When you’re dealing with windshield damage, some issues are eligible for repair and others require a complete windshield replacement. The size, shape, and location of the glass damage are all important factors when determining whether a chip or crack is repairable.

In this blog, we can explain the various types of windshield damage that typically qualify for repair.

Location of The Windshield Damage Affects Repair Eligibility

With all types of windshield damage, a complete windshield replacement is usually necessary if the crack or chip may impede the driver’s field of vision. Even if a repair possible, sealing the chip or crack will only obstruct the driver’s view of the road, which creates a potentially serious safety hazard.

When chips or cracks exist near the edges of the windshield, they usually don’t qualify for repair. Given their location, these chips and cracks can compromise the windshield seal, which can also create a safety hazard.

Star Breaks

A star break is kind of a cross between a chip and a crack. It looks a lot like a star (hence the name), with a defined chip in the center and short cracks radiating from the center point of the break.

If your windshield has damage that resembles a star break, it may be eligible for repair, as long as the diameter of the break doesn’t exceed three inches. However, the final call is up to your auto glass repair technician. He’ll assess the damage when you bring your vehicle to the shop and make the appropriate recommendation for optimal driving safety.

Bullseye Cracks

Bullseye cracks are so named because they look just like a bullseye target. They feature a distinct central impact point and a defined cone that circles the point of impact in the outer layer of the glass. 

If your windshield has a bullseye crack, it’s probably repairable since this type of glass damage is one of the easiest to fix. If the size of the bullseye doesn’t exceed an inch in diameter and there’s no debris stuck in the head of the crack, windshield repair is usually the most cost-effective option.

Combination Breaks

A combination break is essentially a mix of two or more types of windshield damage. The damage could look like a star break within a bullseye crack or there could be a central pit with multiple long cracks extending from the center.

With combination breaks, the repair process is a bit tricky, so your windshield repair specialists will need to assess the break to determine how severe it is. Usually, if the diameter of such a break doesn’t exceed two inches, it’s eligible for repair.

Half-Moon Cracks

Half-moon cracks are small, partial bullseye cracks. Like full bullseye cracks, half-moon breaks are often repairable, but your auto glass specialist will need to make the final call. In most cases, if the diameter of the damage isn’t larger than an inch, it can be repaired.

Singular Cracks

If your windshield features a long, singular crack, it may be eligible for repair, depending on its size and location. How long can a crack get before it is no longer eligible for repair? In all honestly, it depends.

Windshield repair technology is always improving, so these days, some longer cracks (usually up to six inches) can be repaired. However, the general recommendation is to opt for a windshield replacement if the crack is longer than three to four inches.