There are many different types of cracks that can appear or occur on your windshield. Some of these types of cracks can be prevented, while others cannot. And some can be repaired while others cannot. If you have a crack or chip in your windshield, you may find yourself wondering what type it is, how it got there and if it can be repaired. Here is everything you need to know about bull's eye cracks.
What Is a Bull's Eye Crack?
In your head, envision a dart board or even the logo for the Target, the large big box retailer. This imagine gives you a rough idea as to what a bull's eye crack looks like on your windshield. It has a center point that may include chipped glass, which is usually where debris hit your windshield. There are then cracks radiating around the center in a circular fashion, creating a look that resembles a dart board.
What Causes a Bull's Eye Crack?
The most common cause of a bull's eye crack is round debris, such as a rock, flying at your windshield. When the round debris hits your windshield, a chip may be created exactly where the debris hit, creating the center of the target. From there, the vibration of the impact sends out ripples which cause the circular cracking that you see.
How Can You Prevent a Bull's Eye Crack?
Unfortunately, because bull's eye cracks are caused by flying debris, there is little you can do to prevent it from occurring. The best piece of advice is to keep your distance from trucks that are hauling rocks or that have debris flying off of the back of them. But cars can also kick up rocks and gravel and send them flying. By the time you see the rock or debris flying towards you, it is typically to late to avoid the impact.
Can a Bull's Eye Crack Be Repaired?
The answer to this question is complicated. Some bull's eye cracks can be repaired, while others cannot. The depth of the chip, the diameter of the chip, the size of the cracks and where the damage is on your windshield can all affect whether your windshield can be repaired. As a general rule of thumb, if the depth of the chip does not go through the first layer of glass, the diameter of the chip is one to two inches and the crack is not along the edges or in your line of sight while driving, the crack may be able to be repaired.
If you have any kind of crack or chip in your windshield, it is important that the crack or chip be repaired or the windshield replaced as soon as possible. Cracks or chips can continue to grow and spread. As they do, they can affect your ability to see while driving and affect the strength of your windshield. Contact an auto glass repair shop today, like Engel's Auto Service & Towing, if you have a chip or crack in your windshield.
