Windshield chips can come in a variety of different forms or patterns. Some of them can be repaired fairly easily, while some types are much more difficult and could mean it is safer to replace the windshield.  Whether the damage can be addressed with professional auto glass repair or not will depend on the size, shape, and location of the damage. Here are several of the most common types of chips that occur in windshields:

This is one of the most common types of chips that occur in windshields. A bullseye chip will appear as a small, fairly dark spot with small rings around it. These chips can usually be repaired enough to sufficiently prevent the damage from spreading further, though the original point of impact may still be slightly visible after repair.

Very similar to a bullseye chip, these chips will only have a half circle in the middle. A half-moon chip will happen when a rock or similar piece of road debris hits the windshield at an angle. Sometimes this can make them more difficult to sufficiently repair to prevent further cracking.

A windshield star crack generally has several small cracks outward from the center of a chip. The possibility of this windshield crack being repaired will depend on exactly how long these cracks are.

If the windshield is hit hard enough, sometimes it can result in what is known as a combo chip or break. These will be a combination of two or more of the previously mentioned types of windshield chips. The exact size and location of the damage will determine if it can be adequately repaired.

If a rock has hit your windshield and chipped it, one of the first things you may be wondering is if it can be repaired or not. The good thing is that not all windshield damage means a need for a total windshield replacement. In many cases, professional windshield repair will be able to restore the structural integrity of the glass.

But that will depend on a variety of factors, including:

• Is the chip in your line of vision as you drive? If the damaged area is in your line of sight, then it is a safety issue, and the glass will need to be replaced. Even if it could be repaired, repaired glass can sometimes end up slightly foggy, which could still impair your vision while driving.
• How large is the chip? For a safe and effective chipped windshield repair, the chip has to be no larger than 1 inch in diameter. The chipped area also can’t have any hairline cracks coming from it. In a hot climate, as we experience in Phoenix during the summer months, small windshield cracks from a chipped area can grow quickly.
• Is the chip deep? How deep the chip is in the windshield is also one of the largest determining factors. For it to be repaired, the damage cannot be deep enough to reach the middle layer of vinyl. And regardless of if there is no damage to the outside of the windshield, if the interior glass layer is damaged, the windshield will need to be replaced.
• Is the chip near the outer edge of the windshield? If it is, the damage can quickly grow in size and jeopardize the strength of the vehicle’s roof structure, reducing the protection it will provide in the event of a rollover crash. So, the windshield will need to be replaced if there are any chips or cracks near the outer edge.

If you are still not sure whether your chipped windshield needs to be repaired or replaced, our team here can help. Our technicians can assess the damage and advise on the best solution.  

It is not recommended to drive with a cracked or chipped windshield as it can compromise the structural integrity of the glass and increase the risk of injury in an accident. It is best to have your windshield repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

A professional windshield repair uses a stronger and higher quality resin compared to a D.I.Y. kit. When repaired properly by professionals, these windshield chip repairs can last the lifetime of your vehicle's windshield

A windshield repair typically takes about 30 minutes to complete, depending on the size and location of the damage. We use advanced techniques and materials to ensure a strong and durable repair.