Window quality

[SunPilot]

Maybe it is just my vehicle but I have noticed the glass in my new 4Runner has lots of sand marks...especially the driver's door window. In direct sunlight I look out the window and it looks like the glass has been sand blasted. Does anyone else have this characteristic? Is it normal?

 

[jcbeck84]

Caught a rock from the guy ahead of me last weekend. Nice little bell shaped break pattern in the glass. :dammit:

Sorry, not what you're talking about, but I had to vent.

 

[shilly]

Caught a rock from the guy ahead of me last weekend. Nice little bell shaped break pattern in the glass. :dammit:

Sorry, not what you're talking about, but I had to vent.

I got one of those the 2nd week I had my 4R. The problem is that it did not chip out (just a bell inside the glass) - and cannot be repaired. Guess I will have to wait for winter to spread the crack across the entire windshield.
At least the windshields should be cheaper than in my old FJ Cruiser - 4 windshields in 2.5 years at over $1K each. My insurance company was probably pretty close to terminating my policy.

 

[fins]

At least the windshields should be cheaper than in my old FJ Cruiser - 4 windshields in 2.5 years at over $1K each. My insurance company was probably pretty close to terminating my policy.

+1

I received a notice of cancellation just last week and I had no clue what the reason was. My agent researched it and it turned out to be a computer generated cancellation letter due to the number (4) of windshield chip repairs and one replacement from my previous FJ. That FJ windshield was a rock magnet.

BTW, policy is intact due to computer error. Whew!!!

 

[Scoobs]

I think the question is about the quality of the glass itself, not what happens to it as a result of vehicle use. Auto glass quality does not seem to be what it used to be.

 

[TTown]

I have had 3 rock chips in 6 months! It has been at least 8-9 years since my last rock chip before buying the 4Runner.

Based on what you guys are saying about the FJ, it has got to be the angle of the windshield that is causing this many chips.

 

[BrianLSU]

Maybe it is just my vehicle but I have noticed the glass in my new 4Runner has lots of sand marks...especially the driver's door window. In direct sunlight I look out the window and it looks like the glass has been sand blasted. Does anyone else have this characteristic? Is it normal?

I don't think that's sand marks on your side windows. Unless you live in the desert with side winds blowing or drive your car sideways.

It might be dirt under your tint. I've seen what looks like what you describe and after cleaning the windows well, it's gone.

 

[SunPilot]

I don't think that's sand marks on your side windows. Unless you live in the desert with side winds blowing or drive your car sideways.

It might be dirt under your tint. I've seen what looks like what you describe and after cleaning the windows well, it's gone.

I have cleaned this window very well. When the sun shines through it looks like a million tiny dots in the glass. Must be the glass itself. The truck is only two weeks old. It shouldn't be like this already...noticed it a few days after getting it, but thought the glass was dirty

 

[sporty87]

I'm on my third windshield in my 2010 SR5 which I bought in Nov. 09. Third one was put in 3 weeks after the second one. Been driving for 40 years and have never had anythging like this with any other auto:sobbing:!

 

[TTown]

Sunpilot,

Where do you live?

 

[SunPilot]

Sunpilot,

Where do you live?

Right now I live in NY but I am moving to Arizona in a month. This window has been like this from the day I picked up the truck. I am going to the dealers tomorrow to have them look at it. I think it is poor glass.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

I just notice after a washing of the car, on my rear window I have two small scratches. Really is no reason why the glass should be scratched. So I would agree the quality of the glass seems poor.

But I will live with it.

 

[Physgirl]

I don't think that's sand marks on your side windows. Unless you live in the desert with side winds blowing or drive your car sideways.

It might be dirt under your tint. I've seen what looks like what you describe and after cleaning the windows well, it's gone.

Glass is made from sand.

 

[BrianLSU]

Glass is made from sand.

I know.

It's usually the sand and salts they use on highways for deicing that causes pitting. Even in the summer those sands seem to stick around and cause year round wear. After living in Minnesota for a year, my windshield looked like it had been sandblasted, the front one though not the side ones.

I've taken two 20 hr round trips from Austin to New Orleans, arguably the worst trip for a windshield with all the work going on in both Houston and New Orleans, and have no visible damage from the trips. Just a couple of paint chips.

 

[TedinMass]

I agree about the quality of the glass on the windshield. I have less than 3000 miles on mine and it looks like it was sand blasted.

 

[SunPilot]

I know.

It's usually the sand and salts they use on highways for deicing that causes pitting. Even in the summer those sands seem to stick around and cause year round wear. After living in Minnesota for a year, my windshield looked like it had been sandblasted, the front one though not the side ones.

I've taken two 20 hr round trips from Austin to New Orleans, arguably the worst trip for a windshield with all the work going on in both Houston and New Orleans, and have no visible damage from the trips. Just a couple of paint chips.

I drove from New Orleans to Phoenix and back last year in my Acura...it sand blasted my paint in the front and my windshield...I would agree that area is tough on a ride!

 

[SunPilot]

I agree about the quality of the glass on the windshield. I have less than 3000 miles on mine and it looks like it was sand blasted.

That's what I'm talking about...I have only 800 miles and my side window looks like it was sand blasted...only in strong sunlight though...I think the defects are inside the glass itself

 

[adoihcj]

I haven't noticed that issue. Something I noticed however is the glass seems to be thin. Roll down the drivers window partially and then flick the window with your index finger - seems very thin in my opinion.

 

[jreiter]

Maybe it is just my vehicle but I have noticed the glass in my new 4Runner has lots of sand marks...especially the driver's door window. In direct sunlight I look out the window and it looks like the glass has been sand blasted. Does anyone else have this characteristic? Is it normal?

I've seen this on a few of my cars over the years. It's always been on the windshield for me. You don't really notice it except under certain lighting conditions, but it's exactly as you describe. BrianLSU mentioned pitting from salt/sand on the roads, so that might be it.

I've always heard you have to be careful when getting your windshield replaced, too. Some window companies will use cheaper, thinner glass than other companies. I would've figured the factory glass to be the best, though, so I'm always surprised when I see this sort of pitting.

 

[FlyNavy]

Has anyone followed up on the windshield pitting with the dealer yet?
I have the same problem. Yesterday afternoon I was driving into the setting sun and not only was it distracting, but a potential safety hazard with how it obstructed my view.
I fear this will be difficult to resolve with the dealer.