Car windshields are quite resilient and do not crack or break easily. They are made of premium laminated glass that can endure a lot of force. However, it isn’t entirely indestructible. When it does crack, not only does it impact your car’s aesthetics, it also obstructs the driver’s vision.
Car windshield cracks can occur due to various reasons such as a falling branch, stones and rocks, collision with another car of a building or intentional vandalism.
Any accident can cause a crack, but cracks can be of different nature every time. In this guide, we will talk about different types of windshield cracks.
Types of Car Windshield Cracks
There are different types of car windshield cracks determined by the intensity of the blow they receive. Today, we will discuss 7 of the most common types of cracks on car windshields, and find out whether you need a repair or replacement.
1. Edge Crack
The edge crack is described as the one that escalates from within 2 inches of the windscreen lining. This type of crack requires instant attention since it can immediately go from a small crack to a long one. The length of the edge crack may range anywhere between 10 inches to 12 inches.
2. Bull’s Eye
It is a conical hole in the outer face of the windshield, with a diameter of between 1 and 2.5 centimetres. This break is caused by a stronger impact such as a stone or a rock. Although the breakage reaches this point, there is generally no risk that the glass will later crack. Since it harms visibility, it is advisable to repair the windshield.
3. Chip
Chip is the type of tiny spot that appears on the windshield because of smaller rocks and pebbles. Car windshields can also damage in the summer heat. For instance, small chips can occur in summers if the car’s AC gets busted. However, these cracks should never be ignored since they can easily form several tiny chips all over the windshield quickly.
4. Floater Crack
As for floater cracks, they generally start from the central point of the windshield glass. It refers to the one that does not reach the edge of the windshield. The floater cracks usually occur about 2 inches away from the windshield. It tends to spread faster than other cracks, therefore you must pay immediate attention.
These car windshield cracks can spread quickly if not fixed on time. Therefore, the cracks can usually be repaired once the height and width of the crack are determined.
5. Combination Break
The multiple cracks that occur on the windshield are referred to as a combination of cracks. This type of cracks is quite hard to repair since multiple cracks occur instantaneously. Therefore, instead of repairing the cracks and chips, it is better that you replace them.
6. Half Moon
Quite similar to the bull’s eye, a half-moon cracks a piece of windshield glass. The only difference is that it comes off in a half-circle or moon shape instead of circular.
7. Stress Crack
The stress crack is a type of internal crack that can’t even be felt by moving a finger over it. You can diagnose the crack by moving a ballpoint over it. The type of windshield crack occurs due to a sudden temperature change. For instance, a windshield contract in cool weather and expands in hot temperatures. This process can cause a stress crack.
Car Crack Repair Centres In Dubai
You can find several windshield care and maintenance centres in Dubai since it is impossible to repair them at home. Also, it is worth noting that you can’t pass an RTA inspection with a cracked windshield. Even if it is small, the car will not pass the test. Therefore, it is important to opt for the official dealers if you wish to get the best quality glass. Read more about the vehicle testing services in Dubai.
Auto Glass Dubai
Those who want to fix car windshield cracks can visit Auto Glass Dubai. The service centre provides a solution to address all types of windshield cracks. Auto Glass offers a free home to home glass repairing and replacement service. All you need is to book an appointment and contact them here:
- Location: Al Quoz First, Behind BMW/AGMC, Showroom No 33, 4th Street, Sheikh Zayed Road
- Contact: (+971) 50-219-7710
- Timings: Open 24/7
DX Garage
The technicians in DX Garage use the latest glass repair equipment and quickly work on minor car windshield cracks. Here you can also find pick and drop service for the vehicle.
- Location: Al Quoz 3, Sheikh Zayed Road, behind FAB Metro Station
- Contact: 056-769-1999
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 09:00 am till 07:00 pm
Smart Automotive Repair Dubai
Smart Repair Dubai offers cost-effective cosmetic car repair techniques with its smart repair vans. SMART (Small to Medium Repair Technique) services include windshield repair, interior repair, dent repair, paint repair, etc.
- Location: Automotive Repair Systems LLC, Unit 3, Thani Warehouses, 6th Street, Al Quoz
- Contact: +971 4 380 7906
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 08:30 am till 05:30 pm
Car windshield crack repair Cost
If you see a crack in your windshield glass, check if the repair is covered by your insurance. If not then, take your vehicle to the nearest repair centre to get a quote. The car windshield crack repair cost depends on:
- Your vehicle.
- Model number
- Year of manufacturing
- Type of windscreens
- Other devices, such as heated displays and a rain sensor
Since some car repairs and replacement can be rather costly, you might be interested in switching to a new vehicle. You can check these car listings on dubizzle, where a range of used cars are available at economical prices:
- Buy used cars in Dubai
- Used cars for sale in Sharjah
- Used cars for sale in Abu Dhabi
- Buy second-hand cars in Ajman
- Buy second-hand cars in Al Ain
- Used cars for sale in Fujairah
FAQs
Can a cracked windshield break while driving?
Yes, a cracked windshield can shatter during an accident or due to the fluctuation in temperature. For instance, stress cracks in a windshield contract in cool weather and expands in hot temperature. This process can cause a stress crack.
What size crack in a windshield can be repaired?
Generally, a three-inch crack in a windshield can easily be repaired.
What are the common causes of windshield cracks?
Improper or poor installation, sudden change in temperature, low-quality wind glass and flying rocks or gravel when driving are some common causes of windshield cracks.
This concludes our guide about the types of car windshield cracks and what should you do once it happens. Always try to reach the authentic repair centres when getting windshield cracks fixed. Also, you can cover the cracks with the help of tape to prevent a severe crack spread.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blogs for more information on automotive parts and accessories.
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