Repair or replace windshield?
#1
Rookie
Thread Starter
Repair or replace windshield?
So I have the car for about 4 months now. After I bought the car a few day I noticed there was a rock chip on the windshield. The dealer filled but I still can feel it is not smooth and they did not fill it well. I thought it wouldn't bug me until now it is really annoying Everytime clean the windshield.
Can anybody tell me if my windshield can be re-repair or it has to be replaced? Thanks for your inputs!
Can anybody tell me if my windshield can be re-repair or it has to be replaced? Thanks for your inputs!
#2
Rookie
Thread Starter
Only way to know for sure is to take it to a co that repairs/replaces windshields. It looks to me like it could be repaired and filled again, if not done properly the first time, but I am not a professional. I'd recommend taking it to several places (or having them come out, many companies will come to you) and getting their recommendation if you are not happy with repair dealer completed.
Also, check with your insurance co as many (depends on state and policy) cover windshield repair/replacement at no out of pocket cost.
As it looks close to your driving field of view, I could understand if you just wanted to replace it. Good luck.
Also, check with your insurance co as many (depends on state and policy) cover windshield repair/replacement at no out of pocket cost.
As it looks close to your driving field of view, I could understand if you just wanted to replace it. Good luck.
#3
I recommend the repair route for now. I'm not sure how things are in your area, but here in TX rock chips are par for the course. It may make sense to periodically replace the windshield, but doesn't make sense to do it after every chip. Our windshields seem to chip more easily than other brands.
#5
I wouldn't recommend going through Safelite. They use cheap fillers and I've heard nothing but bad news from them. Take it to a local reputable shop and have it checked out. It looks like it can be filled in but definitely get an expert opinion.
Windshields for our cars are an expensive replacement!
Windshields for our cars are an expensive replacement!
#6
Moderator
iTrader: (20)
So I have the car for about 4 months now. After I bought the car a few day I noticed there was a rock chip on the windshield. The dealer filled but I still can feel it is not smooth and they did not fill it well. I thought it wouldn't bug me until now it is really annoying Everytime clean the windshield.
Can anybody tell me if my windshield can be re-repair or it has to be replaced? Thanks for your inputs!
Can anybody tell me if my windshield can be re-repair or it has to be replaced? Thanks for your inputs!
#7
Rookie
Thread Starter
Thanks guys! look like there is just a few shop around me that have good review safelite, ABRA, iDeal auto glass. I went back to the dealer where I bought the car and they said there is nothing they can do but replace the windshield. I probably let a few shop around me take a look first and see what they recommend.
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#8
Intermediate
Thanks guys! look like there is just a few shop around me that have good review safelite, ABRA, iDeal auto glass. I went back to the dealer where I bought the car and they said there is nothing they can do but replace the windshield. I probably let a few shop around me take a look first and see what they recommend.
#9
Thanks guys! look like there is just a few shop around me that have good review safelite, ABRA, iDeal auto glass. I went back to the dealer where I bought the car and they said there is nothing they can do but replace the windshield. I probably let a few shop around me take a look first and see what they recommend.
Stay away from Safelight.
#11
Advanced
iTrader: (1)
How long have you had the chip? To get the best result when filling/repairing, it is best to do it as soon as possible after the chip/crack since it will start collecting dust in the crevices and when filled, the dirt will be locked into the chip and potentially visible. Put a piece of tape over the chip to keep it as clean as possible till repaired.
I had a crack that was filled in my old car four months after I bought it new. The fill was decent but not perfect. It bothered me for about a month seeing the slight aberration in the glass but I got over it and had that windshield in for six more years before another rock hit the windshield and made a major crack and had to be replaced. When the glass guy was pulling off the windshield he mentioned the factory installation of the glass he was taking out was the best install (textbook perfect) he had ever seen with any brand of car. This was on my 2006 Acura TL.
I had a crack that was filled in my old car four months after I bought it new. The fill was decent but not perfect. It bothered me for about a month seeing the slight aberration in the glass but I got over it and had that windshield in for six more years before another rock hit the windshield and made a major crack and had to be replaced. When the glass guy was pulling off the windshield he mentioned the factory installation of the glass he was taking out was the best install (textbook perfect) he had ever seen with any brand of car. This was on my 2006 Acura TL.
#12
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Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: CA
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On the GS450h... already 2 cracks on it... One already filled... second one... too lazy to fill it.
Brand new LX570, 2nd day of owning it... crack on the front windshield...
Its almost seems as if its a rite of passage to drive these cars... you need some cracks lol
#13
Driver School Candidate
If you decide to replace your windshield, make sure that it's an OEM one. Lexus dealer confirmed me that a jobber does not do the job...
Just bought a GS (Demo), with a chip. They have replaced it. 2 yr guarantee (labour + pieces).
Going through the dealer will allow you get some piece of mind - They will hire a specialist to do the job (i.e. Lexus glue, work with gloves, dry for x hours, etc.,). If they fail, they'll change it again. Hopefully, your insurance company will cover the expense. If not, maybe you can pay the difference? We usually pay premium rates, for premiums cars. They might automatically choose an OEM windshield. If not, try to convince them.
Knock on wood. So far, they have done a good job. Visual inspection, job is great. No wind noise inside...
Best,
Just bought a GS (Demo), with a chip. They have replaced it. 2 yr guarantee (labour + pieces).
Going through the dealer will allow you get some piece of mind - They will hire a specialist to do the job (i.e. Lexus glue, work with gloves, dry for x hours, etc.,). If they fail, they'll change it again. Hopefully, your insurance company will cover the expense. If not, maybe you can pay the difference? We usually pay premium rates, for premiums cars. They might automatically choose an OEM windshield. If not, try to convince them.
Knock on wood. So far, they have done a good job. Visual inspection, job is great. No wind noise inside...
Best,
#14
Need to weigh in. 7 days ago damn Safelight "repaired" a dime size rock chip - looked identical to before he started repairing it an hour prior. Fast forward a week, while the car is at the Lexus collision center getting the bumper and hood worked on, the dime size repair becomes a crack halfway across the windshield. Now need to cal and have he claim opened for a replacement.
Any way to guarantee they use an OEM replacement and not aftermarket?
Any way to guarantee they use an OEM replacement and not aftermarket?
#15
Had a chip on my Civic just like that. Insurance agent sent Safelite guy to repair it...lol! Spider veined out about and inch or so within 6 months. I'd replace the windshield but OEM only! Most aftermarket auto glass comes from China and is horrible. I worked for a major auto glass manufacturer for 38 years and I can tell you even the OEM "replacement" specifications are looser than original equipment. Bend specs, rate of departure, scratches, chips and transmitted distortion specifications are allowed to increase about 10% when compared to the original equipment specs. Look over your new windshield very closely for fit, surface defects and distortion when looking through it.