Is your windshield chipped from a flying stone? No matter how careful you are, minor chips can happen while you’re driving or when you’re trying to defrost your windshield during winter. If you’ve got a chipped or cracked windshield, it’s best to get it repaired immediately. Otherwise, the chip might get larger every day and compromise the integrity of your windshield. 

Here’s everything you need to know about windshield chips:

What Is A Windshield Chip?

A windshield chip can occur when pebbles, stones, debris, or rocks hit your windshield with a strong force. The impact nicks the glass, damaging a small spot. These chips can often grow into large cracks with temperature changes and debris infiltration.

Different Windshield Chip And Crack Patterns

The windshield glass can chip and crack into different patterns, including:

1. Bee’s wing: The chip is shaped like a bee’s wing causing slight cracks to spread out in different lengths from the center of the impact. If it’s left alone, it can cause the cracks to spread and weaken the windshield, eventually shattering it completely. 
2. Half-moon: This chip has a half circle in the middle
3. Bull’s eye: This is one of the most common windshield cracks and chips that occur. This is a small chip that has a small circular breakage with a pit in the center. 
4. Cloverleaf: This kind of chip separates the underlayer of the windshield glass upon impact. 
5. Star break: This chip features a starburst pattern on the windshield. So, you’ll notice slight cracks in different lengths extending from the point of impact. If left unattended, it can completely break your windshield.

These chips and cracks can be repaired if they’re small enough. However, if they’re larger than an inch, you may need to consult a windshield repair expert. 

What Can Cause A Crack To Grow?

Outside temperatures can compromise your windshield. The heat from the sun can cause your windshield to warm up and expand. So, if you have a crack or chip in your windshield, the heat expansion can cause them to grow. So, it’s best to get a small crack or chip repaired as quickly as possible.

Looking for Windshield Replacement Experts In San Diego? Windshield Repair San Diego Can Help!

If you’re looking for one of the best auto glass services in San Diego, give us a call today. We offer affordable windshield repair services, side window replacement, windshield replacement, and other auto glass repair services. 

Get in touch with us for a free quote. 

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