Your car's windshield can encounter various types of damage, and it's important to know which ones can be repaired. One of the main criteria is the size of the chip. Large chips, typically with a diameter of over 6mm, often require glass replacement as repair may not be efficient. Meanwhile, small chips can often be successfully repaired.
In addition to size, the type of damage also matters in determining repair feasibility. Here are some common types of damage:
- Chips: These are surface damages usually caused by the impact of pebbles or other small objects. Chips are typically suitable for successful repair.
- Cracks: These are more serious damages that can be several inches long. Repairing cracks is possible depending on their size, shape, and location.
- Starbursts: These damages resemble a star with a central point and radiating lines. Many starbursts can be successfully repaired, but like cracks, the location can be a significant factor.
The chips and damages on the windshield can occur for various reasons, with the most common including:
- The impact from small stones or gravel on the road kicked up by moving vehicles.
- Strikes from large objects such as rocks, ice shards, or trees.
- Extreme temperature fluctuations cause glass expansion and contraction.
- Mishandling of the vehicle, such as scraping the windshield with a shovel during winter.
Understanding the types of chips and their causes is the first step to effective repair. But how does the actual restoration process work, and how effective is it? We will explore this in the next part of the article.