The primary function of a car's windscreen is to give a driver a clear view ahead. Notably, it enhances safety because having a clear view of the road makes you aware of your surroundings. However, a windscreen also performs other functions, such as aerodynamics and aesthetics. Additionally, a strong windscreen acts as a supportive structure and helps hold a car's frame. That said, a car windshield is exposed to debris, which can cause different types of damages. While it is possible to repair some windshield damages yourself using at-home kits, specific types of repairs require professional service. This article highlights windscreen damages that a technician must address.

Bull's Eye Crack — The first type of damage that needs expert hands is a bull's eye crack. The crack is commonly caused by significantly large debris such as pebbles or gravel. As the name suggests, a bull's eye crack is primarily circular, and it gets its name from its point of impact, which is usually a full circle. Notably, cracks originate from the centre of a target, and their diameter depends on the size of the debris. Driving with a bull's eye crack is dangerous since it significantly impairs your vision. Thus, it is essential to deal with a bull's eye crack immediately before debris accumulates inside the cracks and makes repairs tricky. Most importantly, timely repairs by expert glaziers leave no trace of a bull's eye crack on a car windscreen.

Half-Moon Crack — It is another type of crack that only a qualified technician should handle. A half-moon crack resembles a bull's eye crack, with the only difference being that the point of impact is shaped like a half-moon. Blunt objects commonly cause the shape, and the cracks tend to concentrate on one side. A half-moon crack only impairs a driver's vision if the point of impact is on that side. Although a driver can still see clearly when the damage is on the passenger's side, driving with a half-moon crack is not safe. Luckily, repairing a half-moon crack is not as challenging since it covers a small area and its shape makes it easy to maneuver the damaged area.

Star Break Crack — The windscreen damage has characteristically short and radical cracks. Since the cracks are not continuous from the point of impact, they resemble the most basic star shape. Start break cracks are usually caused by small but sharp debris and can extend to cover an entire windshield if you delay repairs. The reason is that the short and disjointed cracks can easily merge into several continuous cracks. Therefore, immediate repairs of star break cracks are paramount, mainly if you use rough terrains.

For more information on windscreen repair, contact a professional near you.