Windshield repair advice

[userdude]

Well, I got my first crack in my windshield. A rock or something fell out of a tree, no cars or anything around! Weirdest thing.

It's tiny, maybe a couple millimeters (long as a sharpened pencil lead). I've got an appointment at Safelite tomorrow. Never done this before.

Just wondering about what I should know, starting with: Is $175 worth it? Anybody know if the crack will disappear when it's fixed?

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[JT58Bronc]

I had a crack in my windshield from a rock on our one very long road trip to a remote cabin on a mountain. It was a small crack like you described. Safelite came to our hose and repaired it. You can still see the crack, barely, you have to really look for it. It was a process to repair it, lot of steps. So far, so good, the crack has not spread.

 

[userdude]

I had a crack in my windshield from a rock on our one very long road trip to a remote cabin on a mountain. It was a small crack like you described. Safelite came to our hose and repaired it. You can still see the crack, barely, you have to really look for it. It was a process to repair it, lot of steps. So far, so good, the crack has not spread.

Great. I was hoping it would disappear, since the sun glints off it right into my eyes! lol Just perfectly in the right spot mid-afternoon. lol

I've heard of a lot of variability in how good Safelite techs are. If there's a bunch of steps, I hope that doesn't bode ill...

 

[Roadbeast]

I had a crack repaired at their shop. Two weeks later another rock crack the windshield. So this time they came to my house to replace the windshield. Both times, they did a great job. I told them my concerns about the paint around the windshield. No a scratch on the paint.
Happy with their service.

 

[userdude]

I had a crack repaired at their shop. Two weeks later another rock crack the windshield. So this time they came to my house to replace the windshield. Both times, they did a great job. I told them my concerns about the paint around the windshield. No a scratch on the paint.
Happy with their service.

Not that I'm looking, just wondering, did you get an OEM w/Bronco text, or aftermarket? Why did they choose to replace instead of fixing the second crack?

 

[BroncoA512021]

I fix mine - it is easy https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IPS4APU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Roadbeast]

Not that I'm looking, just wondering, did you get an OEM w/Bronco text, or aftermarket? Why did they choose to replace instead of fixing the second crack?

My second crack was a lot bigger and need to be replaced. I got the after market windshield. It's cheaper and I figured this won't be the last time I need to replace it.

 

[AZMikeL]

If the crack is in your field of vision, have it replaced. They never disappear fully when filled in. If you do have it filled, it should not expand anymore.

I've had my windshield replaced twice in 2.5 years of ownership. All the cracks came from rocks thrown on the highways around town here. The 2nd 1 was not in my field of vision, but left a 2" star crack on the bottom passenger part of the windshield. I sent SafeLite a photo and their reply was "Uh - no on the fill, you need a new windshield".

Thankfully, I have 100% glass coverage (which is by law here).

Told the SafeLite tech he should just make a yearly standing appt with me for a new windshield

 

[TX-Dennis]

The crack or chip will still be visible after it's repaired. The repair should keep it from spreading, though. If it's right in your face, you may find out annoying enough to replace the windshield.

 

[BigFootie]

Get it fixed as other have said. The process is pretty easy. Basically evacuate and the backfill with a superglue type material.

Should keep it from spreading and typically insurance will cover with no deductible.

 

[Langwilliams]

I got a little "star" shaped chip. I used one of those Amazon repair kits. It still looks the same in my case. I just don't want it spreading. It's right in the middle of the windshield. If it spreads or I get more eventually I'll replace it.

When I do I might get one of those protective film kits for the windshield. They work like a smart phone screen protector. Anyone have experience with those? Looked to be around $200.

 

[HotdogThud]

Suggestion, avoid Safelite like the black plague. Find an independent shop and have it done there.

Why?

Here's why:

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/safelite-windshield-replacement-leads-to-worse-damage.66505/

Or just do it yourself. the Permetex kit is pretty easy to use and is good at keeping spiders from spreading

 

[Brian_B]

Last time I went to Safelite their tech got black RTV all over the upholstery, and they denied having anything to do with it when I came back into the shop with it all over my ass and smeared all over the seat.

The only good thing about it was it was the work truck, not my personal truck. But I still wasn't happy, and it was a nice truck that I took pretty good care of regardless.

I have a good local shop that does my glass now, a good deal cheaper than Safelite.

That said, I always try to get the repair done - it's way cheaper and faster. They can usually get it done in like 20 minutes. My insurance will do that for free, whereas I have a deductible for replacement. But you will still see the spot. If it's in the middle of the glass or something I'd still try the repair first, and if it's absolutely unbearable after a week -- oh no, another rock just fell out of the tree.

 

[userdude]

Suggestion, avoid Safelite like the black plague. Find an independent shop and have it done there.

Why?

Here's why:

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/safelite-windshield-replacement-leads-to-worse-damage.66505/

Or just do it yourself. the Permetex kit is pretty easy to use and is good at keeping spiders from spreading

The dude sitting on the door jamb is a classic WTF.

 

[BigFootie]

Last time I went to Safelite their tech got black RTV all over the upholstery, and they denied having anything to do with it when I came back into the shop with it all over my ass and smeared all over the seat.

The only good thing about it was it was the work truck, not my personal truck. But I still wasn't happy, and it was a nice truck that I took pretty good care of regardless.

I have a good local shop that does my glass now, a good deal cheaper than Safelite.

That said, I always try to get the repair done - it's way cheaper and faster. They can usually get it done in like 20 minutes. My insurance will do that for free, whereas I have a deductible for replacement. But you will still see the spot. If it's in the middle of the glass or something I'd still try the repair first, and if it's absolutely unbearable after a week -- oh no, another rock just fell out of the tree.

I’m somewhat biased as my brother owned an auto glass shop for many years. They typically do most auto body shop work and dealer work. Safelite is tied to the insurance industry so when you call your insurance, that’s normally where they send you. The service can be hit or miss. But that’s somewhat the same anywhere now. At least with an independent, you know where they are.

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