Types of Windshield Repair: Can It Be Fixed?
Don't Replace It Yet! Identify Your Damage First. Most drivers think any damage to their windshield means they need a full replacement. That is usually false. At Cracks N Chips, we can repair almost all common types of damage—saving you hundreds of dollars and keeping your original factory seal intact.
Use this guide to ierreak to repair. Because there are no long cracks radiating out, we can fill the "cone" with resin and make it look 80-95% clearer.
Action: Don't wait for dirt to get stuck inside. 👉 Schedule a Rock Chip Repair
2. The "Star Break" (Urgent)
Appearance: A small impact point with several tiny cracks radiating outward (like a starburst or asterisk).
Risk Level: HIGH. These are the most dangerous types of chips. The "legs" of the star want to spread. Heat, cold, or a simple door slam can turn a Star Break into a 2-foot crack instantly.
Can it be fixed? YES, but speed is key. We use high-pressure injection to force resin to the very tips of the star legs to lock them in place. 👉 Book an Urgent Chip Repair
3. The "Combination Break" (Common)
Appearance: A mix of a Bullseye and a Star. You see a circular crater and radiating cracks.
Risk Level: Medium-High.
Can it be fixed? YES. This is very common for highway driving. We treat this by vacuuming out the air first (from the bullseye) and then injecting the star legs. 👉 Get a Quote for Repair
4. The "Half Moon"
Appearance: Similar to a Bullseye, but it’s not a full circle. It looks like a semi-circle or a half-moon shape.
Risk Level: Low.
Can it be fixed? YES. These repairs usually come out looking very clear because the glass isn't shattered extensively. 👉 Fix My Half Moon Chip
5. Long Cracks (The "Runner")
Appearance: A single line extending across the windshield (often 6 to 16 inches long).
The Myth: "If it's bigger than a dollar bill, you have to replace it."
The Truth: We are one of the few shops in Salt Lake City that can structurally repair long cracks up to 16 inches.
Can it be fixed? YES, as long as it is a single crack and not a spiderweb. 👉 Learn More About Long Crack Repair
6. Stress Cracks
Appearance: A crack that appears suddenly with no impact point (no rock hit). It usually starts from the very edge of the glass.
Cause: Extreme temperature changes (thermal shock) or structural twisting of the car body.
Can it be fixed? Maybe. If the crack is under 16 inches, we can often stop it. However, stress cracks can be stubborn. Text us a photo to be sure. 👉 Text Us a Photo to Check
When is it NOT Repairable?
We want to save your glass, but safety comes first. We cannot repair the windshield if:
The Damage is Inside: If the crack is on the inside layer of glass (where you sit), it cannot be fixed.
Tempered Glass: If your side window or back glass is shattered into a million tiny cubes, that is "Tempered Glass" and must be replaced. We only repair laminated front windshields.
Complex Spiderwebs: If the glass looks like a crushed ice cube with cracks going everywhere, the structural integrity is gone.
💡 Pro Tips: How to "Diagnose" Your Damage
(Use these tricks to get a better quote when you text us)
📸 1. The "White Paper" Trick. When taking a picture to send to us, it’s hard for the camera to focus on clear glass.
Tip: Hold a piece of white paper (or a business card) behind the crack on the inside of the glass.
Result: The camera will focus perfectly on the black cracks against the white background, helping us give you an instant "Yes/No" on the repair.
💅 2. The "Fingernail" Test: Not sure if it’s a crack or just a scratch?
Tip: Lightly run your fingernail over the damage.
Result: If your nail "catches" in the groove, it’s a break that needs repair. If your nail slides right over it smoothly, it might just be a surface scratch (which usually cannot be polished out, but won't spread).
🔍 3. Check for "Legs." Use the flashlight on your phone to look closely at the impact point.
Tip: Look for tiny, shiny lines radiating out from the center.
Result: Even if they are microscopic, those "legs" are what will spread. If you see legs, you need a repair immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Damage Types
Q: Can you fix the damage if I can feel it on the inside of the car? A: No. Windshields are made of two layers of glass (sandwiching a plastic layer). We repair the outer layer. If the crack has gone all the way through to the inside layer, the windshield's structure is compromised and must be replaced.
Q: My chip looks dirty or white. Is that a problem? A: A "white" look usually means the glass is crushed (a Stone Bruise) or air is trapped inside. We can fix that. If it looks "dark" or "black," that is just space (air) which will disappear once we fill it with resin.
Warning: If it looks "brown" or "muddy," dirt may be trapped inside. Cover it with clear tape immediately to keep it clean!
Q: Can you fix scratches from windshield wipers? A: Generally, no. We repair impact damage (chips and cracks). Surface scratches from old wipers are usually too shallow to fill with resin and too deep to polish out without distorting your vision.
Q: I have a "Pit" but no cracks. Do I need to fix it? A: This is called a "Surface Pit." If it is just a tiny divot with no black circle or cracks around it, it is usually cosmetic and won't spread. However, we can fill it to smooth the surface so your wipers don't snag on it.
Q: What if I have multiple types of damage on one windshield? A: We can fix them all in one visit! We charge a reduced rate for additional chips. It is common to have a "Star Break" on the passenger side and a "Bullseye" on the driver's side. We treat each one according to its specific shape.
🤝 Why Trust a Local Family Business?
We are not a franchise. We are your neighbors.
When you search for windshield repair, you often find big national chains or "lead generation" sites that just sell your phone number.
At Cracks N Chips, it is different:
Owner-Operated: When you call or text, you are talking to Brendt, the owner, not a call center in another state.
Quality over Quantity: The big shops often rush technicians to do 20 jobs a day. We take the time to do the "Vacuum Cycle" and "Pressure Cycle" correctly on every single repair.
We Live Here: We drive the same roads (and dodge the same construction trucks) in Salt Lake City as you do. We care about keeping our community safe.
Not Sure What You Have?
Don't guess. Send us a picture of the damage, and we will tell you instantly if we can save you money with a repair.
Call or Text: (385)-219-9100 👉 See Our Pricing & Book Online