Is it possible to own a Bronco without a broken windshield?

[DVULT57]

My insurance covers for this. Not worried about it although I must agree that chips are a fairly regular thing if you drive on the highway and definitely don't sit behind dump trucks. They never clean their tailgate and ship flies off the back frequently especially if they carry gravel!!
That's why run a front mounted camera. If stuff does fly off and hit your windshield you can go after their insurance..

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[Headsong]

This is getting out of hand. First off I don't tailgate people. The debris from on coming vehicles has been the cause of multiple broken windshields. I have owned a 22 Bronco 2dr Badlands and it had 3 windshields crack in a period of 2 years. I was able to trade that Bronco in and order a 24 Everglades. I have had the Everglades since April 24. I was on my way to the dump and an on coming harvest truck had some grain come off the top of it. I heard something hit the windshield but the impact was not very loud. About 5 miles later a crack appeared from the top on the passenger side. Has anyone had better luck with a windshield than is not a factory one? At almost $1k a windshield, that adds up quick.

Side not. I spent 21 years in the military and in that time I only had to replace 1 windshield in my vehicles.

Thanks
Brian

I've got a film on mine, 26k miles, lots of pockmarks, no cracks, no breaks. Oh, and hood deflector. Not sure how much it helps.

 

[Kmwalker107]

I’ve had 7 broken windshields in 2.5yrs on my 2022 OBX 🫠

 

[heavyD]

I’ve had 7 broken windshields in 2.5yrs on my 2022 OBX 🫠

You frequent gravel roads or live in a warzone?

 

[Kmwalker107]

You frequent gravel roads or live in a warzone?

Live in Austin. Too much construction. I have the worst luck. Never had a broken windshield on my previous wrangler

 

[Spooled]

Mine made it 22k miles which is surprising because I tailgate left lane campers pretty heavily.

 

[Badlands Traveler]

I owned my 2024 Badlands for 3 weeks took a trip to Montana from California. A truck coming from the opposite direction and it popped a rock into my windshield. It left a dime sized chip. I will get that film protectant on my next windshield!

 

[ManSquatch]

I cracked my 1st windshield about 2 years ago. Had it replaced on a Friday, and the following Monday caught a rock and cracked the new one. Since then I just keep Rain-X Windshield Repair in my Bronco. Catch a rock, fill the crack, move along.

You just saved me $150! Just canceled my Safelite appointment and ordered the kit on amazon.

 

[Headsong]

Hey Brian, I can feel your pain on this one! It’s crazy how fragile windshields seem to be these days—especially on newer vehicles like the Bronco. Three windshields in two years is brutal, and now you’re dealing with it again on your new Everglades? That’s some serious bad luck.
Why the Bronco Windshield Might Be More Prone to Cracking:
The Bronco’s more vertical windshield design and overall off-road focus mean it’s more vulnerable to catching debris compared to most other vehicles. Plus, I’ve heard from a lot of Bronco owners who’ve experienced the same issue, so you’re definitely not alone here.
Upgrading to a More Durable Windshield:
If you’re looking to upgrade to something stronger, there are a few aftermarket options that might hold up better than the OEM glass:

1. Gorilla Glass Windshield:
   • Ford actually offers a Gorilla Glass option through their parts department. It’s similar to what you find on smartphone screens—lightweight but much tougher against chips and cracks. It’s not cheap (probably around $1,200 installed), but it could save you in the long run by resisting those random rock hits better.
2. Aftermarket Laminated Glass:
   • You can also look into aftermarket laminated windshields. They have an extra layer that helps absorb impacts better than standard glass. Companies like Safelite offer this option, and it might be a good middle-ground price-wise.
3. Windshield Film Protection:
   • Another option is applying a windshield protection film like ExoShield. It’s a transparent film that adds an extra layer of protection against chips and cracks. It won’t prevent damage entirely, but it’ll reduce the chances of a small hit turning into a long crack.

Practical Tips to Minimize Future Cracks:

1. Maintain a Larger Following Distance:
   • I know you mentioned you’re not tailgating (which is great!), but maybe try to increase the following distance a bit more when you’re behind bigger trucks or vehicles that can kick up debris.
2. Avoid Freshly Paved or Gravel Roads:
   • This one’s a bit tricky to control, but try to avoid freshly paved or gravelly roads when possible, as those tend to have more loose debris that can get kicked up by other cars.
3. Consider a Hood Deflector:
   • Some folks have had luck with a hood deflector, which can help redirect airflow and potentially push some debris up and over the windshield.

Final Thoughts:
I know none of these options are perfect, but upgrading to a stronger windshield like Gorilla Glass or adding a protective film could be your best bet to cut down on these annoying cracks. If you go the aftermarket route, just double-check with your local installer to make sure they can fit it properly and that it’s covered by your insurance (if applicable).
Thanks for your service, and hopefully you find a solution that doesn’t keep hitting your wallet every time you hear a “ping” on the glass. Let us know what you end up doing, and good luck with keeping that windshield in one piece!

GREAT POST!!

 

[fourdayoff]

I'm on the freeway doing 45 mph behind a gravel truck, I don't dare pass it for fear of getting a chip. Yeah right, not! But I'm not tailgating. LOL. Also I'm hearing of some insurance company's now treating windshield repairs as claims against you, higher rates, cancellation etc.

 

[tourproto]

$0 deductible cost me $6/year.

I don't care how many break.

Damn! I thought I had a great deal: $17/6 months for a $0 deductible.

 

[coachoates]

Yes. I put ClearPlex on my windshield. Daily driver. 18,000 miles. 4 rocks that I could see hit the windshield (one scared me) but not cracks.

 

[Hyfly]

I got my first chip about 3 miles away from the dealer when I purchased it

 

[MPZ]

I avoid the interstate at all costs, it’s the only way I’ve been able to avoid getting a new windshield. I’ve only had my Bronco for a few weeks, but I had to replace 5 windshields in 3 years on my F-150 I traded in while needing another new windshield.

 

[Hellish]

I had a bunch of windshield claims on my Wranglers and when I moved cross country I had to shop for new insurance coverage - the number of windshield claims had some companies telling me I was not insurable (no tickets, no accidents). I am still paranoid about windshield claims. A deflector and film on the windshield helped a LOT. And the film was modification number one when I picked up my Bronco. I have heard a few good hits on the highway but I cant find the impact points and no chips or cracks yet. I am still debating a deflector.

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