Types of Windscreen Chips and Cracks Every Australian Driver Should Know
Your car’s windscreen does much more than provide a clear view of the road. It’s a crucial safety feature that supports your vehicle’s structure and protects passengers during a collision. Even a small chip or crack can compromise that safety if ignored. Australian drivers frequently encounter windscreen damage from gravel, flying debris, and harsh weather.
MotorGlass understands how quickly minor windscreen damage can spread and become a serious issue. Our professional windscreen repair, replacement, and window tinting services help keep your vehicle safe, compliant, and looking sharp. This article explores the most common types of windscreen chips and cracks, how to recognise them, and when to seek professional help before they worsen.
Why Windscreen Damage Happens
Australia’s diverse driving conditions expose vehicles to various hazards that can cause glass damage. Highways, construction zones, and gravel roads are common sources of loose stones that strike windscreens at high speed. Trucks and utes often kick up debris that leads to circular chips or star-shaped cracks.
Environmental factors also play a major role.
Rapid temperature changes, such as pouring hot water on a cold windscreen in winter or parking under the scorching summer sun, can create internal stress within the glass. Even poor installation or frame pressure can lead to edge cracks over time. Understanding the root causes of damage is essential for preventing further deterioration. The earlier you detect a chip, the more likely it can be safely repaired without needing full replacement.
Types of Windscreen Chips
Not all windscreen chips are the same. Each type forms differently and requires a specific repair approach. Below are the most common types seen on Australian roads.
1. Bullseye Chip
A bullseye chip is one of the most recognisable forms of windscreen damage. It appears as a circular mark with concentric rings, caused by a round object such as a small stone or piece of gravel hitting the glass. If the chip’s diameter is smaller than a $2 coin and doesn’t obstruct the driver’s vision, it can usually be repaired. However, if moisture or dirt seeps in, the damage may spread and weaken the surrounding glass.
2. Half-Moon Chip
A half-moon (or partial bullseye) is a crescent-shaped chip often resulting from a glancing blow rather than a direct hit. It’s similar in structure to a bullseye but incomplete in shape. While repairable, the success rate depends on the chip’s location. If it sits within the driver’s primary field of view, replacement might be the safer option to maintain clear visibility.
3. Star Break
A star break has a small central impact point with multiple cracks radiating outward like a star. These are particularly unstable because the radiating lines can quickly spread under vibration, temperature changes, or pressure. Immediate repair is crucial, as star breaks can evolve into long cracks within days, especially in hot Australian weather.
4. Crater Chip
A crater chip occurs when a fragment of glass is missing, leaving a small cavity or pit. Although shallow, these chips can accumulate dirt and moisture, making the damage more difficult to repair. A timely fix prevents further cracking and maintains the windscreen’s clarity.
5. Combination Damage
Sometimes, an impact causes combination damage, such as a bullseye with star-like cracks or multiple overlapping chips. This type of damage is often too severe for repair, and full windscreen replacement is recommended to restore strength and safety.
Types of Windscreen Cracks
Chips that go untreated often turn into cracks. Cracks vary in length, direction, and severity — and each type poses different risks.
1. Edge Crack
An edge crack begins within two inches of the windscreen’s perimeter. It spreads quickly because of structural stress and frame pressure. Edge cracks are considered unsafe and generally require full replacement, as the integrity of the glass near the frame is already compromised.
2. Stress Crack
A stress crack appears without any visible impact. It’s caused by sudden changes in temperature, for example, when you use hot water to defrost a frozen windscreen or park a cold car in direct sunlight. Though these cracks may seem minor, they indicate internal tension that weakens the glass. Replacement is often the safest option.
3. Floater Crack
A floater crack starts away from the edges, typically in the central area of the windscreen. It can result from an unnoticed chip or internal stress. Depending on its length and location, professional repair may be possible, but only if addressed early.
4. Long Crack
A long crack extends over 15 cm (about six inches). It often begins as a small chip and lengthens due to vibration, heat, or wind pressure. Once a crack reaches this length, replacement is necessary to ensure full structural integrity and roadworthiness.
How to Identify Each Type of Damage
You don’t need to be an expert to spot the early signs of windscreen damage. Start with a visual inspection under natural light.
- Check for shape: Circular chips suggest bullseye or half-moon damage; lines indicate cracks.
- Use a coin test: If the chip is smaller than a $2 coin, repair may still be possible.
- Look at the location: Cracks near the edge or in the driver’s field of view usually require replacement.
- Check for dirt or moisture: Contamination inside a chip makes it harder to repair effectively.
Repair vs Replacement: Knowing the Difference
Understanding whether to repair or replace your windscreen depends on the type and severity of damage.
Repairable: Small chips less than 2 cm in diameter, located away from the driver’s direct line of sight.
Replacement required: Long cracks, edge cracks, or combination damage that compromises structural integrity. According to Australian Standard AS/NZS 2080, any windscreen damage affecting the driver’s view or edge strength must be replaced by certified professionals. Choosing MotorGlass ensures your vehicle meets these strict safety requirements while maintaining optimal visibility.
Final Thoughts
Your windscreen plays a vital role in keeping you safe on Australian roads. Recognising the type of chip or crack early can prevent costly damage and maintain your car’s safety standards. From bullseye chips to long cracks, every mark tells a story, and acting quickly ensures that story doesn’t end with a full replacement.
If you notice any form of windscreen damage, contact MotorGlass today for expert windscreen repair, replacement, and window tinting services. Our mobile technicians can come to you, delivering top-quality results that restore your vehicle’s safety and appearance.
Stay clear. Stay safe. Drive with confidence — only with MotorGlass.