Windshield Crack Types: When to Repair vs Replace in Bloomington & Terre Haute, IN

📍 Serving Bloomington, Terre Haute & the Wabash Valley

Introduction

Your windshield is a critical safety component — it protects you from the road, supports vehicle structure, and works with advanced safety systems. But not all cracks or chips are the same, and understanding the difference can help keep you safe and save money. This guide explains the most common types of windshield cracks, what they mean, and when you should consider repair vs. replacement.

Common Types of Windshield Cracks & What They Mean

1. Bull’s-Eye Break

A bull’s-eye crack looks like a circular impact mark, almost like a small crater on the glass. It’s usually caused by rocks or road debris hitting the windshield. Larger bull’s-eye cracks often require replacement, especially if they’re in the driver’s line of sight.

🔗 Relevant Service: Auto Glass Repair

2. Chip

A chip is a small area where a piece of glass has been knocked out — typically caused by stone or gravel impacts. If addressed quickly, many chips can be repaired before they become larger cracks.

🔗 Relevant Service: Auto Glass Repair

3. Crack Chip

This type of damage starts from a minor impact point and grows into a small crack. Once a chip becomes a crack, it’s more likely to spread, especially with temperature changes or road vibration.

🔗 Relevant Service: Auto Glass Repair

4. Edge Crack

Edge cracks begin within about two inches of the windshield edge. These are concerning because they weaken structural integrity and can grow quickly — often leading to replacement.

🔗 Relevant Service: Auto Glass Replacement Services

5. Floater Crack

Floater cracks start away from the edge and can run across much of the glass. They can grow long over time and are often a sign that repair may not be sufficient alone.

🔗 Relevant Service: Auto Glass Replacement Services

6. Star Cracks

Star cracks have multiple small lines radiating from a central point, often from a fast or hard impact. Small star cracks close to the impact point might be repaired, but larger ones typically need replacement.

🔗 Relevant Service: Auto Glass Replacement Services

7. Stress Cracks

Stress cracks aren’t caused by a direct impact. Instead, changes in temperature (like hot summers and cool nights in Indiana) or manufacturing stresses can slowly cause cracks without any rock hitting the glass. These often require replacement because the glass’s internal strength is compromised.

🔗 Relevant Service: Auto Glass Replacement Services

Repair vs. Replacement: How to Decide

Whether a crack can be repaired depends on size, location, and severity:

✅ Small chips and cracks shorter than a few inches are often repairable.❌ Long cracks, edge cracks, or those in the driver’s line of sight may need full windshield replacement.

Your best move is to have a trained technician inspect the damage so you get the safest and most cost-effective solution.

Why Prompt Attention Matters

Even tiny cracks can spread due to:

• bumps and vibrations on Indiana roads

• temperature swings between summer and winter

• stress from everyday drivingIf left untreated, what starts small could mean a much more expensive replacement later.

Schedule Windshield Repair or Replacement in Your Area

If you’ve noticed a chip or crack, don’t wait — taking care of it now can protect your safety and visibility on the road.

📍 Serving drivers in Bloomington, IN, Terre Haute, IN, and throughout the Wabash Valley.💻 Get an online quote any time.