Did you know that auto glass technicians typically divide your windshield into separate zones? While the terminology can vary a bit between companies, most use four distinct regions or zones to help classify damage. One common way to describe these zones is by lettering them A through D, with each zone having a larger allowable chip size.

This quick guide will help you understand the difference between each zone, why they matter, and how they impact your chance of a successful repair.

Zone A: Driver Side

Zone A typically covers your primary field of view when driving your car. Chips and cracks in this zone may fall directly into your vision, presenting a hazard while driving. Although windshield repairs can restore clarity to your glass, they are not optically perfect. A larger chip may continue to obscure your vision, even after repair.

As a result, this zone has the smallest allowable chip size. Small chips and cracks within zone A are still suitable for repair, but larger ones will require a replacement. If you notice damage in this area, you should contact a windshield repair technician as soon as possible so you can fix it before it becomes too large to correct.

Zone B: Peripheral Vision

Zone B includes two areas slightly to the left and right of zone A. You can typically repair more significant blemishes in this area since they will not fall directly into your field of view. However, zone B still has the second most restrictive allowable repair size since chips, cracks, or other issues in this area can potentially impact your peripheral vision while driving.

Zone C: Passenger Side

Zone C includes much of the passenger side of the windshield. Most repair shops will fix issues in this area that may be larger than the maximum allowable size for zones A and B. The passenger side of the windshield is well out of your field of vision, making minor imperfections in optical clarity following a repair less of an issue.

Zone D: Top

Zone D typically includes the top portion of your windshield. This area has the largest allowable repair size since issues here are well out of your field of view, and optical clarity is less of an issue at higher sightlines. The maximum repair size for this area is less related to visibility and more to the maximum repair size that will not impact your windshield's structural integrity.

Note that the location of a chip or crack is only one part of the equation. You will still need a qualified technician to examine your windshield to determine the best if a repair is possible and, if so, the best approach to utilize.