Types of Windscreen Chips

Understanding Windscreen Damage

Chips happen — a flying stone, loose gravel, or road debris can strike your windscreen at high speed. The impact creates a weak point in the glass, which can spread into cracks if left untreated. Knowing the type of chip helps determine whether you need a windscreen chip repair or need full windscreen replacement.

Our mobile technicians in Johannesburg and Pretoria are trained to identify and repair all types of windscreen chips using professional resin and curing techniques.

Common Windscreen Chip Types

Bullseye Chip

This classic circular chip looks like a small dartboard. It’s caused by a direct hit from a round object, such as a stone. Bullseye chips are generally easily repairable if treated promptly, preventing cracks from spreading.

Bullseye windscreen chip example Bullseye windscreen chip example

Star Break

Characterised by thin cracks spreading outwards from a central impact point — like a star. These cracks can quickly extend if exposed to temperature changes or vibration. Immediate repair can stop them from growing.

Star break chip on windscreen Star break chip on windscreen

Half-Moon Chip

Also known as a partial bullseye, this chip is semi-circular in shape and usually results from an angled impact. It’s generally repairable as long as it hasn’t developed cracks around the curve.

Half-moon windscreen chip example Half-moon windscreen chip example

Crack Line

A single or multiple straight cracks that can extend several centimetres across the glass. Cracks longer than about 10 cm usually can’t be safely repaired and will require full windscreen replacement.

Crack line across a windscreen Crack line across a windscreen

Can These Chips Be Repaired?

As a rule of thumb, chips smaller than a R2 coin and cracks shorter than a credit card can often be repaired safely. The key factor is timing — a small chip today can turn into an unrepairable crack tomorrow.

Our mobile service allows you to repair windscreen damage quickly at your home or office. We use professional repair resin and UV curing to restore strength and stop cracks from spreading.