Minor Windshield Damage: Is It Really Dangerous?

As a car owner, you are already aware that driving a car means running the risk of damage, either from harsh weather elements or from debris, stones, dirt, etc. The one component of your car that runs the highest risk of getting affected is its windshield.

The windshield is not a mere ornamental addition. It is designed to protect you and your fellow passengers from any kind of harm in the face of any unfortunate event. The windshield provides structural integrity to your car. It also provides a clear view of the road ahead. But if the windshield of the car is damaged then your view will get distorted, thereby becoming a hindrance to your driving. This in turn endangers lives – yours, your fellow passengers’, and those walking and driving alongside you on the roads.

Not all windshield damage is the same. Some damages are easier to repair whereas others warrant a replacement. Whether or not your windshield is repairable depends on the size, shape, severity, and location of the damage. Given below are some of the common windshield damages that you might come across -

Bull’s Eye

Bull’s eye is the most common type of chip damage that can occur. This happens due to the impact of debris or stones. The bull’s eye chip is small in size and appears like a small dark circle with a pit in the centre and rings around it. Under proper guidance and within time, these can usually be repaired without much hassle.

Clover Leaf

The clover leaf damage involves the separation of the under-layer of glass. These can also be repaired, provided you pay a timely visit to a professional service provider.

Half-Moon

Very similar to the bull’s eye break, the half-moon chip appears with a half-circle in the middle. The half-circle shape implies that the debris hit your windshield glass at an odd angle. They can easily be fixed by trained windshield glass repair technicians.

Star Break

A start break appears like a starburst. The star break chip has cracks of various lengths protruding from the point of contact. These chips should be repaired immediately or else when left unattended they spread and weaken the windshield.

Bee’s Wing

The bee’s wing chip is very similar to the star break crack and as such, requires immediate attention.

Combination Break

As the name suggests, this damage is a combination of two or more of the previously-mentioned chip types.

Evaluation of the Windshield Damage

When it comes to fixing windshield damages, not all of them can be fixed by a simple repair, which is why it is important to evaluate the damages even if they are minor chips. Minor chips with a diameter of 40mm or less can easily be repaired by a trained windshield expert. While getting a repair done, you should remember that minor chips, at the most two, are only repairable. Apart from this, any other damage will require a windshield replacement or your vehicle’s structural integrity will be significantly compromised. This is why, if your windshield gets cracked, windshield crack repair is not an option and you have to get it replaced at the earliest.

If the chip damage is restricted to the outer layer of the windshield glass then a simple repair can solve the problem. But any damage that extends beyond the outer glass layer will warrant windshield replacement as a simple repair won’t suffice. Hence, even in such cases, it is best to opt for windshield replacement undertaken by a professional.

Dangers of a Damaged Windshield

Driving around in a car with a damaged windshield is not safe. In the event of a direct collision, a damaged windshield won’t be able to minimise the effect of the impact on you and your fellow passengers. A cracked windshield can leave the roof of your car quite weak, increasing its chances of collapsing in a rollover. Your windshield assists in the proper deployment of the airbags but if it is cracked or damaged, it will lead to a failed airbag deployment. In the event of an accident, if you are not wearing seatbelts then a damaged windshield won’t be able to stop you from being thrown out of the car. Simply put, a damaged windshield does more harm than good, which is why you need to take the corrective measures immediately to get your windshield restored.

When looking for experts to get your windshield repaired or replaced, it is best to choose a reputable and experienced windshield service provider such as AIS Windshield Experts. AIS Windshield Experts is India’s leading windshield repair and replacement company. We are equipped to handle all your windshield requirements. Our experienced experts follow all international safety norms and are equipped with industry-best tools to provide you with the best solutions. We use 100% authentic glass that is sourced from Asahi India Glass Limited - a leading automotive glass manufacturer in India. We offer a one-year warranty on our workmanship and products used. Our 90+ conveniently-located service centres and mobile vans can provide you windshield solutions whenever you are in need.

So, reach out to us today!