Types of Windshield Cracks
Spot a crack in your windshield and not sure what to do next? We’ve got all the info you need on the different types of windshield cracks and how to fix them.
Written by Natalie Todoroff
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Not all windshield cracks are the same. Some windshield damage warrants full windshield replacement, while other cracks are considered minor repair projects. How you go about windshield repair depends on what caused the crack and where it is.
If you own a car, chances are, at some point a crack will appear on your front windshield. It is, after all, the first line of defense between you and the elements–and it takes a beating throughout your car’s lifetime. Every bug, leaf, pebble, and bump in the road has the potential to cause windshield damage. And, should a crack appear, you’ll need to be able to know what kind it is in order to determine if it can be repaired or if you need a windshield replacement.
And
Jerry
is here to help! The trustworthy insurance comparison app
is here with everything you need to know about the types of windshield cracks. We’ll go over all the different kinds of cracks that may appear on your car windshield, what causes them, and which ones can be repaired vs replaced.Plus, we'll tell you the best
car insurance
coverage to have if you ever need to get your window repaired or replaced. Let's get started!Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversTypes of windshield cracks from impact
Impact cracks occur when road debris, like small rocks, hailstones, or other small objects strike your front windshield. With these kinds of cracks, there is a noticeable point of impact, which is typically surrounded by smaller cracks that extend out of it.
While these cracks may be a total eyesore, the good news is that they’re usually an easy fix for any auto glass repair technician worth their salt.
Crack chip
This type of windshield damage is typically small, roughly the size of a quarter, and is caused by a single point of impact. Of all of the types of windshield cracks, these small types of chips are the easiest to repair as they can be filled in by a professional.
Bullseye crack
A bullseye crack, like a crack chip, is also caused by a single point of impact. But the damage on a bullseye crack is more extensive and runs deeper into the outer layer of glass. And, as its name implies, tends to resemble a bullseye and is circular in shape.
Star crack
A star crack, or star break, looks pretty much like you’d imagine it to. It has a center point of damage with several smaller cracks, or arms, extending from its center. Unlike bullseye and crack chips, star cracks tend to spread faster if they’re repaired and taken care of quickly enough.
Half-moon crack
A half-moon crack causes the same amount of windshield damage as a bullseye crack. But, instead of having a circular shape, a half-moon crack is more oval or semicircular.
Types of windshield cracks from non-impact damage
Windshield damage can still happen even if you’re a careful driver and only drive on the smoothest of paved roads. The cracks listed below can occur due to poor initial windshield installation and sudden changes in temperature and pressure. In general, windshield cracks from non-impact damage require windshield replacement and cannot be repaired.
Long crack
A linear windshield crack over 6 inches in length is generally considered to be a long crack. They are typically caused by extreme hot and cold temperature changes, and (unfortunately) are almost always impossible to repair. If a long crack suddenly appears when you’re driving, you’ll most likely need a new windshield.
Edge crack
These are similar in appearance to long cracks but can be shorter than six inches, and only appear within two inches of the edge of your front windshield. Edge cracks are caused by excessive pressure during initial windshield installation.
Stress crack
Stress cracks usually only occur in older vehicles and are triggered by changes in temperature or windshield pressure. These are internal cracks—if you run your finger over your front windshield, you won’t be able to feel this crack, but you’ll certainly be able to see it. Stress cracks cannot be repaired, so if you have one you’ll need to get your entire windshield replaced.
Floater crack
Unlike edge cracks, floater cracks appear right in the middle of the windshield. They start out as small cracks, but the more you drive with a floater crack on your windshield, the more likely it is to spread and further damage your windscreen. Because floater cracks appear directly in your line of sight, they warrant full windshield replacement.
Combination break
Combination breaks are easily one of the most dreaded kinds of windshield damage. They are any mix of cracks and usually occur when a smaller crack is not addressed quickly enough and spreads across your windscreen. For example, a bullseye crack can eventually sprout a six-inch long crack from it, an edge crack can extend into a long crack, etc.
Which windshield cracks can be repaired?
Windshield cracks can only be repaired if they meet certain criteria. They must be less than six inches in length, cannot extend to the edge of the windshield, cannot be in the driver’s direct line of vision, and only damages the outer layer of glass. So, for example, a small crack chip or star crack can be fixed at a repair shop. But, something like a long crack or edge crack requires full glass replacement.
Some types of cracks automatically rule out the possibility of repair. Non-impact cracks like long cracks, stress cracks, floater cracks, and certain combination cracks are considered too extensive to fix. If one of these cracks appears on your front windshield, you’ll need to get a new front windshield.
To sum it all up, a small enough impact crack that’s neither too close to the edge of your windshield nor in your line of vision can be filled in with resin or epoxy, while anything larger and deeper will require you to replace your windshield.
When to replace a cracked windshield
No matter the severity of the damage, you should not wait to repair or replace a cracked windshield. The sooner you call your local auto glass mechanic, the better off you’ll be. Even the smallest of windshield cracks can spread quickly, and change your issue from something fixable into something that needs replacement—which will end up costing you more.
While you’re driving to your mechanic’s shop or waiting for an open appointment, there are some steps you can take in the interim to help prevent the crack from spreading further.
You can cover the crack with clear tape to help stabilize it while you’re waiting for repairs. That, and you should avoid driving on unpaved roads activities like off-roading, as these can greatly increase the chances that the windshield crack grows.
How to find hassle-free car insurance
When you have a damaged windshield, the first thing you ask yourself is probably doesn’t my insurance cover this? If you only carry
liability coverage
, you’ll be stuck paying out of pocket for your new piece of glass. So, if this is you, add comprehensive coverage
to your policy immediately!With comprehensive coverage, you can typically get your windshield fixed for free if it has a small crack or chip. When a window replacement is needed, you will just be responsible for your
comprehensive deductible
, then your insurance provider will pay for the rest. While
collision and comprehensive car insurance
are similar, collision coverage
will pay for your new windshield along with the rest of the damage to your vehicle from an accident, while comprehensive covers losses from perils that aren't accidents, like vandalism, hail, and flying debris—it is also subject to a deductible. If you’ve never heard of Jerry before, allow us to make an introduction. Jerry is the
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policies. Let Jerry find you the best coverage for you with a price built for your budget. After you take less than a minute to answer some basic questions about your coverage needs, Jerry will show you the best quotes from a pool of premium insurance providers. Once you find a new policy that works for you, Jerry can even help you cancel your old one!
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FAQs
What kinds of cracks can be repaired in a windshield?
A windshield crack that is shorter than six inches in length, is not near or does not touch the edge of the windshield, and is not in the driver’s direct line of sight can usually be repaired. Normally, these are cracks caused by the impact as opposed to non-impact cracks.
What is a stress crack on a windshield?
A stress crack is an internal windshield crack that happens to older vehicles. Over time the glass becomes more fragile and susceptible to damage, and sudden changes in temperature (like when you clean snow off your windshield with boiling water) can cause the windshield to crack. If that happens, you’ll need a full windshield replacement.
What is considered a major crack in a windshield?
A major crack in a windshield is one that cannot be repaired on its own and requires you to get a windshield replacement. These include long cracks, floater cracks, stress cracks, and some combination cracks.
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