Which term describes windshield damage caused by impact?

• A. Contact damage
• B. Cracked window
• C. Delamination
• D. Shattered pane

Answer: (A)

When evaluating windshield damage, the key idea is identifying the cause of the damage. Damage that results directly from something striking the glass is described as contact damage. This term specifically points to the moment of impact at the glass surface, such as a rock or debris making contact and creating the initial mark or chip.

Cracked window describes the appearance of a crack, but not the mechanism that caused it. Delamination refers to the failure inside laminated glass where the layers separate, often due to stress or moisture rather than the initial impact. A shattered pane indicates a severe break into many pieces, which goes beyond the simple impact damage being described.

So, the term that best describes windshield damage caused by impact is contact damage.