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View Full Version : What do you guys do about windshield cracks?



crono06
11-08-2010, 03:47 PM
Hey guys, just wondering what would you guys normally do regarding a crack on your windshield? I'm talking about a crack, not a chip, as in a longer line as opposed to just a single spot. Last year I had a chip and had it fill up, but since this is a crack, I don't really know what to do.

Do you guys normally just leave it there until it gets worse, and replace your windshield? If I get it "repaired", will it still be visible? I'm guessing you can't really fill a crack right?

Also, I'm guessing this is not covered under warranty right? The car is less than a year and a half old D= Lastly, from my understanding, this is something that can be covered under my insurance without my rates going up, correct?

Thanks in advanced for any input!

M&D Executive Auto
11-08-2010, 03:54 PM
Hey guys, just wondering what would you guys normally do regarding a crack on your windshield? I'm talking about a crack, not a chip, as in a longer line as opposed to just a single spot. Last year I had a chip and had it fill up, but since this is a crack, I don't really know what to do.

Do you guys normally just leave it there until it gets worse, and replace your windshield? If I get it "repaired", will it still be visible? I'm guessing you can't really fill a crack right?

Also, I'm guessing this is not covered under warranty right? The car is less than a year and a half old D= Lastly, from my understanding, this is something that can be covered under my insurance without my rates going up, correct?

Thanks in advanced for any input!

A windshield will not be covered under warranty unless it can be determined that it is a stress crack, (meaning improper installation at the factory) but will usually happen in the first couple of months beyond that time no go under warranty. You need to replace your windshield if it is cracked end of story.

gotak
11-08-2010, 03:57 PM
Hey guys, just wondering what would you guys normally do regarding a crack on your windshield? I'm talking about a crack, not a chip, as in a longer line as opposed to just a single spot. Last year I had a chip and had it fill up, but since this is a crack, I don't really know what to do.

Do you guys normally just leave it there until it gets worse, and replace your windshield? If I get it "repaired", will it still be visible? I'm guessing you can't really fill a crack right?

Also, I'm guessing this is not covered under warranty right? The car is less than a year and a half old D= Lastly, from my understanding, this is something that can be covered under my insurance without my rates going up, correct?

Thanks in advanced for any input!

Insurance usually covers stuff like this. Call your insurance agent to ask first though.

Should be replaced. I know a lot of people drive around like that but it's really unsafe and I believe you can get ticketed by the cops.

cwp_sedan
11-08-2010, 04:05 PM
Most people do have glass coverage but the deductible is usually around the same price as the windshield.

Check these guys out.

http://www.vwot.org/community/modules/Gallery/albums/album343/June_22_2006_003.jpg

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?36054-Windshield-Insurance-Claim

Pokey
11-08-2010, 04:23 PM
Insurance usually covers stuff like this. Call your insurance agent to ask first though.

Should be replaced. I know a lot of people drive around like that but it's really unsafe and I believe you can get ticketed by the cops.

Only if it's in the drivers line of sight. If it runs down the passenger side apparently it's ok. Still a weakpoint should you roll your car.

If you go through insurance, the first time may be free, but the second or third time they will scream. I knew someone who had their glass coverage removed by his ins company because he's had several windshield claims over the years.

Cheapest way may be to fork out 3 bills yourself :(

kckev99
11-08-2010, 04:29 PM
Cracks can not be fixed. I would fix it ASAP as your windshield is an important safety feature of your car. If your windshield has developed a crack the structual strength of your vehicle has been reduced and ability to deflect debris has been compromised. I've had stones, tires and leaf springs come at my car so i will take as much protection as possible. Also as somebody else had mentioned if roll your car the glass is a structural component that may save your life.

If you have rain sensing wipers... good luck. I heard those windshields can cost you an arm + leg.

The only reason one would want to waive this type of protection is if you opt to ride a motorcycle. Which is obviously at your own risk. Having had very little riding experience I would never ride a motorcycle without a full face shield given the debris that is bound to fly at you.

kckev99
11-08-2010, 04:40 PM
Also make sure that the glass you are getting is either OE which is expensive OR AS1 and DOT approved equivalent. ensure they use a proper primer and adhesive that will repair the scratching that will occur while they remove your glass. Last thing you want is rust and leaks from around the glass.

I believe some of the OE manufacturers are PPG and Pilkington. However a lot of these companies now have glass made in China so i'm not sure of their quality has they have been outsourcing their production.

The last time I had my windshield replaced the guy recommended that I chose an off brand chinese made glass. Even though I wanted to get the PPG replacement which was more expensive. The quality is good and did not have any obvious optical deformity with the off brand. Also the glass I had installed had both AS1 and DOT stamps.

Donutz
11-08-2010, 05:18 PM
Some cracks, not all, can be repaired. If they run off the edge off the windshield they aren't supposed to be repaired. And, cracks have to be under a certain length (the length escapes me right now).

Someone noted above that cracks on the passenger side aren't covered by insurance, but this is not the case with my insurance co. I had a nice big crack (no jokes please) on the passenger side that I claimed through insurance. They replaced it without question. Actually the didn't even send an Adjuster to look at my car; they simply called the place I arranged to get the repair done at and set everything up for me.

My suggestion is get it replaced now while there are still mild days ahead. I worry that if the temp is too cold the adhesive might not bond strongly. As we get into subzero temps any moisture that penetrates the crack can expand and split your crack wide open (no joke please) when it freezes.

crono06
11-08-2010, 06:30 PM
Thanks to everybody for their replies.

1. I will give my insurance a call tomorrow. Even if they tell me no, it's not covered, I don't lose anything for trying right?
2. I will definitely check out Speedy Gonzalez, I did do a quick search before making this thread, and I did notice that a lot of ppl here do like them.
3. kckev99, I would assume that all reputable places would use good quality glass, correct? Places such as Apple, Speedy auto glass, and Gonzalez.
4. Donutz, yeah, unfortunately the chip is close to the edge of the glass, and it does spread out to the edge and along the passenger side moving towards the driver side as well.

Other than Speedee Gonzalez, are there any other places that ppl would recommend? I'm located in Mississauga, so I would prefer not to drive out to the east end, but if the deal is sweet enough, I don't mind. I go to school at YorkU anyways.

DumpInfo
11-08-2010, 06:39 PM
I ended up going to Flash Auto Glass a couple of years ago and had a good experience so I would definitely go again. There located by Dufferin & Finch in North York. btw, it was the same ones our cars have with the sensor for the wipers.

crono06
11-08-2010, 06:58 PM
I ended up going to Flash Auto Glass a couple of years ago and had a good experience so I would definitely go again. There located by Dufferin & Finch in North York. btw, it was the same ones our cars have with the sensor for the wipers.

Do you recall what brand of glass that they use?

I just called Gonzalez, and he says he uses Pilkington for the 2010's as the Saint-Gobain ones are not yet available for them. He asked $360, are his prices negotiable? This is for one with rain sensors.

DumpInfo
11-08-2010, 09:21 PM
Do you recall what brand of glass that they use?

I just called Gonzalez, and he says he uses Pilkington for the 2010's as the Saint-Gobain ones are not yet available for them. He asked $360, are his prices negotiable? This is for one with rain sensors.

I don't recall to be honest. You could simply call them and ask. I don't have there # on hand but google is your friend and I'm sure he won't let you down!

sol_searchin
11-17-2010, 08:12 PM
I would replace it, safety first!

crono06
11-19-2010, 12:16 AM
I don't recall to be honest. You could simply call them and ask. I don't have there # on hand but google is your friend and I'm sure he won't let you down!


I would replace it, safety first!

Yeah, I gave them a call and they quoted me the same price of $360 for PPG glass. Anyways, got it replaced last friday by Pedro. Super cool guy to talk to while he was replacing the glass. Came to my place very early in the morning since I told him I had to be out of the house by 1230 to head for work. Definitely recommended if anybody ever needs their glass replaced!

seelsy
11-19-2010, 01:44 PM
Yeah, I gave them a call and they quoted me the same price of $360 for PPG glass. Anyways, got it replaced last friday by Pedro. Super cool guy to talk to while he was replacing the glass. Came to my place very early in the morning since I told him I had to be out of the house by 1230 to head for work. Definitely recommended if anybody ever needs their glass replaced!

its covered under ur comprehensive insurance, but u have to pay ur deductable. I had mine replaced last year and had to pay my 300 dollar deductable but i figured any savings is good. Comp claims dont affect ur insurance unless u have a lot all at once. A single windshield claim every once and a while wont affect ur insurance

aris
11-19-2010, 09:31 PM
its covered under ur comprehensive insurance, but u have to pay ur deductable. I had mine replaced last year and had to pay my 300 dollar deductable but i figured any savings is good. Comp claims dont affect ur insurance unless u have a lot all at once. A single windshield claim every once and a while wont affect ur insurance

I paid $310 tax in for my windshield.

Why bother claiming it through insurance when your deductable is $300??

crono06
11-21-2010, 01:47 AM
My deductible is $1000. Ownt =[ Oh well, paid just $340, so that's fine.

Jackal
11-21-2010, 02:43 AM
What cracks me up (pun intended) is that these glass shops have two prices, one through insurance and one not.

aris
11-21-2010, 10:52 AM
My deductible is $1000. Ownt =[ Oh well, paid just $340, so that's fine.

ON your windsheild?

GTA Fine Cars Inc.
01-03-2011, 09:27 PM
I ended up going to Flash Auto Glass a couple of years ago and had a good experience so I would definitely go again. There located by Dufferin & Finch in North York. btw, it was the same ones our cars have with the sensor for the wipers.

I've used Flash Auto Glass on several occasions and they offer competitive prices !