Broken Windshield Terminology

October 26, 2021

Bullseye – round in shape, caused by larger debris and occasionally do not have a noticeable point of impact on the glass.
Halfmoon Crack – similar to a bullseye but a chip or chunk of glass is broken out from the auto glass.
Small Crack – is smaller than a quarter size coin. Generally, a small crack can be repaired unless it is in direct sight or on the edge of the windshield. Important! If you get a small crack in your windshield this should be handled immediately because it runs the risk of needing replacement due to expansion of the crack.
Combo Break – this is a few to several impressions that could be cracks or chips. Replacement may be needed based on depth and width or if greater than 3 impressions exist.
Edge Crack – when a crack or chip falls on the edge of the glass and moves toward the middle. This can vary in length, but can grow to any length for expansion of this type of crack.
Stress Fracture –These are generally found very soon after glass is replaced as they are caused by a manufacturing defect in the glass not generally visible prior to install. Sometimes weather conditions will contribute to this growth of fractures in the auto glass.
Pitting – multiple tiny areas of chips.
Star Break – a small impact point that will generally spread quickly, you may not see this immediately but you can feel it with your fingertip or finger nail.