Jun 21, 2023
Windshield Replacement – Why Quality Matters
The windshields of newer vehicles are equipped with advanced features such as a thermal interlayer, an acoustic layer, and spots to accommodate cameras and sensors. lane departure and automatic braking sensors). Quality is important when replacing the windshield on your car.
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A compromised windshield can be just as dangerous as a poorly installed replacement. Continue reading to learn what happens when a windshield is replaced and how you can protect yourself from being exploited by unscrupulous people.
Bull’s-Eye Cracks
Bull’s-eye cracks can be very noticeable, as they look like targets. They also interfere with your vision while driving. These cracks, if not repaired immediately, can grow into unrepairable long cracks that will require the replacement of an entire glass.
Bull’s Eye Cracks are shaped like dart boards, with a center impact point that resembles the dart board’s hole. Radiating cracks form an inverted “U” shape around this point. Bull’s Eyes are also known as half moon cracks, star cracks, combination breaks or star-shaped cracks.
Windshield companies specialize in repairing this type of damage to the windshield, depending on its size, depth and location. The technician at their Houston store can assess if the broken windshield is repairable. If not, you can buy a kit and do the repairs yourself.
Edge Cracks
Edge-to-edge cracks can cause a windshield to weaken, causing a dangerous driving environment. They may also disqualify it for certain vehicles. Edge cracks are often a sign of needing to replace the windshield.
The damage is often caused by larger stones or pebbles. A crack can often spread rapidly and ultimately require replacing it altogether.
A floater crack refers to any windshield crack that begins within 2′ of its edge and usually results from weather-related changes or exposure to extreme temperatures, such as rapid temperature swings. They can often develop into star cracks which become difficult or impossible to repair over time; as soon as any signs of floater crack appear it is recommended you schedule an appointment for windshield replacement as soon as possible.
Floater Cracks
A “floater crack” refers to any windshield crack that begins within 2 inches from its edges and moves toward the middle, often expanding rapidly in extreme temperatures. These types of cracks need to be addressed immediately as they can worsen over time and reduce visibility significantly.
Professional windshield technicians can only repair cracks or chips on windshields that meet specific criteria for repair. A crack must be less than 6 inches in length, cannot obstruct your view, and only damage the outer layer of glass.
Bulls-eye and star cracks are non-repairable and require immediate replacement; otherwise known as San Andreas of windshield cracks. However, if caught early enough, resin can be applied to stop the spread of the crack and repair it quickly.
Stress Cracks
As your windshield’s protector, it is subjected to a lot of stress. It may be exposed to rocks, debris, manufacturing defects, or extreme temperatures.
Bulls eye cracks are among the most frequent types of windshield damage, affecting its outer layer and typically appearing circular in shape. A certified technician should be able to repair these easily.
Cracked windshields can be more challenging to repair. Cracks that are more than 6 inches away from the edge, or in your line of sight require replacement. However, smaller cracks which do not extend to the edge may be repaired with resin injection techniques.