Different Types Of Windscreen Damage
Although it often gets overlooked, your car’s windscreen plays a vital role in keeping you safe while you’re out and about on the road. Unfortunately, this transparent glass shield is also susceptible to various types of damage.
This damage can range from a minor inconvenience to a serious safety hazard that needs addressing immediately. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the different types of windscreen damage, as well as discussing when they need to be replaced.
We’ll also discuss how making sure you’re prepared by having windscreen cover can be a lifesaver, allowing you to get the issue resolved before it gets any worse.
Minor Chips
Minor chips are the most common type of windscreen damage.Small chips usually occur as a result of road debris such as gravel or small rocks hitting the glass.
While smaller chips may seem harmless, ignoring them can be risky. Over time, they can expand, especially if there are any sudden temperature changes or you’re diving on bumpy terrain.
Therefore,it’s not uncommon for a small chip to become a much larger issue in a short space of time, so it’s best to address a minor chip promptly to prevent it from getting worse.
Cracks
A crack in your windscreen can result from various factors, including temperature fluctuations, stress on the glass or even accidents. Cracks are usually more serious than chips as they can impair visibility and weaken the structural integrity of your windscreen.
Like chips, a crack can expand. In fact, cracks tend to exacerbate faster than chips so you should treat them with more urgency. The last thing you want is a crack expanding to the point it’s impeding your view whilst driving as this can be extremely dangerous.
When you come to getting the crack fixed, the size, location and severity of the damage will determine if it can be repaired or if a replacement is needed.
Star Breaks
Star breaks are a type of damage characterised by a central point of impact that’s accompanied by cracks radiating outwards, resembling a star. They are often caused by a heavy, sharp object striking the indscreen.
Star breaks should be addressed promptly, as they tend to worsen very quickly. The cracks radiating from the middle of the point of impact will gradually get worse, compromising your view and potentially weakening the glass’ integrity.
Whether the glass can be repaired or requires a full replacement will depend on how severe the damage is. While repairs are possible for smaller star breaks, larger ones may require a new windscreen.
Bullseye Damage
Bullseye damage is similar to star damage, however it differs in that there’s a circular shape with a central point of impact. It's typically caused by rocks or debris striking the windscreen.
Like star breaks, bullseye damage should be addressed quickly to prevent further expansion. Again, when taken for repair, the course of action will depend on how bad the damage is, but smaller bullseye damage can be fixed.
Edge Cracks
As the name suggests, these cracks occur near the edges of the windscreen. They can be challenging to repair and often require a replacement due to their potential to weaken the windscreen's frame.
Edge cracks should be addressed promptly. If left unattended, they can expand and compromise the structural integrity of the windscreen, so if you’ve got cracks around the edges of your glass then don’t hesitate to get it seen to by a professional as soon as possible.
Protecting Yourself
Windscreen cover can help offset the costs of repairs and replacements, making it a valuable asset when dealing with all types of damage. So whether you’ve got a small chip or a huge crack in your windscreen, knowing that you’re covered can provide peace of mind and save you money on a costly replacement in the long run.
Many people who think they’re covered by their comprehensive policy are discovering they aren’t. So check yours, and if you discover you’re not covered then it might be time to protect yourself to avoid any costly bills in the unfortunate event you need your windows repaired.
Investing in windscreen cover is a wise decision for any vehicle owner. Not only does it protect you from unexpected repair or replacement costs, but cover for your windscreen also provides peace of mind and ensures your vehicle’s safety remains a top priority.