The one on the windshield is tiny, like a dot, but it's DIRECTLY in the line of the driver's sight (what are the odds of that...). So it bugs me everytime I drive the car. There are three or four small chips in a cluster on the front passenger window, that are also dot-like (no idea how that got there). These chips are very shallow and do not appear to be cracking. The question is: what do I do?

Is there a cosmetic repair for this? How good would it be? Since it's directly in the line of sight, I don't want to put anything on the windshield that will diffuse light at night.

Alternatively, what happens if I leave it as is? Is there a structural risk to the windshield? Especially since it's cold outside, I'm worried that it'll just crack.

Would appreciate any advice/input. Thanks.

 

if you say there just a dot, those chips can be repaired...............iono if you guys have jiffy lube in your area, but some of the ones over here in cali can repair it for you at no cost, as long as you have full coverage insurance on your car they'll take care of it for you without your insurance premium raising........

 

I'm not aware of any chip/crack repair processes that can visually hide the chip. The common methods force a resin into the crack to prevent any air or moisture from getting in and expanding the crack. The process works well, but it won't do anything to hide the damage. If you have a chip without a crack, I don't think the repair provides any benefit.

I had a 1.5" chip/crack repaired on my GS300's windshield 8 months ago, and I've had a half dozen more small chips since. Every time you get on the road, you risk another chip/crack, so I say wait until you really need it, and then just replace the windshield.

 

Thanks for the advice, guys. I'm bringing in my car for 5k service tomorrow so I'll mention it to the dealer and see what they say.

 

They said the chips aren't covered under warranty and would cost about $75 for a new windshield. I think I'll hold off on replacing it for now since the chips are so tiny.

 

First, I had 2 small chips similar to those you described repaired at Speedy glass. I was very disappointed with the results but the tech said it was the best he could do. I do take some comfort in the fact that they are now sealed and guarenteed from getting any worse, i.e. cracking. Fortunately they are not in a place where they could distract your vision. Next, where are they getting Lexus windshields for $75? I want one for my 2001 GS.

 

$75 or $750?

If its $75, then that's the best way to handle the chips IMO.

 

$75... perhaps he was referring to the front passenger window, and not the windshield.

 

Even that sounds low.....but maybe he'll charge you $75 for the window and charge you 4+ hours of some absurd labor rate (90+ hour) to install it.

 

When I had the crack in my GS300 windshield repaired, I was quoted $325 for a new windshield using the same OEM glass. You can probably get generic glass for $50 - $100 less.

I think the side glass would cost as much or more than a windshield. Not only does it have an atypical rain repellent coating, but it would require more labor time to take apart the door.

 

FYI, be careful when you have a chip or crack repaired. This does work but there is a process that the repair guys do that will damage the GS glass. The GS comes with water repellant glass and when these guys fill chips they do their thing but their final procedure is the killer. Because they want to make the fill flush with the glass they will usually use a razorblade or something to shave the fill surface down. Unfortunately this is just as it sounds and they are not trying to protect the existing glass at all since they are using it as the surface to match too. Don't get me wrong, it all works but that rain repellant part can be damaged. This happened on my 2nd gen and it was a lesson well learned for me.

It cost me $20 for them to do the front windshield.