6 Types of Windscreen Cracks & What To Do Next
“Oh no, my windscreen cracked!” Ouch, that must have hurt.
Don’t worry, windscreen cracks are far more common than you think. They can break from all sorts of things – stones, gravel, loose items falling from vehicles or perhaps a ball that flew over the neighbourhood’s Sekolah Menengah fence and landed right on your car’s windshield. Yikes!
The impact of any undesired road mishaps can result in various types of windscreen cracks. To be able to take matters into your own hands, it’s best to familiarise yourself with the different types of windshield cracks and know what to expect when visiting the mechanic for repairs or replacement.
Types of Windscreen Cracks
Chips
A chip is a small piece of glass that has come out of the shield. It is also the most common type of windscreen damage because it can happen to anyone who drives their car frequently as we are met with rocks or debris on the road daily.
Sometimes, the chip is so tiny that at first glance, it is unnoticeable. Luckily, chips can easily be fixed if they do not further extend into a crack.
Stress Cracks
A stress crack occurs mostly due to temperature changes. In other words, nothing comes in contact with the windscreen. Typically, this happens when the windscreen contracts during the cold and expands during the heat. Cracks usually start at the edges of the windscreen and make their way to the centre.
Bullseye Cracks
The bullseye crack is precisely like what it sounds like – a circular crack with a cone-shaped impact point in the centre, resembling a bullseye target. Typically, it is caused by an object of high speed and force. The most common object to cause this would be something circular like a ball or a rock.
Star Breaks
Star Break (also known as a starburst windscreen crack) is a cluster of short cracks that radiate outward from a central point, resembling a starburst. This type of crack often occurs from moderate impact.
Half-Moon/Crescents
A half-moon crack is similar to a bullseye but with a slightly displaced impact, resulting in partial circular damage that looks like a half-moon or crescent.
Combination Breaks
A combination break is a complex pattern of cracks that may include chips and multiple lines, usually caused by significant impact. This type of windshield crack is the most undesired scenario, requiring your windscreen to be replaced.
A high-impact accident could be one of the reasons for this complicated windscreen crack. An example of a combination break would be a bullseye with radiating cracks that look like a starburst.
Is it safe to drive with a cracked windscreen?
No, it is not safe to drive with a cracked windscreen because it might impair the driver’s vision; or completely shatter whilst driving. In addition, driving a car with a cracked windscreen over 6 inches is an offence in Malaysia (Road Transport Act 1987). If your windscreen has cracked, pull to a safe spot and arrange for towing.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Windscreen?
Now that you know the different types of windscreen cracks, it is best to understand the factors contributing to deciding whether your windscreen can still be salvaged through repairs or needs a total replacement.
Size of Damage
Circular chips or cracks like Bullseye, Star Break and Half-Moon can be repaired if they are smaller than 1 inch (about the size of a quarter). Line cracks can be repaired if they’re shorter than 6 inches.
Depth of Damage
Despite the type and size of cracks, if the damage penetrates through multiple layers of the windscreen, it most likely has to be replaced.
Location of Damage
If the crack or chip is located at the corner of the windshield, you’ll have to get it replaced because it might be risky as the crack could eventually spread, shattering the whole windscreen.
Get Etiqa’s Windscreen Coverage Add-On For Your Motor Insurance Plan.
When your windscreen cracks, your heart cracks a little too. Frustration builds in your chest as your mind races, thinking about the unexpected expenses and inconveniences you’re left to deal with.
This is why at Etiqa, we give you the flexibility to customise your motor insurance plan to your car worries. With our windscreen add-on coverage, you can patch things up quickly and get back on the road without the extra stress.
Besides, if you renew your motor insurance plan from now until 31st July 2024 with a minimum of two add-ons, you’ll stand a chance to win an RM50 TNG eWallet voucher.
How To Submit A Windscreen Insurance Claim With Etiqa
Step 1: Take photos of the cracked windscreen
Read the document below to find out what photos should be taken.
Step 2: Call for towing
Here are some of Etiqa’s panel windscreen specialists.
Step 3: Prepare the following documents:
- Police Report
- Identification card
- Driving licence of the policyholder/takaful participant
- Vehicle registration card/vehicle ownership certificate.
Step 4: Submit your claim
Submit your claim via one of the following:
- Etiqa panel windscreen specialists
- Etiqa Website
- Etiqa+ App
Pro tip: Download the Etiqa+ App to view all your insurance policies, submit claims, and get help at your fingertips.
Knowing the different types of windscreen cracks and when to repair or replace them is vital when hitting the road. But what’s more important is adding a windscreen coverage add-on to your insurance plan, saving you from surprise expenses and hassle.
We hope this guide helps you in times of uncertainty. Stay informed and be ready to tackle any crack or chip that comes your way!
The information contained in this blog is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as advice on any matter. Etiqa accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from reliance on information contained in the article. This information is correct as of 5th July 2024.
