The windshield of your car plays an important role in protecting you. It forms a barrier between you and the elements (wind, rain, snow, etc.); it also shields you from flying debris such as rocks kicked up by other vehicles, or items that may fall from passing trucks. However, because of the nature of their function, windshields often become chipped or cracked from these rocks or debris. Oakland auto glass repair companies will try to repair your chips or cracks when it is safe to do so, but in some cases you will need to replace a windshield to ensure your safety.
Stress Crack
Some cracks are not caused by any sort of impact at all. A common cause of a stress crack is an extreme variation in temperature, such when you pour hot water on your frozen windshield to defrost it. These cracks will usually begin at the edge of the panel and will appear as a straight or slightly curved line.
Bulls-Eye Crack
As its name suggests, a bulls-eye crack appears as an obvious mark (or point of impact) with visible concentric circles around it. These cracks are fairly clean and can be fixed easily if you take your car in to a repair company as soon as possible.
Star Crack
A star crack appears as a point of impact with several little cracks emanating from that point forming a star-like shape. These cracks can be harder to repair and should be seen to immediately as the little cracks that branch out from the point of impact will likely spread out across your windshield over time. As these cracks spread, it is more likely you will need to replace your windshield altogether.
Combination Crack
This type of crack is one of the hardest to repair, because there is quite a lot of damage to the windshield and in some cases there are pieces of glass missing. The combination crack usually appears as a star crack within a bulls-eye crack.
Line Crack
If you don’t visit an Oakland auto glass repair company soon after a crack occurs in your windshield, the damage might increase to the point that you need a new windshield. You will notice this happening as long thin cracks start spreading across your windshield from the point of impact. In some cases a line crack will form instantly after an object hits your windshield. It’s important to repair the damage so that your windshield can continue to protect you from these rocks and other debris.