Is it the glass... or the windshield angle?

[exoshield]

We've seen this debated quite a bit over the years.

Some people are convinced Bronco windshields use weaker glass.

Others think it's mostly the upright windshield angle taking rock impacts head-on.

After owning a Bronco, what's your take?

Have your experiences changed your opinion?

Sponsored

 

[Bronco Don]

I’ve been through three windshields. It’s definitely the angle rock seemed to just jump on it.

 

[exoshield]

I’ve been through three windshields. It’s definitely the angle rock seemed to just jump on it.

Oh no... three windshields is rough. Did they all crack in a similar spot, or was it different every time?

 

[LeJerk]

Stop driving so close to other cars.

 

[Tybh88]

Is the angle

 

[Valhalla]

25k windshield is fine I wheel hard, lots of tree branch "taps" as well.

 

[T800]

Definitely the angle. Jeeps have the same problem. I've owned 3 Jeeps and have replaced 5 windshields.

 

[Valhalla]

Our 2014 Jeep is fine, never had any issue with the 4 CJs I had.

 

[Area51BS]

Today’s glass is garbage. My 67 VW beetle never broke and it was near vertical. I remember seeing a rock at least the size of railbed gravel flying into my 90’s Ranger and barely chipped it. Have had multiple Rangers and F150’s and a few others mixed in. Wife’s Sport lost a windshield. My Bronco has numerous chips. My 2019 work van took two big hits and did chip. But did not break. I’m sure angle doesn’t help, buts it’s obviously cheap glass. Sport and Maverick forum both have complaints. Just never seen it this common in all my years driving.

 

[Valhalla]

I must have got the one for the quality tests.

 

[The Green Flash]

Stop driving so close to other cars.

This.

I've had my 6g for 2 years & 13,000 miles. I haven't caught a rock to the windshield yet.

I've had my 1st gen for 24 years now, same windshield. Says 'Libby-Owens-Ford' in the corner, leading me to believe it could possibly be the original 54 year old windshield - or at least a 24-plus year old one that I've owned it.

Granted, they're NOT the same windshield. But they ARE about the same angle of steepness. I can't recall having a rock hit or bounce off my windshield in since... well... forever - but then again... I seldom tailgate gravel trucks either.

 

[itwelder]

Stop driving so close to other cars.

That's not the answer. My windshield took a small rock and chipped in the middle of nowhere, Utah. The only vehicle was a small car driving the other direction, in lanes separated by a huge dirt median, and it was easily 300+ yards away. I was a bit confused as the rock seemed to come from nowhere.
I also got a chip driving 35 mph on a low traffic road, zero cars in front, just one passing me.

 

[Brian_B]

I've been through more Windshields on my F150s than I have my Bronco so far

Every single windshield crack or chip has been on a highway under construction.

 

[Montana Bronco]

Stop driving so close to other cars.

^^ QUOTED FOR TRUTH. ^^

3 years and 45K miles with 50 percent of those miles on washboard dirt roads here in Montana. ORIGINAL WINDSHIELD WITH ZERO CRACKS ! Because I don’t tailgate.

 

[TPadden72]

It's the glass, third windshield and not one audible rock strike. No chips, just cracks. Look at it wrong and it will crack from the black edge. On the bright side my MIC top is unscathed and I live in Florida.

Not much of a problem in Florida though:
Under Florida Statute §627.7288, insurers are prohibited from applying a deductible for windshield repairs or replacements if you carry comprehensive auto insurance coverage.

Key Florida Rules and Details Zero Out-of-Pocket Cost: If your windshield is damaged by debris or weather and you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance must cover the entire cost of the repair or replacement with no deductible. No Premium Penalty: In Florida, making a windshield-only claim under comprehensive coverage cannot be used by your insurer to raise your premium rates.

Tom

Sponsored