My windshield cracked today

[wxxiong]

I was in local street approaching a busy intersection slowing down for red light. Speed around 25mph with all cars around me. Suddenly, I heard loud small rock hitting glass noise. Not noticed anything until driven for 1 miles then saw a long crack coming from top of windshield. Length is 6 inches.
Surprise me that in such a low speed at local could also get such a damage. Almost let me think somebody may shooting a Beebee gun at me.

Question to anyone with similar experience:

• Could 6 inches long crack fixable by windshield repair professional?
• If need to replace, did anybody go through dealer and how much?
• Could I get third party windshield the same as from dealer for our 5th 4runner? My 3rd gen LMT once had windshield replaced by third party windshield company. The third party company claimed their glass is exactly the same as dealer's except not having "Toyota" logo and much cheaper. I found out after installation that their glass is not the same. Mainly it does not have the tinted strip on top of the windshield.

 

[ATL4R]

I have a 2011 TE and have no tint strip. I do have the blacked out area just around the rearview mirror.

 

[wxxiong]

I have a 2011 TE and have no tint strip. I do have the blacked out area just around the rearview mirror.

Yes, my TE also only has the blacked out area around the rear view mirror. It is this blacked area that I suspect that those third party windshield company's glass may not have although they claim the glass come out of the same manufacture as dealer's original ones.

 

[kingpin748]

• Could 6 inches long crack fixable by windshield repair professional.

Nope.

• If need to replace, did anybody go through dealer and how much.

I'd check elsewhere as the dealer is usually more expensive.

• Could I get third party windshield the same as from dealer for our 5th 4runner? My 3rd gen LMT once had windshield replaced by third party windshield company. The third party company claimed their glass is exactly the same as dealer's except not having "Toyota" logo and much cheaper. I found out after installation that their glass is not the same. Mainly it does not have the tinted strip on top of the windshield.

I haven't checked with the 4Runner but you can usually get the windshield with it or without. IMO go with the 3rd party as it's the same glass for significantly less.

 

[westwind77]

Have you checked with your insurance company yet? (figured you would but thought I would ask) In MA the windshield is covered 100% (no deductible) under your insurance. I guess the state considers it a safety matter and does not want any issues.

 

[-JD-]

does your 4runner have the wiper de-icer option?

 

[kingpin748]

does your 4runner have the wiper de-icer option?

That' a good point, why didn't I think of that? That could put a dent in your wallet.

I wonder what that will do to the after market?

 

[wxxiong]

does your 4runner have the wiper de-icer option?

Hmm.. I am not sure. Mine is the TE with both KDSS and NAV. How do I know if I have the de-icer option?

 

[wxxiong]

Hmm.. I am not sure. Mine is the TE with both KDSS and NAV. How do I know if I have the de-icer option?

I just checked the manual and my TE, it do have the windshield wiper de-icer.
How does it make difference on windshield replacement compare to non de-icer option?

 

[Ducmonsta]

maybe i'm mistaken here, but the wiper de-icer is for heating your washer fluid. this won't make a difference with the glass. someone pls correct me if i'm wrong.

 

[4Runnergirl22]

Windshield

I don't know if I have bad luck, or if it's all of the roadwork, but mine has cracked 3 times now, once with having to replace. I went through glass doctor, since they have warranty. At the time, there was no aftermarket (not sure if there is now) but mine is heated and has electronic mirror and cost around $550 with warranty. Through the dealer, just the glass cost over $700.

 

[1000MPH]

maybe i'm mistaken here, but the wiper de-icer is for heating your washer fluid. this won't make a difference with the glass. someone pls correct me if i'm wrong.

Yep, you're wrong.
...and I wouldn't trust the manual either.
Look for this on your windshield and lower left dash.

 

[Ducmonsta]

Thanks! I'm still getting used to the little features here and there that weren't on my 3rd gen. Shoot, I still haven't changed the oil yet! (2200 miles)

 

[wxxiong]

Have you checked with your insurance company yet? (figured you would but thought I would ask) In MA the windshield is covered 100% (no deductible) under your insurance. I guess the state considers it a safety matter and does not want any issues.

I haven't get a chance to check with insurance yet. But based on my 3rd gen experience. My insurance here in SoCal require us to pay deductible which is $250 in my policy. So I think regardless what source I choose for the glass, that is the max I need to pay.

 

[darkandshiny]

Wow I love being able to be the expert! Normally I'm just the idiot who lurks hear gleaning ideas and knowledge.

I own a chain of auto glass repair shops and I can speak with some authority on this. First of all six inches may not be too big for a repair - the repair certainly won't make the glass look brand new, but it may stop the crack from spreading. As long as you can pass whatever safety and inspection laws in your state I'd try the repair first.

As to the quality of third party glass - it depends. There are eleven factories on the planet where auto glass is made, I've visited all of them. Half make good quality glass, the other half have larger tolerances that can lead to stress cracks. In most cases the same factory that produces the OEM glass also makes the 'after market' glass (other factories produce it as well). This is the same glass but does not carry the car manufacturer's logo.

In my opinion do NOT go to the dealer. Glass installation is very difficult to do well. The dealer probably contracts with a reputable glass installation shop and adds 50% mark-up to the price, plus the extra expense of official OEM product. Ask around, find a good shop and get a quote. Ask the shop what brand of glass they'll be installing. I would get a non-oem premium brand such as Pilkington, PGW, FYG etc. Try to use your insurance if you have glass coverage and a low deductible.

 

[-JD-]

Problem for most people is that they dont know a quality glass maker from a poor one.

Could you post up the top brands??
should be easy if there are only 11 in the world

 

[wxxiong]

Wow I love being able to be the expert! Normally I'm just the idiot who lurks hear gleaning ideas and knowledge.

I own a chain of auto glass repair shops and I can speak with some authority on this. First of all six inches may not be too big for a repair - the repair certainly won't make the glass look brand new, but it may stop the crack from spreading. As long as you can pass whatever safety and inspection laws in your state I'd try the repair first.

As to the quality of third party glass - it depends. There are eleven factories on the planet where auto glass is made, I've visited all of them. Half make good quality glass, the other half have larger tolerances that can lead to stress cracks. In most cases the same factory that produces the OEM glass also makes the 'after market' glass (other factories produce it as well). This is the same glass but does not carry the car manufacturer's logo.

In my opinion do NOT go to the dealer. Glass installation is very difficult to do well. The dealer probably contracts with a reputable glass installation shop and adds 50% mark-up to the price, plus the extra expense of official OEM product. Ask around, find a good shop and get a quote. Ask the shop what brand of glass they'll be installing. I would get a non-oem premium brand such as Pilkington, PGW, FYG etc. Try to use your insurance if you have glass coverage and a low deductible.

Thanks for sharing your expertise. I love this forum.
If my insurance allows me only pay my deductible and if the third party glass cost already exceeds my deductible, wouldn't be better go to dealer as dealer will at least guarantee the original glass and proper installation for windshield de-icer components (at least it will hire reputable glass installer)?

 

[darkandshiny]

Thanks for sharing your expertise. I love this forum.
If my insurance allows me only pay my deductible and if the third party glass cost already exceeds my deductible, wouldn't be better go to dealer as dealer will at least guarantee the original glass and proper installation for windshield de-icer components (at least it will hire reputable glass installer)?

That's actually not a bad point - assuming your dealer does hire a reputable dealer. While I hate to endorse my biggest competition, they are good at what they do and are available nation wide (I'm only in four states). Safelite Auto Glass can install a quality aftermarket or OEM glass (which ever you'd like to pay for) and you shouldn't have to worry about loosing your heated wiper park or getting glass with a different looking fret (that's the black border around the glass).

PPG/PGW, Pilkington, Carlite, FYG are the top aftermarket brands.

 

[jsevlie]

I had my windshield fully replaced on my 2010 about a month ago. 100% covered under my insurance, and they even put a factory windshield back in. Turned out great and you can't even tell it is not the original.

Had an outside company do it (not the dealer) that I've used before with other cars and have always been super satisfied. Good luck!

 

[1000MPH]

FJCruiser's have a high percentage of windshield replacements. From what I've read, the PPG/PGW is considered superior to OEM. It wouldn't take long to do a quick search of their forums for those other brands dark mentioned.
Hmm, I wonder if you can get the new windshields tinted before replacing.