Toyotas: a magnet for windshield cracks

[1engineer]

I've had rocks kicked up by trucks that were more than 10 lengths ahead of me.

At 70 mph you cover your "10 lengths" in less than two seconds.

Sure, the windshield angle has some effect that will ultimately determine the maximum force of the impact.
What is just as important is the angle, mass and velocity of the projectile, in this case a rock. I have had many many vehicles over the years and this 4Runner on average has been struck by a rock in the windshield about the same as the other 20+ vehicles I have had. Call it what you want: Fate, Luck, Kharma or anything else. Everyone think for a minute:

In order for a rock to strike your windshield requires much more than the angle of the 4Runner windshield.

To the guy above who says bugshields worked for his buddy: Haha. They don't even keep bugs off the windshield much less change the trajectory of a rock by causing a different airflow pattern.

I put 29K on my 4Runner the first year. It has been hit several times by rocks, but not more than any other vehicle.

If you get a rock to hit and crack your windshield, especially from 4 lanes over, go buy a lottery ticket because you beat the odds that day. On second thought, go home and go to bed. With the odds you just beat, you might get struck by lightning too!

The only things that will change the odds are:
1. Drive less miles
2. Do not drive behind any vehicle
3. Drive really slow

Good luck!

 

[Victor_inox]

I am not being judgmental here, but really, are we maybe doing a little tailgating? Here is why I say this. Many years ago, for about 4 years, I owned a 66 Chevy van. Google a photo of this wonderful rig. Notice the windshield. It was like driving behind a sliding patio door! The wind shield was very large and almost straight up and down.(No aerodynamics here). I never had a chip, crack, or any other annoyance but dirt. This, while driving in Oklahoma and Oregon which means gravel roads, sand/rocks vs. salt in the winter etc. etc. (and cross country getting from one state to the other).

One thing I did do however, is stay well back from vehicles in front of me. I did this because there was very little "protection" up front. In this van, (as well as most others of that time period), the driver and front seat passenger sat next too and a little bit forward of the engine. The engine housing or (dog house) as it was lovingly called, was the center counsel in these vehicles. The front tires were actually right below the seat and slightly behind the driver, so you really had to learn how to turn these vehicles a bit differently then regular autos. The driver and passenger were seated in an area protected by just about 10 inches between the floor board and the outside of the front fender.

But my point being, I never had a rock chip or crack. Was the glass just that much better back then? Could be. Or, just maybe more aware and kept my distance. (For other reasons, but the results were beneficial....) Just saying.

you 66 van has tempered glass- very hard to breakbad comparison here. no cracks in tempered glass nor chips-it breaka completely if hit is hard enought.

 

[Jtraskell]

!

you 66 van has tempered glass- very hard to breakbad comparison here. no cracks in tempered glass nor chips-it breaka completely if hit is hard enough.

I do not think so. Front Windshield glass is "laminated" with a clear plastic film in between at lest 2 layers of glass. This for safety. This type of glass has been used since the 1920's. Here is a link to a web site that generally explains the different types of auto glass.

What are the Different Types of Windshield Glass?

The idea is that any glass shards will be "stuck" to plastic film vs. flying all over the passengers of the vehicle. Tempered glass has been heat treated and by design, they "crumble" into little "non sharp" edges when struck hard enough to break continuity. Auto side windows and even rear windows are usually tempered.

Can front windshield glass be both "tempered" and then "laminated"? Could be. I could not find an answer to that specific question. It would make sense if it could be done.

In either case, I did not mean to start an argument or a flame war here. As
1engineer said, driving slow has it's advantages in regards to rock chips.....and let it be known, that van I owned had a 250 CI straight in line six, with a 3 speed on the column. Could not help but to drive slow! Believe me, at 18 yrs old at the time, I always wanted to go faster......

Just so the young folks out there can get an idea of which rig I am talking about, I pulled this photo from the net. Not my rig. Mine looked better. Panel version, no side or rear windows and a better paint job. But for the purposes of this discussion, this photo will due. Be safe all.....and duck!

 

[Renegad44]

Within 2 months of picking up my 2011, (April, 2011) I had two rock hits, one a star, that was stopped, another a run up the passenger side, probably 13 inches by now. Tailgating? Well, two weeks ago, I was passing a dump truck loaded with pea gravel, on I-59, I was passing him in the left lane, doing 73mph, coming up on him, probably 2 car lengths behind, here comes a "boulder," hit, star, and run, all in 2 minutes. So, hits don't always come from directly behind, while tailgating. I’ve got his truck number, time of day he was getting on the interstate, ramp number he was using, and phone number. Thinking of calling the company, see if they’ll replace my windshield.

 

[Barry694]

Cracked Windshield

The other guy's insurance will not replace your windshield unless you can prove he was reckless in his manner of driving. It is a comprehensive insurance claim, that is covered by your own insurance and the deductible varys. My insurance covers 100% as a standard policy. Others have varying levels of deductible. The claim being comprehensive should not affect your insurance rates upon renewal.

 

[ejason]

Has anyone used a full windshield clear cover. I found this stuff, clearplex, wondering if anyone has used it. It is applied like tint.

Invisible Windshield Protection Films by ClearPlex® - Product Information

 

[07RunnerV6]

well I bought my 07 4Runner at the end of last year. I got my first crack today, not happy at all. 10 years with my previous vehicle and not problem. I wish I could blame it on tail-gating, but I was in another lane and about 75 yards behind the vehicle that shot the rock up. If the chip was about 3 mm higher it would of missed my windshield. But instead I have a chip that has grown about 6 inches in 2 hours.

 

[StRanger7032]

I just went around collecting quotes for a new windshield on my 2011. The best price I could get was $558!!!! Insurance doesn't cover glass in my state, so I'll be driving a brand new truck with a cracked windshield indefinitely. It would have been $50 cheaper if it didn't have the heated windshield (very useful in south Texas, NOT!) The only thing that irks me more than my windshield cracking from a piece of sand is the ridiculous price!

 

[Jtraskell]

I just went around collecting quotes for a new windshield on my 2011. The best price I could get was $558!!!! Insurance doesn't cover glass in my state, so I'll be driving a brand new truck with a cracked windshield indefinitely. It would have been $50 cheaper if it didn't have the heated windshield (very useful in south Texas, NOT!) The only thing that irks me more than my windshield cracking from a piece of sand is the ridiculous price!

StRanger, not sure where you got your information, but MOST insurance policies, sold as a full coverage policy, have "Comprehensive" coverage.

If you have full coverage and most people who buy newer cars do, you will most likely have comprehensive coverage. Most all companies include glass breakage within that coverage. Texas included.

Do you have a lien holder? If so, they require full coverage as a condition of the loan. Now, if you own the vehicle outright and you bought liability coverage only, then yes, you most likely do not have collision, comprehensive (including glass) coverage. But that has nothing to do with the laws of Texas. They DO sell comprehensive (glass) coverage there. Check you policy bud, you might be pleasantly surprised! Be safe.

 

[StRanger7032]

Already tried that. I have comprehensive, but glass is subject to my $500 deductible. I'm not paying $500-$700 for a new windshield unless it cracks so bad that I can't see, or I fail my inspection. Sucks!....

 

[Jtraskell]

Already tried that. I have comprehensive, but glass is subject to my $500 deductible. I'm not paying $500-$700 for a new windshield unless it cracks so bad that I can't see, or I fail my inspection. Sucks!....

I understand. I hope you have explored changing that Deductible amount. Won't help you in this claim, but for future issues.... Usually the price difference in Comprehensive coverage deductibles is pretty minor. Be safe.

 

[FWT4]

Rock Magnet

I need a T-Shirt stating I am a rock magnet. 1 Month after delivery of my 2011 I had to have a rock chip repaired. The very next day took another rock and had to have the whole windshield replaced. No tailgating and many lengths behind Tractor trailers/dump trucks. My new windshield has been repaired once already and just had another chip last week. It has always been on highways at 55-75mph. I've owned many SUVs and never had such issues with rocks. This needs to be in the review of vehicles. Such a bother, but love my T4R!

 

[vicpick58]

I am getting a new windshield on Monday, it took a hit from what looked like a fairly small rock when it was coming at me, but left a star about the size of a half dollar right in front of the driver.

Only had my TE 4 weeks when it happened, is this going to be an ongoing problem?

I have also noticed that this thing collects a lot more bugs than what I was driving before too. I have put a bug deflector on it now, will have to see if it really makes any difference.

 

[jaraxle]

Less than a year old SR5. Just had second windshield put in.

 

[Narkhelek]

I've had so many rock chips repaired I'm afraid my windshield is more resin than glass.

 

[4Run4YourLife]

I put 3 windshields on my '04 4runner in the 8 years I owned it. Also, I sold it with a cracked windshield, so it needed another one.

My '12 4runner got a chip in the windshield the very first week! :sobbing:

To be fair, I do mostly highway driving. I put 200k on the '04.

Update...over 3.5 months have gone by and I have NOT had any additional chips or cracks after the first week. ***fingers-crossed***

 

[harper7]

I need a T-Shirt stating I am a rock magnet. 1 Month after delivery of my 2011 I had to have a rock chip repaired. The very next day took another rock and had to have the whole windshield replaced. No tailgating and many lengths behind Tractor trailers/dump trucks. My new windshield has been repaired once already and just had another chip last week. It has always been on highways at 55-75mph. I've owned many SUVs and never had such issues with rocks. This needs to be in the review of vehicles. Such a bother, but love my T4R!

I am getting a new windshield on Monday, it took a hit from what looked like a fairly small rock when it was coming at me, but left a star about the size of a half dollar right in front of the driver.

Only had my TE 4 weeks when it happened, is this going to be an ongoing problem?

I have also noticed that this thing collects a lot more bugs than what I was driving before too. I have put a bug deflector on it now, will have to see if it really makes any difference.

Just plain bad luck! I've had mine 2 1/2+ years ,live in an area with tons of new construction(gravel on road) and have had only 1 major rock chip my windshield. It was pretty big and sounded like a gunshot and got a small star on the lower pass side. I had it filled the next day by a pro and it's still good to go and that was almost 2 years ago.Another one was real small and just left a mark.

With a lift(less rake) the front angle of the windshield isn't as severe also.Get a lift,save a windshield!

As far as bugs,this year with one of the mildest winters on record is the worst that I can remember.Especially the moth population around here! Eleven mile drive home from work everynight and the thing is covered this year. Has nothing to do with it being a 4Runner as past years were not nearly this bad! I clean them off practically every night and I swear some are bigger then small birds.

 

[vicpick58]

Has anyone used a full windshield clear cover. I found this stuff, clearplex, wondering if anyone has used it. It is applied like tint.

Invisible Windshield Protection Films by ClearPlex® - Product Information

I just got my new windshield, and I asked about the film, my windshield guy told me that people with expensive collector cars or exotic vehicles that never drive them in the rain use this product and it works good. But it will get scrached up by the wipers over a period of time and it is not really practical for people that drive their car everyday.

I just went around collecting quotes for a new windshield on my 2011. The best price I could get was $558!!!! Insurance doesn't cover glass in my state, so I'll be driving a brand new truck with a cracked windshield indefinitely. It would have been $50 cheaper if it didn't have the heated windshield (very useful in south Texas, NOT!) The only thing that irks me more than my windshield cracking from a piece of sand is the ridiculous price!

My cost for a new windshield with the heater in it, installed at my driveway was $494.87 if anyone in the Modesto Stockton or bay area of central California would like the number of my windshield guy, send me a PM and I will be happy to pass it on.

 

[UtahSooner]

4th Windshield in 2 Years!!! Anybody beat that???

I got my 3rd windshield installed on my 2010 TE back in late December when the windshield cracked out while Safelite was repairing a small crack... at least they waived my $100 glass replacement deductible since it was their fault it had to be replaced. Well, by Feb I had a nice ~6" crack just to the right of the rearview mirror -- I apparently had a small chip right at the upper edge of the glass and one cold morning it cracked when the sun hit it. My registration was due in April and I waited until the last possible day to get the 4th windshield installed so I could pass inspection.

I bought her the last day of April 2010 -- can anybody tie or beat 4 new windshields in 2 years????


PS - I have a $100 glass replacement rider on top of my comprehensive coverage (which has a much higher deductible) through Farmers. Maybe not available in all states or insurance providers, but worth asking your agent about... (and I'm pretty sure I had that glass coverage on my 3rd Gen when I lived in Austin, TX several years ago)

 

[Awynt]

Had to replace mine after a car wash cracked it from top to bottom, dead center.