Not every chip in your windshield is the same, and the type of break decides whether it can be repaired or has to be replaced. Here is how to tell which one you have and what to do about it.
Bullseye
A bullseye is a round, dark circle with a cone in the outer layer of the glass. It is usually repairable when small — under about quarter size and outside the driver’s line of sight.
Star break
A star break is a small impact point with short legs radiating out from it. It is repairable when small and the legs are short, and worth fixing fast because the legs spread.
Combination break
A combination break is a bullseye with legs — both a cone and radiating cracks. It is repairable when it fits within about quarter size.
Half-moon and small nicks
A half-moon is a partial bullseye, and a small nick is a tiny pit in the glass surface. Both are usually repairable.
Spidered or shattered windshield
A spidered windshield has many cracks spreading out from an impact point. It is not repairable — the windshield is replaced.
Surface pit or nick
A surface pit or nick is a tiny pit that doesn’t go through the outer layer of glass. It often doesn’t need resin unless it’s in the driver’s view or catches light — we’ll tell you whether it needs attention.
Edge crack
An edge crack starts within about two inches of the edge of the glass. The edge carries stress, so an edge crack usually means replacement rather than repair.
Stress crack
A stress crack starts without an impact, often from temperature swings. There is no point of impact. It usually means replacement.
Floater crack
A floater crack starts in the middle of the glass, away from the edge. It is repairable if it’s under about six inches and outside the driver’s line of sight.
Is my windshield repairable? Quick checklist
- Chip up to about quarter size
- Crack under about six inches
- Not in the driver’s line of sight
- Not at the edge of the glass
- Not through both layers of glass
A rock hit my windshield — what now?
Look at the size and where it is. Put clear tape over it to keep water and dirt out. Keep it dry. Avoid hot or cold blasts on the glass. Book a repair — a small chip is the best time to fix it. See our chip repair page to get started.