Types of Windscreen Chips and Cracks Explained

Types of Windscreen Chips and Cracks Explained

Not all windscreen damage is the same, and the type of chip or crack you have makes a big difference to whether it can be repaired. Knowing the names helps you describe the damage when you ask for a quote, and gives you a fair idea of what to expect.

Bullseye

A bullseye is a round, cone-shaped chip, often with a dark circle around a central impact point. It happens when a stone hits the outer layer of glass and knocks out a small cone. Bullseyes are usually one of the easier types to repair when they are small and caught early.

Star Break

A star break has short cracks — the “legs” — radiating out from the impact point. Each leg is a place where the damage can keep running, so star breaks are best repaired quickly before the legs lengthen. Our guide on why to repair a stone chip within 24 hours explains why speed matters.

Half-Moon (Partial Bullseye)

A half-moon looks like a bullseye with part of the circle missing. It is treated much like a bullseye and is often repairable when small.

Combination Break

A combination break has features of more than one type — usually a bullseye in the centre with star legs coming off it. These can still be repairable if the overall size is small, but they take more care to fill completely.

Surface Pit

A pit is a tiny nick in the outer surface with no cracking beneath it. Pits are mostly cosmetic, but a cluster of them in the driver’s view can add glare at night.

Edge Crack

An edge crack starts at, or runs to, the edge of the windscreen. The edge is where the glass is under the most stress, so these cracks tend to spread and are usually not suitable for repair.

Floater Crack

A floater crack starts in the middle of the glass, away from the edges, usually from an impact point. Short floater cracks may be repairable; long ones generally mean replacement.

Stress Crack

A stress crack has no impact point at all and usually starts at the edge. It comes from temperature differences, body flex or installation stress rather than a stone. See why a windscreen can crack on its own.

Which Types Can Usually Be Repaired?

As a general guide:

• Usually repairable: small bullseyes, half-moons, small star breaks and small combination breaks, away from the edge and not directly in the driver’s line of sight.
• Sometimes repairable: short floater cracks, larger chips, damage that has been left for a while and collected dirt or moisture.
• Usually needs replacement: edge cracks, stress cracks, long cracks, and damage directly in the driver’s line of sight or over a camera or sensor area.

A technician will make the final call after seeing it. Stone chip and crack repairs start from $110, and windscreen replacement starts from $330, depending on your vehicle. Our article on fixing a stone chip before it cracks covers the repair process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which windscreen chip is the most serious?

Star breaks and combination breaks spread most readily because of their legs. Any damage at the edge or in the driver’s view is also serious regardless of type.

Does the size of a chip matter more than its type?

Both matter, along with location. A small star break near the centre may be repairable, while a smaller chip right at the edge may not be.

Will a repaired chip disappear completely?

A good repair makes the damage much less visible and stops it spreading, but you can often still see a faint mark up close.

Should I cover a chip until it is repaired?

A piece of clear tape over the chip helps keep dirt and moisture out. Avoid nail polish or glue, which can stop repair resin from bonding.

Not sure what type of damage you have? Aussie AutoGlass is a mobile service across greater Sydney — we come to your home or workplace. Book an appointment or call 0405 412 951.