WEAK/BRITTLE windshield
- Thread starter bp4runner
- Start date
StRanger7032
New member
I'm seriously starting to believe that the windshields are weak on 5th gens. A few weeks ago I got hit with something so small I couldn't even see it. It made a barely audible click when it hit the windshield. I was shocked to see a small crack. A few days later, I was at work driving a 2011 Suburban. I got hit with a much larger rock. It made a loud sound, but no damage. Last week, again in the Suburban, I saw a 1/2" rock flying toward the windshield. I actually ducked, thinking it might come through. It made a huge pop when it hit. I stopped and inspected the windshield, and again, no damage! A couple days ago, after having the crack repaired in my T4R, I parked in direct sunlight on a 70 degree day. When I came back, the crack had spread all the way down the windshield.
So now I'm out at least $400 to replace my windshield. Texas does not require insurance companies to cover glass, and I don't think its even an optional add-on. DAMN!! Considering that the windshield angle in the Suburban is pretty much the same as the 4R, I have to conclude that this is an issue with the quality of the glass. I'm no huge fan of GM, but they seem to be using some far superior glass!
So now I'm out at least $400 to replace my windshield. Texas does not require insurance companies to cover glass, and I don't think its even an optional add-on. DAMN!! Considering that the windshield angle in the Suburban is pretty much the same as the 4R, I have to conclude that this is an issue with the quality of the glass. I'm no huge fan of GM, but they seem to be using some far superior glass!
I have worked auto claims from Texas, and I think you may have been given bad info. Here is a link for a fair summary of Texas insurance coverage law which I believe is up to date. If you "declined" comprehensive coverage, which like many other states is an optional coverage (unless you have a lien holder then they may require you to carry this coverage along with collision coverage), then you may be out of luck. But if you have comprehensive coverage, the in all likely hood, you have coverage for a broken windshield.
Esurance – Texas Auto Insurance Vehicle Coverages
Esurance – Texas Auto Insurance Vehicle Coverages
StRanger7032
New member
Thanks, Jtraskell! I'm going to call USAA tomorrow to verify the glass coverage. Looking at my policy, it says glass replacement is subject to my $500 deductible, so I'm not optimistic, but maybe I'll get good news.
Jaker
New member
Ok guys...I hate to play devil's advocate, but I think it needs to be said.
Every single car forum I've been a part of over the years (I say again: every single forum) has had complaints over weak/brittle windshields.
Do windshield chips/cracks suck? Most definitely.
The best thing you can do is drive three seconds (not three car lengths) behind every car on the highway.
Every single car forum I've been a part of over the years (I say again: every single forum) has had complaints over weak/brittle windshields.
Do windshield chips/cracks suck? Most definitely.
The best thing you can do is drive three seconds (not three car lengths) behind every car on the highway.
phillyd2
Senior Member
As I mentioned in one of the other windshield threads, my company serves the glass industry (don't hate my perfect life) and have been in just about every windshield mfg plant around the world including Japan. Without doubt they are the highest quality of any. Period. Don't know nothing about glass geometry or such fancy book learning stuff but its not the quality of the actual glass.
Yea, a deductible is a bit different then no coverage at all. This probably does not apply to your damage, (large crack vs. a chip) but many policies "waive" the deductible if the glass damage is "repairable" and repaired, vs. replaced. Based on your description I doubt yours is repairable.
Depending on what you find out, and since it seems our vehicles have a higher propensity to collect those tough rocks in our windshields, I would recommend you spend a couple of dollars more per policy period and lower or even eliminate you Comp deductible. Should not cost that much more.
Good luck and be safe.
Scuba6
Member
USAA has always been great to me with glass coverage. 3 rock chips in 12 years on the Tahoe, and now 3 rock chips in 15 months on the 4runner. I never had to pay a dime to have these chips repaired, but I know I have a deductible if I have to Replace the glass. So far I haven't had to do that (knock on wood).
bofa
New member
Eh, just sounds like bad luck. If you drive where there is debris (pretty much any road I've been on) you are bound to get a little damage. It doesn't take much to crack glass. I had a 3" metal plate flung at my 350Z and it left a 21" gash along the roof of the car. I didn't blame the Z paint job for giving way. :happens:
