GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020) Discussion about the 2013 and up GS models

Repair or replace windshield?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-27-17, 11:08 AM
  #1  
bjnzzzle
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
bjnzzzle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: MN
Posts: 83
Received 13 Likes on 11 Posts
Default 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!

Old 03-27-17, 12:23 PM
  #2  
bjnzzzle
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
bjnzzzle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: MN
Posts: 83
Received 13 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by PatrixUSA
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.
Thanks for your input. I have Travelers and my policy will cover it at $0 deductible. I might make an appointment with satelite to take a look.
Old 03-27-17, 08:21 PM
  #3  
spoogenet
Lead Lap
 
spoogenet's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: TX
Posts: 419
Received 36 Likes on 30 Posts
Default

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.
Old 03-27-17, 08:24 PM
  #4  
w4rjd
Pole Position
 
w4rjd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Florida
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Safelight

Safelight fixed a chip for me last week. Did a poor job at best.
Old 03-27-17, 09:51 PM
  #5  
kamskeez
Pole Position
 
kamskeez's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 316
Received 29 Likes on 26 Posts
Default

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!
Old 03-28-17, 02:16 AM
  #6  
bigblack06
Moderator
iTrader: (20)
 
bigblack06's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Beantown
Posts: 7,029
Received 321 Likes on 219 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by bjnzzzle
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!

I can tell you right now try to crack it more to get it replaced. When they fill it in it covers it but it is still noticeable, I've had it done professionally and they did a good job but little things like that annoy me cause now I see it everyday. If that will be you then I would try to get it replaced.
Old 03-28-17, 05:12 AM
  #7  
bjnzzzle
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
bjnzzzle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: MN
Posts: 83
Received 13 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

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.
Old 03-28-17, 09:00 AM
  #8  
songoku
Intermediate
 
songoku's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: OC, CA
Posts: 339
Received 59 Likes on 43 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by bjnzzzle
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.
If you end up replacing the windshield, make sure to replace it with OEM windshield. Most of insurance company will replace with aftermarket version and I've heard some people having issue with rain sensors.
Old 03-28-17, 07:01 PM
  #9  
w4rjd
Pole Position
 
w4rjd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Florida
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by bjnzzzle
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.
Old 03-28-17, 09:43 PM
  #10  
SunnySoCal
Driver School Candidate
 
SunnySoCal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

ussd satelite couple years back on Honda, hated the work. They cut the interior fabric/trim around the windshield.
Old 03-29-17, 08:47 AM
  #11  
Davenlei
Advanced
iTrader: (1)
 
Davenlei's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: CA
Posts: 732
Received 92 Likes on 72 Posts
Default

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.
Old 03-31-17, 09:56 PM
  #12  
tidalk
Driver School Candidate
 
tidalk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: CA
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by bjnzzzle
Thanks for your input. I have Travelers and my policy will cover it at $0 deductible. I might make an appointment with satelite to take a look.
for cracks like that... they can be sealed.. where I live.. in CA, theres a lot of crappy freeways..

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
Old 04-01-17, 06:57 AM
  #13  
Norinn
Driver School Candidate
 
Norinn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: QC
Posts: 9
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

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,
Old 04-01-17, 11:04 AM
  #14  
MustangSal
Lead Lap
 
MustangSal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Virginia
Posts: 604
Received 65 Likes on 56 Posts
Default

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?
Old 04-01-17, 01:14 PM
  #15  
dano
Driver
 
dano's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: ohio
Posts: 92
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

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.


Quick Reply: Repair or replace windshield?



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:50 PM.