As car dent repair technicians, we at Dent Heads know that a dent isn’t ever just a dent—each one is unique and requires a specialized approach. Likewise, the same is true about windshield damage. Rock chip repair isn’t a one-and-done service, it requires thorough attention to personalized care to reap the benefits—which include cost savings and safety boosts, according to the National Windshield Repair Division.
Understanding a few of the damage types your windshield might face and what your windshield rock chip specialist might do to fix it can help you make smart decisions from a driving and repair standpoint.
Dent Heads dives into the details of a few types of windshield damage!
1. Bullseye Chip
Often called the most common type of rock chip damage, the bullseye chip looks just like its name: a central divet surrounded by concentric rings. These chips are big, bold, and hard to miss; you’ll notice them almost as soon as they happen, as they tend to be caused by larger objects.
They can usually be repaired by rock chip repair specialists if you take care of them early. That being said, it may be economically smarter to replace the windshield entirely in the case of larger chips. Learn more about if a chip can be fixed in our rock chip repair blog.
2. Star Chip
Stars are lovely; star breaks, not so much. These rock chips resemble a star or firework if you squint at them. They have a singular point of impact with tiny lines radiating out from them. Though this damage might look like no big deal, it’s one of the most dire rock chips.
Any type of chip with cracks like this, even if small, should be dealt with by a professional ASAP, as cracks tend to spread across windshields quickly and of their own accord.
3. Batwing Chip
These chips are similar to star chips in that they’re rather angular but differ in complexity. While stars have many lines departing from a central point, batwing chips resemble a V, with only two lines.
Another similarity they share with star chips is that they should be dealt with ASAP by a professional rock chip repair provider. Their pointy shape means spreading comes naturally to them.
4. Combo Chip
Combo chips combine half-moon and star chips, creating a greater impact on the glass. This chip is slightly more complex because it not only has the half-moon damage but there may also be some additional smaller cracks around where the impact was made.
The fix is typically more complex with a combo chip, and special tools may be required to ensure the liquid is completely applied to the damaged areas. These chips should be remedied quickly to reduce the risk of cracks forming.
5. Half Moon
These chips are also called partial bullseye because they are similar in shape. The biggest exception is that they form with a half circle in the middle, meaning the debris or rocks hit the glass at an odd angle.
Traditional repair methods can be applied if the chip is less than an inch or smaller. If you're uncertain, contact a professional immediately for repair, and they will be able to help you assess the best process to restore your windshield and function correctly.
6. Pitting
Windshield pitting comes from multiple sources, including road debris, improper cleaning, age, and weather conditions, and it happens naturally from wear and tear on a windshield. Over time as the glass begins to wear down, it creates patches of scratched-away surface that can weaken the material and cause visibility issues from sun glare.
While there's no specific solution, the best option is to have the glass smoothed over; however, if the damage is extensive, replacement might be the best choice.
Dent Heads: More Than Car Dent Repair Specialists
When left unaddressed, any chips in your windshield can become a much larger issue, like cracks and breaks, resulting in costly repair and reduced vehicle structural integrity. Dent Heads has been providing exceptional chip and paintless dent repair since 2007, and we're a trusted name in the Twin Cities for expert services.
We’ll get your car’s windshield fixed, dents smoothed over, and more—just message us online or give our Bloomington office a call today at 612-986-1171.