Windshield rock chip/crack. Repair or replace?

[themendoza001]

Got a rock chip, and it seems to have spread quickly. Is it repairable or do I need to replace the windshield? If replacement is needed, should I push for OEM windshield or is aftermarket fine?

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[Rick66]

Looks like the one I picked up. Replacement was necessary. I was able to get an OEM. Contrary to what many have experienced here, my insurer chose Safelight, and the installer was great.

 

[Sunday Money]

Got a rock chip, and it seems to have spread quickly. Is it repairable or do I need to replace the windshield? If replacement is needed, should I push for OEM windshield or is aftermarket fine?

In hindsight, esteemed Bronco6g forum guru @sbasham82 would have recommended "DO NOT buy a Bronco unless you own a glass company", otherwise you'll experience "broken dreams" https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/broken-dreams.115210/

Joking aside, I think the length of the multiple cracks would call for replacement (and if that 6 o'clock crack is touching the edge that itself would keep it from being professionally repaired).

I echo @Rick66 and had a great experience with Safelite too through my insurance.

 

[RedTailHawk]

I have a crack in the same exact spot. Seems more like a structural caused crack rather than a rock chip. I'd be curious how many others have experienced this crack.

 

[jrollo7]

Got a rock chip, and it seems to have spread quickly. Is it repairable or do I need to replace the windshield? If replacement is needed, should I push for OEM windshield or is aftermarket fine?

Replace

 

[vbrad26]

I have a crack in the same exact spot. Seems more like a structural caused crack rather than a rock chip. I'd be curious how many others have experienced this crack.

I have one in the same area as well. A little more towards the bottom corner.
I think it is just coincidence, these don't appear to be structural as it would seem there is a clear impact.

 

[CORRIGAN]

Mine was higher and about the same length. Just curious, i had a hood deflector originally installed, do you have one on your ride?

 

[RedTailHawk]

I didn't have the deflector when it happened, but I've since added one

 

[KJSnider]

That windshield is a goner.. I'm always asked if it can be covered up with a dollar bill.

Immediately after my replacement, I put an Exoshield Ultra "screen protector" on mine. So far so good. Watched the videos, took my time. I'm really pleased with the outcome. If it semi protects it for a couple of years, I'll be happy.

 

[CORRIGAN]

It looks to me like it sends debris higher, but not over the entire windshield.
Since this happened, I have stopped tailgating. The horse is a rock magnet!

 

[Summit981]

I had a vertical crack in the exact same spot caused by a loud “smack” of a flying pebble/stone on I-70 in Maryland. It didn’t run to the bottom edge nor continue to run up the windshield. It just remained the same length. I kept an eye on it to see if it would get worse and it never did. That was two and half years ago.

 

[themendoza001]

Mine was higher and about the same length. Just curious, i had a hood deflector originally installed, do you have one on your ride?

Yes I have the Aeroskin 2 on mine

 

[TX-Dennis]

My stone chip and crack are on the right side and a bit smaller. Mine would probably be considered unrepairable by a professional, but I used a do it yourself kit on it, and so far so good. You can still see it, of course, but it hasn't spread since.

If / when it spreads I will replace the windshield. The aftermarket glass is most likely made by Fuyao - the same company that makes the glass for Ford. It won't have the Bronco logo, but otherwise should be basically identical.

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