From chip to crack: A visual guide to windshield damage progression
Your windshield is more than just a piece of glass; it is a vital safety component of your vehicle. It provides structural integrity during a rollover and ensures that airbags deploy correctly. However, even the smallest pebble kicked up by a truck on the highway can compromise this safety. Understanding how a minor blemish evolves into a major hazard is essential for every driver. This guide explores the lifecycle of glass damage, helping you identify when a simple fix can save your windshield and when it is time to seek professional help. The anatomy of a windshield chip Most windshield damage starts with a "stone chip." This occurs when a small object strikes the outer layer of the laminated glass. Because windshields are made of two layers of glass with a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer, the damage is often contained to the exterior at first. There are several common types of chips: Bulls-eye: A circular break with a dark ring around the impact point. These are gener...