rock chips and usually feature characteristics from both star and bullseye chips.

Although replacing your entire windshield may not be necessary, a break that obstructs the driver’s view will necessitate immediate replacement service.

BATWING CHIP

A Batwing chip is a windshield rock chip that cracks off into two branches, usually forming a V shape like when a bat spreads its wings.

If the cracks are less than three inches, then they can be fixed with windshield repair work. However, if you wait too long to fix batwing chips, the cracks will grow and further damage the windshield.

HALF MOON CHIPS

A half moon chip, or partial bullseye chip with half a circle in the center, gets its name from its shape resembling that of a waning crescent moon. These often result from a rock hitting the windshield at an odd angle and can cause further cracking if not attended to right away.

FAST AND PROFESSIONAL ROCK CHIP REPAIR WORK

Windshield rock chips can strike at any time, but taking too long to repair the damage might lead to additional windshield problems. If you experience a rock chip while driving, it’s crucial to take action and have it repaired as soon as possible. Guardian Windshield Repair is here to help. We offer fast, professional rock chip repair services that will restore your windshield to its original condition. We understand the importance of safety on the road, and we’ll work quickly to get you back on your way. Contact us today to schedule a rock chip repair appointment or give us a call at (408) 772-7267 for mobile services near Hillsborough, CA 94010.