Windshield chip crack woes

[jjack50]

Is oem replacement glass available in lieu of aftermarket/safelite etc? Bet it’s expensive and only partially covered by insurance?

with Other vehicles Safelite asks if you would prefer OEM, especially if the factory glass has words on it. Their price is the same either way it just may be faster to get non-OEM (if it’s available).

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[Contact]

I've already had mine replaced. Due to previous experiences with my FJ Cruiser(same style of windshield) I purchase glass breakage warranty($600) at the time of Bronco purchase. Thank goodness, otherwise the replacement cost would have been over $1k. Insurance company also sent me some liquid glass spray protectant to apply after the replacement.

 

[BuaidhNoBas]

I think I paid 400 for mine in the Austin area, which I thought was fair. The place (Outside Rides in Bastrop) did a phenomenal job too. I suspect I'll be replacing it every 18 months or so (unless I catch a significant object and it tears/punctures the film).

Maintenance is also very important with the windshield film. Get silicone wiper blades. Make sure you only use the wipers when necessary (like in a rainstorm). Get used to manually wiping down your windshield with a quality glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. And for the love of god, don't use any ammonia-based products. I mix my own ammonia-free wiper fluid and use a curing product every month to refresh and keep the film slick. It's a lot to be sure, but I went through the hell of having my last car's windshield (Honda Element) replaced three times by the clowns at Safelite. I'd much rather go spend the time/money on film and maintenance than have to live through that again. Plus I just like the Ford plant sticker and the Bronco logo on the OEM glass too much to have to settle for aftermarket.

Now - if we had a viable Gorilla Glass option? WHOLE other story

what brand of silicone blades did you end up purchasing? I just picked up my bronco from having a protective film applied and didn’t know about the silicone wiper blade recommendation until after. I’m having trouble finding an appropriate replacement.

 

[fitterhappier]

what brand of silicone blades did you end up purchasing? I just picked up my bronco from having a protective film applied and didn’t know about the silicone wiper blade recommendation until after. I’m having trouble finding an appropriate replacement.

I went with the PIAA silicone blades - I've gotten them from Tire Rack; they work really well and install easily.

https://www.tirerack.com/wipers/piaa-si-tech-silicone-flat-wiper-blade

 

[salayc]

with Other vehicles Safelite asks if you would prefer OEM, especially if the factory glass has words on it. Their price is the same either way it just may be faster to get non-OEM (if it’s available).

Interesting. safelite quoted me $1200 for OEM and $750 for non

 

[Bellime]

anyone looking into or already have a protection film for the Windshield?

Yup, one of my first DIY projects. Has saved my windshield many times. So far 12k miles

 

[jjack50]

Interesting. safelite quoted me $1200 for OEM and $750 for non

Might be because in my instance it was insurance coverage and not full price.

 

[Acadist]

My dealer offered an extended warranty that includes windshields and key fobs, after reading I had to spend the $$$$. For 7 years replacement if any crack or chip in the drivers sight lines, chips filled in other areas.

 

[BuaidhNoBas]

I went with the PIAA silicone blades - I've gotten them from Tire Rack; they work really well and install easily.

https://www.tirerack.com/wipers/piaa-si-tech-silicone-flat-wiper-blade

thanks, will file that away. I had ended up ordering these off Amazon before I saw your reply:

PEAK Silicone Plus Windshield Wiper Blade, 17-Inch (Pack of 1) https://a.co/d/aGSLwTB

they installed easily with the adapters provided and are a perfect size fit. Haven’t had a chance to try them out yet.

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