Windshield Crack, repair or replace?

intel · 01-25-09, 05:37

Any stories about repairing a chip on windshields?

Allstate will repair my windshield for free. If not my deductible will apply.

I was driving on the freeway when a rock hit my windshield and cracked it and shattered it, about 1 inch.

BigJimZ28 · 01-25-09, 05:40

I have had "bulleyes" fixed and they look great

but like a lot of things the tech needs to have some skills

if its shattered i am not sure if it can be fixed

ssmokn · 01-25-09, 06:32

Over the years I've had a good number of both windshield replacments and repairs.

If the damage is repairable and not in the drivers line of site I will always opt for the repair rather than the replacement.

I used to always go for the replacement but after trying the repair it is the way to go... 1) When done right you cannot tell, 2) it is much less wasteful (a green solution so to speak), 3) On a few occasions I've been displeased with the windshield removal -- scratching the heck out of the paint under the windshield which long term has the potential to cause rust if you keep the car long enough.

Go for the repair. If you are not satisfied you can always tell the insurance company and then request the replacement. I'd ask them up front... "If I'm not satisfied with the repair will you then replace the windshield".

Give it a try. It is the way to go.

Dsoto87 · 01-25-09, 07:03

If its free you might as well get the repair. Than if its not up to your standards get a replacement.

intel · 01-25-09, 07:49

it is in my line of sight

Any good tips on buying a new windshield, do they sell different kind of windshields? (say, one is simple, the other has a shield?)

thanks

Showroom Shine · 01-26-09, 04:54

Funny you should mention this. About a month ago I was taking my daughter to a friends in my truck. The people getting on the freeway were messing around,and poking. They let a Semi, with no trailer in front. It had flaps but it kicked a rock out of the tread and that sucker hit my windsheild. Put a 1" crack in the middle of the glass,6" upfrom the wipers. Called Safelight,and the tech never showed up. Went the next day to have the crack repaired. By the time I got there my truck had gotten warm,while pulling in the Glass Repair lot. The crack walked in both directions all the way across the glass. Had to buy a whole new windsheild. $234.00. Not to bad a price,but it hurt.

jfelbab · 01-26-09, 05:49

There are various types of windshield glass. Some newer cars have acoustic glass or rain sensors built in. You need to be sure you get the right glass.

In general there are OEM glass and aftermarket glass windshields. Aftermarket glass is not required to meet the same federal regulations as OEM glass.

OEM glass is usually stronger and this may be important when you realize that the windshield becomes the backing plate for your air bags in a crash. The glass windshield provides up to 60% of the cage strength in the event of a rollover accident. The glass is not there just to keep the rain and bugs from hitting you in the face.

There are also things to be aware of when having a windshield replaced. Things like the age and type of adhesive used. The proper cure time before driving the car.

OEM glass is more expensive as it is more costly to make. Yet the windshield may save your life or your family's lives in a crash.

Here are a couple links to digest.

Frequently Asked Questions - OEM Glass, Windshield Replacement, Glass Replacement Phoenix, Auto Glass Phoenix
http://www.glass.net/auto-glass-info...uld-i-buy.html

Isuvette · 01-28-09, 01:21

Since the crack is in your line of sight your insurance company shouldn't even be offering to have it repaired. Your windshield should be replaced. The cost to replace your windshield and the amount of your comprehensive deductible will dictate who pays for the replacement.

I don't buy the oem vs. aftermarket glass argument. The link the information came from was from a glass company. Of course they are going to tell you OEM is better, they're in business to make money. I have no problem putting aftermarket glass in my 4Runner or my Vette as long as the fit and finish are good.

jfelbab · 02-02-09, 12:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isuvette

Since the crack is in your line of sight your insurance company shouldn't even be offering to have it repaired. Your windshield should be replaced. The cost to replace your windshield and the amount of your comprehensive deductible will dictate who pays for the replacement.

I don't buy the oem vs. aftermarket glass argument. The link the information came from was from a glass company. Of course they are going to tell you OEM is better, they're in business to make money. I have no problem putting aftermarket glass in my 4Runner or my Vette as long as the fit and finish are good.

Stop a moment and consider this. Why do you suppose automakers use OEM glass? If they could shave a even a few bucks off the cost of every car they sell by using aftermarket glass you know they would jump on it. The reason they don't is that aftermarket glass does not meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) regulations. The auto companies don't care what the glass companies say but they do listen to the Federal regulations however.

If you want to take the chance and think that aftermarket is safe enough to protect you and your family go for it. My family is worth more to me than trying to shave a few bucks off the price of a safety feature on my car.

BigJimZ28 · 02-02-09, 12:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfelbab

Stop a moment and consider this. Why do you suppose automakers use OEM glass?

well that's easy ....besause what ever they use it will be OEM

Quality Leather · 02-02-09, 05:08

I was in the industry for awhile, but have been out for five years. I never had a problem with doing a repair in the drivers view, since you are not focusing on the glass. Depending on the type of damage, you may see a little mark or an outline. Call your local Superglass Windshield Repair guy. They are the best in the business.

As for OEM glass, I use to refer work to a real good friend of mine in Raleigh N.C. I use to get him to look at some aftermarket companies, but he would always come back to LOF. The wasted time and effort of trying to put in a piece of glass that didn't fit properly wasn't worth it to him. This didn't happen all of the time, but it was enough to not be worth the cost savings. If anyone needs a good glass guy in Raleigh, his name is Quality Auto Glass. Yes, I stole his name when I started my business in Miami.

David Fermani · 02-02-09, 07:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isuvette

I don't buy the oem vs. aftermarket glass argument. The link the information came from was from a glass company. Of course they are going to tell you OEM is better, they're in business to make money. I have no problem putting aftermarket glass in my 4Runner or my Vette as long as the fit and finish are good.

I agree. I've NEVER witnessed or heard of 1 vehicle/accident that resulted in more damage because it had a so-called "Aftermarket" piece of glass in it. If your vehicle gets hit that hard that the the kind of windshield in it is helping you, you're screwed anyways.

If that was the case, do you really think your insurance company would open themselves up to that kind of liability?