Stupid Windshield--Are They all Crap???

[Border411]

I think I remember seeing someone else write abou thtis problem. But here it is again:

My 2004 4runner doesnt have just one, but is has 2 nice fat stone chips from rocks kicking up. I have had a ton of other vehicles, and never have I had a chip. I got both within 3 months! What are they making these windshields out of? Not to mention that 2 glass shops said they could just repair them, the windshield needs to be replaced.

 

[Boaz]

i noticed 2 rock chips today also....

wierd huh?

 

[sharp4runr]

Yup, I got my first rock chip a week into owning the truck. You should have heard the cursing going on in my truck. It would have made a sailor blush

Its got to be the slope of the windshield because my 93 celica never got a chip and I owned that for a good 6 years.

 

[mjfrank]

I agree, it's got to be the windshield slope, my Camry didn't have one after six years, my 4Runner has a small one after only four months.

You should see my Jeep Wrangler, it looks like I got hit with a shotgun blast.

--Mike

 

[carina71]

SUVs and WS dings

As a general rule, SUVs catch more rocks on their windshield that cars because they sit up higher. So, if you've only owned cars before and now have an SUV, be prepared for windshield "dings".

I will say that my 04 4runner seems to be more resistant to dings than my 93 was.

 

[Good Times]

check with your auto ins company as some policies include free windshield replacement as part of their policies (I think AZ has like 4 per year or something like that). This will not increase your premiums either...

So check with them b4 you dip into your back pocket.

GOod luck

 

[TranceKrayz]

check with your auto ins company as some policies include free windshield replacement as part of their policies (I think AZ has like 4 per year or something like that). This will not increase your premiums either...

So check with them b4 you dip into your back pocket.

GOod luck

wow....that's very interesting. i never knew that. in chicago i rarely get chips, so i doubt my ins. company has that option.

 

[CardsFan]

I replaced the windshield 2X within the first 3 months of ownership! Huge rocks that were kicked up by vehicles in front of me. The rocks were coming at me in what seemed like slow motion. I was towing both times, so evasive action wasn't an option. The OEM and the replacement aftermarket windshield cracked halfway across the window. Both incidents were on super-hot days and the very corner of the windshield. I think that makes a difference.

 

[Boaz]

how much did the replacement cost?

 

[Border411]

Yeah...I am going to call my insurance company to get it replaced for free (or for a small deductable).

 

[tkr128]

Mine doesn't have any cracks or chips but is pitted like hell. I'm thinking about having it replaced because of the pitting.

 

[Boaz]

If you have replaced a windshield, please post up the replacement cost. I caught a nasty rock chip yesterday..... cracked about 6 inches across...

 

[Bosconian]

I use my 4runner for work and I cover my entire state. When I had a company car(minivan) rocks hitting the windshield was inevitable. So when I started using my 4runner for work(I get a nice allowance for using it ) I knew that I'm going to get hit. Just last night, my windshield got hit like a bullet shot. Nasty chip, but unlike my company car that's prone to cracking, I just have a chip to deal with. My 4runner is 3 months old and got hit twice already with 1 chip visible

My plan is to let it get to a point where it has become a distraction while driving then I'll swap it. I'll check with my Insurance if they will replace it for freee, because my deductible is $500

I like my 4runner clean and shiny, so having that nasty chip is aggravating, but if you drive enough, you'll get 'em

 

[Boaz]

i just checked with my ins company and of course, windshield is only covered im comprehensive. So its easier just to replace it myself out of pocket .

anyone have a ballpark price on replacement?

 

[pdoel]

Add me to the list.

I was sitting at a light, the light changed, was going maybe 10 miles an hour, and WAM, something hit me. There was a van in front of me, but we weren't even going fast enough for it to cause any problems.

But sure enough, there was a crack, and within minutes, it was completely across the windshield.

I had that one replaced about 6 months ago. I now have 2 chips, and just got a crack that works around, and is about a foot long.

So, I'll be getting another windshield soon.

 

[swooopeno]

lots of cost questions.. and not really any answers...

My ins. covered my replacement, but I asked what it would have cost.

OEM = $648
Aftermarket = $356

These numbers came from the windshield company, not the insurance company.

(these seem high, i had a '98 camaro, and it was around $250 for an aftermarket)

 

[carina71]

Mine doesn't have any cracks or chips but is pitted like hell. I'm thinking about having it replaced because of the pitting.

tkr...

I know you don't want to hear this, but.... I'd hold off on the replacement if that windshield is the original. I've had to have several windhields replaced here in AK and the replacements all seemed to be more fragile than the original. Pits are annoying, but cracks are just plain ugly! Cracks also catch a lot more sunlight glare often reflecting it right in your eyes.

If you do replace it, keep the original.

 

[GlennD]

My aftermarket replacement was $210 for my 2004 SR5 and they replaced it at my place of work.

I got a stone hit driving home from the dealer in my brand new 4Runner. It was repaired but let loose six months later.

 

[Boaz]

I got a quote from safelite.com auto glass today for 267 installed , oh and thats tax included.. My crack grew about 18 inches today in my windshield! I hit a huge pot hole and the damn thing cracked almost all the way across!!!

 

[GlennD]

My windshield was also from Safellite. It was sixty dollars cheaper. Southern California must be more compitive.