Cracked windshield- again!!!

Lifeline

Lifeline

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OK guys, this is getting absolutely ridiculous. I am on my third windshield in a year. I just had this most recent one replaced not even 90 days ago, took a road trip this past weekend and got hit with a rock, and now it has another big chip with a crack in it. I know 4Runners are horrible about this, is there anything that can be done to help? Would ceramic coating on the windshield actually make a difference? Any kind of wax or coating I could use? Anything that would help prevent this from continuing to happen? Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
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that really sucks. I don't really know if any film/product put onto the windshield will help any. part of the reason I stay far back from other vehicles as that is probably the best way to prevent rock chips
 
subbed for advice.

Within the first week of ownership i got a chip. Next week i got another, but this one has now turned into a crack.

After that i new this car was going to be a PITA. so im at almost 1 year now, and still have not replaced it.

I dont think i ride particularly close to people. but i live close to a place that has a lot of dump truck traffic, so they are always spitting rocks out the back that travel for what seems 1/8 of a mile its ridiculous!
 
I got hit twice by rocks kicked up by passing traffic within two months of taking delivery of mine. Both times I had the chips repaired the following day (both happened in the late afternoon). So far no cracks (two years). The repaired chips are both in direct line of sight while driving, irritating because they look like splattered bugs that can’t be cleaned.
 
I'm not sure the 4Runner is any worse that some other vehicles..I've had the occasional rock slap the windshield on a long road trip but nothing like you've experienced (maybe bad luck)..Our minivan on the otherhand attracts rocks like love bugs..
 
I feel your pain. Back when I first got my 2020 TRD Pro, the windshield had a big crack within 2 weeks. It was cold out (Canada) and I was on the highway. Back then, only the OEM glass was available so it was a very pricey repair.

Happened again this winter, but this time the crack was small enough for an epoxy repair. Still, makes me wonder if the windshield is weaker. Previously had a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and in 20 years, can't remember ever having to deal with the windshield glass...
 
I am on my third (2016 TEP) but need a fourth. My main issue now is that I need a new upper windshield seal/rubber. Not sure if windshield shops use their own or reuse what is on there but my seal is degrading and looks nothing like what came on it when new.
 
same

I have a 2022 and it had 4 chips within the first three months (I drive a lot) last month I was driving though New Mexico in the middle of the night, no cars to be seen and I heard a smack on the window, I would have sworn the rock was laying in my passenger seat, but luckily, windshields are strong, just not strong enough to deflect a meteor lol ... it hit in the middle but created a crack in a circular pattern about the size of a can of soda, pretty wild. I went to Toyota to have it replaced and they recommended that I wait out the cool KS winter, since the roads will still be kinda trashy for a month or so... probably a good call, I think I'll just ride out the cracks for a while, I have two more long trips to take soon, might as well ride it out and not worry about getting any more damage.
 

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Lifeline said:
OK guys, this is getting absolutely ridiculous. I am on my third windshield in a year. I just had this most recent one replaced not even 90 days ago, took a road trip this past weekend and got hit with a rock, and now it has another big chip with a crack in it. I know 4Runners are horrible about this, is there anything that can be done to help? Would ceramic coating on the windshield actually make a difference? Any kind of wax or coating I could use? Anything that would help prevent this from continuing to happen? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Click to expand...

back in the old days The windshields are very hard and a bit thicker ..
previously 1999 and older ..
new windshields have a small chip then the crack will create a temp up/down ...
 
Lifeline said:
OK guys, this is getting absolutely ridiculous. I am on my third windshield in a year. I just had this most recent one replaced not even 90 days ago, took a road trip this past weekend and got hit with a rock, and now it has another big chip with a crack in it. I know 4Runners are horrible about this, is there anything that can be done to help? Would ceramic coating on the windshield actually make a difference? Any kind of wax or coating I could use? Anything that would help prevent this from continuing to happen? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Click to expand...

It does suck, but remember our trucks are brick shaped. The windshield is a hard target to miss. I had to replace my first one with 60 miles on the ODO. I have now had my seconds for 3 years and have a big chip and crack on my second. It just passed inspection so I will wait to swap it out.
 
On my third as well.

I avoid driving behind big trucks or RVs they are the biggest offenders, but still doesn't help much.

Factory windshield started to crack slowly from the middle top, I did a lot of offroading a couple years ago and might have stressed the frame and created pressure on the glass.

I think the windshield shops may be giving me cheaper glass (well, not cheap, at $600+). I asked to get original Toyota windshield and I was told they don't have access to that but the ones provided meet Toyota specs. There is no way to verify this however.

Nowadays, that could mean aftermarket, and maybe fakes.
 
So I’m not the only one? About a month ago had to get 2 new windshields in 3 weeks. Both times I was hit with rocks slung out of semi tires while I was about 150 to 200ft back.
 
Had mine replaced once completely, then 2 repairs after that (free safelite drill and glue service from Geico to save them the eventual cost of a whole new windshield).
 
You have to learn to stay well back of the traffic in front of you. It will not only save your windshield from rocks, but the rest of your frontend as well.

As a bonus, the people you are following will be generally less annoyed with you while you are behind them and your time to stop if things go pear-shaped for any reason will be greater.

Not saying that you are a tailgater, but just consider this.
 
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