MrShim78

My Windshield cracked..car was parked overnight outside for 3 nights... we had major temperature swings..from snow and -27 C at night to +11 C on the third day (go figure...global warming?).
I think it was too much for the windshield, there was a rust spot near the point where the crack happened. I have a 1997 es300. (Ironically that is the only rust spot on the car!!)

I had it looked at by the auto glass guy, he said I have to replace it, but he drilled a hole to stop it from growing. i have seen several videos on youtube where they fix cracks. I will eventually replace it but want to keep it till summer so that I replace the windshield in good weather.

I have attached pictures, has anyone experienced something similar and/or can suggest the best course of action? I bought a kit that can help fix stone chips/cracks,etc. I am thinking I can try a basic repair that will keep it going for a few months? In the image you can see the crack coming from the drivers side...

Thanks!!!

PFB

From your picture that crack is not repeatable. When they remove your windshield you will probably see rust around the frame of the glass. This is most likely the reason it cracked in the first place.

Make sure that That rust is dealt with before putting a new glass in, otherwise the new glass will eventually crack as well
FYI, Same thing happened to me on a Toyota Camry tat I had.

Your Insurance should cover it under your glass breakage policy. Infact the glass repair place will probably be billing your insurance company directly.

Phil

PuReChaos

As PFB stated, your insurance generally will cover this. I for instance don't have a glass breakage policy stated in my insurance policy but when my toyota corolla got a crack, insurance was willing to cover it as a preventative matter. You should probably call your insurance company and ask them about it or if they have someone specific they would like you go to who they will pay for.

MrShim78

Yeah, there is rust from the originating point of the crack (the only rust on the car is there..sigh)
i will call the insurance but i have liability only so it may not be covered but i will check.

basically, from what I am hearing this should be dealt with asap?

thanks guys

ErikTheRed

Rust will only get worse over time. Since you live in an area with snow, the road salt that gets flung will accelerate it. I would get it dealt with as soon as you reasonably can.

MrShim78

Hi,

Yes will do. I hate the idea of having the original lexus windshield changed with an oem. (plus the quality of the work i hope will be reasonable and acceptable) . but i guess better a proper oem than a cracked original. lol.
should get it done this week sometime. thanks again all for your responses

PFB

Make sure you get the same color tint in the glass as the original color ( there are seveal tint colors available), and most importantly, once installed, check for distortions through any portion of the glass. if there are any, don't accept it.

And of course make sure that the rust is dealt with, that a sealant is applied to the metal frame and that the rubber gasket is still in good condition (it probably will be)..

Phil

ErikTheRed

Actually getting my windshield replaced for the 2nd time in 8 months tomorrow... kids with a bb gun this time

MrShim78

thanks PFB..where would i find the tint/exact glass code/color any ideas? i need to tell the shop a day before so they order the right glass...