Having a crack or break in your windshield can be more than just annoying and costly, it can be dangerous. A clear view of the road in front of you is one of the most important aspects of operating a vehicle safely, which is why it’s important to monitor your windshield for any damage.
If you notice that your windshield has a break or a crack you can save yourself money and time by getting it fixed before you have to replace the entire piece of glass. Incorporating regular windshield checks into your preventive maintenance plan can help you stay aware of any small breaks or cracks before they become a bigger issue.
Types of Windshield Damage
Distinguishing between different types of damage is just as important as regularly inspecting your windshield because each type of chip or break requires a different repair process.
A break in a windshield occurs when the damage travels from the surface of the glass to the middle layer, also known as the polyvinyl or PVB layer. That’s what holds the layers of a windshield together. This type of damage is typically contained within the top layer of a windshield, and can be repaired by using an injector to fill it with resin.
The other type of damage is a long crack, which typically is a result of an unrepaired break that spreads. Large cracks are not as easy to repair, and holes are often drilled at the ends of the crack to prevent it from spreading further. This kind of drilling can take an experienced hand, so it’s important to consider hiring a professional when doing this.
There are also stress cracks, which are a result of the windshield glass flexing or experiencing torque.
Different types of breaks include:
- Star break
- This type of break looks like a star with small individual cracks that radiate or spread outward from the original point of impact.
- Bullseye break
- This break consists of an impact point, or what looks like a small hole, surrounded by a dark circle.
- Combination break
- One of the most difficult kinds of breaks to repair, the combination break consists of a single break with radial and bullseye features.
While there are a few different types of damage that can occur to windshields, they all have one thing in common – they should be repaired as soon as possible.
Weather-Related Effects and Prevention
Windshield damage is most commonly caused by debris flying through the air, but the weather can have serious effects on the glass as well.
Despite the durability of a windshield on a truck, even the smallest crack in it can spread during large spikes or drops in temperature. The combination of driving a vehicle between extreme temperatures, on top of a defroster blowing air directly onto the windshield, can turn any small chip or break into a crack covering your entire windshield.
Whether it takes one day or one month, a small chip can become a much larger problem. The rule of thumb is to repair any damage as soon as possible to prevent it from traveling.
While damaged windshields can be caused by several factors, it’s up to the driver behind the wheel to check regularly for small cracks and breaks in the glass before this damage worsens. Incorporating these checks into your preventive maintenance routine will help you save time and avoid having to replace your entire windshield.
If you find any chips or cracks in your windshield, stop into a TA Truck Service location near you to get it repaired today!
We will repair up to three cracks or chips on a single glass, as long as the damage is smaller than a dollar bill. The first repair costs $50 and each subsequent repair on the same vehicle during the same visit costs $30. Repairs take 30 minutes or less, saving you time and money.
The following TA Truck Service locations currently offer windshield repairs:
- TA Coachella, CA
- TA Ontario, CA
- TA Barstow, CA
- TA Wheeler Ridge, CA
- TA Cartersville, GA
- TA Gary, IN
- TA Indianapolis OnSITE, IN
- TA Chicago OnSITE, IN
- TA Greenwood, LA
- TA Monroe, MI
- TA Greensboro, NC
- TA Lodi, OH
- TA Nashville, TN
- TA Rockwall, TX
- TA Dallas South, TX
- TA Big Spring, TX
- TA Terrell, TX
- TA Denton, TX
- Petro North Little Rock, AR
- Petro Ontario, CA
- Petro Wheeler Ridge, CA
- Petro Ocala, FL
- Petro Salina, KS
- Petro Shreveport, LA
- Petro York, NE
- Petro San Antonio, TX