When rocks and debris hit your windshield while driving, it can leave chips or cracks. These are usually minor and can be fixed by a trained auto glass technician. There are a few types of damages, including bull’s eye, star crack, half moon and combination crack. Each type of break has its characteristics and requires its special approach.

Replacement

Some cracks just can’t be repaired. If your windshield is shattered or severely cracked, replacing it with a new one will be the safest and most effective option.

Windshield repair kits are designed to help drivers fix minor damage independently. The process involves filling and stabilizing the affected area with a clear resin cured using UV light. This method works best on small chips and dings that aren’t close to the driver’s line of vision. Some chips are more difficult to repair than others, including “bullseye” cracks that look like a dart board and “star breaks” with sharp cracks that radiate from the point of impact. Long cracks are also generally unfixable and will require a full replacement. If you’re unsure whether your windshield can be fixed, visiting a professional for a windshield repair Denton is best to avoid further damage and ensure your safety on the road.

Resin Injection

The vast majority of chips and cracks in a windshield can be repaired using this method. However, it is important to note that the damages must be under a certain size to be repaired. Cracks that are too large may require replacement of the entire windshield. A resin is injected into the crack to seal it during this process. It is then heated to cure. A special UV light is used to speed up this process. Once the resin has been cured, the cracked area is polished to make it smooth and clear. It helps to prevent glare and makes driving safer. One of the most common reasons for failed auto glass repairs is that dirt and dust sneak inside the cracks and coats them. It can cause the resin to not bond properly with the windshield, allowing the damage to spread. The best way to avoid this is to have the damaged windshield repaired quickly.

Tapping

Windshield glass is a safety feature, and it’s important to have your car windshield repaired when damaged. Windshield repairs are typically covered under the comprehensive portion of your vehicle insurance policy, less any applicable deductible. The most common method of windshield repair involves a tool called a resin injector. This tool cycles between pressure and vacuum, carefully infusing a curable clear resin into the damaged outer layer of your windshield. It prevents the chip or cracks from spreading and restores the appearance of your windshield.

Some types of damage are unsuitable for repair, such as chips directly in the driver’s line of sight. Even a small repair in this area can cause optical distortion and interfere with driving, so replacement is typically recommended. Additionally, it may be time to consider a replacement if new damage develops within four inches of a previously repaired crack. It is due to how these types of cracks tend to expand and spread, resulting in distortion across the entire windshield.

Filling

Using a windshield repair kit, you can fill, seal and stabilize minor damage to your glass. This method is best for repairing “bullseye” cracks, which look like craters with concentric rings around a central divot or “star” cracks with tiny fissures spreading out in a star shape. It is also possible to fix combinations of chips and cracks in this fashion. However, a repair kit isn’t foolproof, and waiting too long can allow road dirt to penetrate microscopic cracks around the chip and prevent the epoxy from adhering. Temperature changes can also cause the resin to swell and worsen the damage. A professional will inspect your glass for signs of pitting, which reduces visibility during driving. Pitting and cracks extending from the edge of your windshield typically require replacement instead of repair.