eyeball187

iTrader: (1)

Last night a Semi Truck was kicking up alot of rocks, I didn't think much of it. But when I got home I noticed a small chip kinda where the windshield wiper is. I lifted up the windshield wiper and there is about a 1"-2" crack along w/ the chip. You guys think that a glass repair man can fix it? If not where would be the best place to buy a windshield? Thanks in advance.

ranmas2004

iTrader: (2)

They should be able to fix a small crack. But get it before it gets bigger because you'll be buying an entire windshield once it spreads. Call any glass repair place. I had to replace one on my last Maxima because I let the little 1/2" chip turn into a 2 foot crack across my windshield....no repair then only replacement...cost me about $250. But they did come out and do it right in the parking deck while I was at work so that was cool. $250 bill not cool. Get it fixed or at least looked at before it gets bigger because you may be able to save it.

Rods03Max619

iTrader: (5)

Any windshield place I just got me a new one like two months ago for like 147 buckz out here in my area there is like 6 in a 4 mile radius...GL...

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

FYI you can shop around. Most mobile glass services will beat other competitors prices.

I'm fairly certain if the chip is less than the size of a quarter it can be filled with their resin, but if there's any crack stemming from it, it may have to be replaced.

Do you have comprehensive insurance?

ekafrawy

Comprehensive insurance should cover it

eyeball187

iTrader: (1)

I don't have comprehensive insurance.....only liability.

ranmas2004

iTrader: (2)

dont you have to pay dedcutible first?? If your deductible $500 then its not worth it....

eyeball187

iTrader: (1)

Yea it isn't worth it.....I'm just gonna pay for it myself. I can't believe this though. I'm gonna have a glass repair guy look at it tomorrow. But 2 people told me that if it has even the slightest crack it is toast and you have to buy a new windshield. It's such a bummer because the crack isn't even that big.

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

Depends on the deductible. Mine is $50, and a windshield for my car is $1400.

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

Yea it's more because you can't 'quarantine' the crack, whereas a chip you can essentially build it back to the original integrity of the windshield using the resin they have.

Maxgig

iTrader: (5)

I would ride with it until it got bigger, especially since its under your wiper blades for now. In the meantime you can save up some money for a new one. Holding out might buy you 5 or 6 months to save.

ranmas2004

iTrader: (2)

DAM $1400 what you got bullet proof windshield?? LOL.

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

Lol. BMW with built in rain sensors

When are we doing your stereo install?!

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

Personally I'd replace it right away. Even if it's small, the structural integrity of the windshield is compromised. For $140 it's not worth any potential hazards.

Maxgig

iTrader: (5)

"Structural integrity", its a solid glass "safety" windshield. They can have minor cracks in them and still be functional. Have you not seen cars/trucks being driven with cracks that span the length of the windshield?

I made my suggestion because it seemed like money was an issue for him right now. IMO waiting a few months (at least til the springtime) is a logical way to go. Who knows he might end up behind another truck dropping rocks or whatever again this winter.

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

I disagree but everyone is entitled to their opinion. It's up to the OP to decide what to do.

eyeball187

iTrader: (1)

What I think I'm gonna do is repair the ding in it. I think it will keep the crack from getting bigger. My friends dad is a glass repair man also. I'm gonna go over his house tomorrow. I asked him last night and he said his dad would do it for 40 bucks straight up. But if he says it's not a very good idea then I will probably replace it when the crack gets a bit bigger. I mean it's not in my view right now. But if the crack gets into my view, I will have no choice but to replace it. I don't want to take no chances of getting a ticket for it. The cops around here are ridiculous.

Maxgig

iTrader: (5)

You're right, I didn't even think about the police being an issue. The only time I have to deal with them is when I get my one every 4 yrs speeding ticket. If you can afford it get it fixed ASAP.

eyeball187

iTrader: (1)

Do you guys know of a place you can order a windshield online? I live in a somewhat small town of about 30k people. If I went anywhere around here they will for charge me 400-500 bucks for the install.

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

Don't go to a shop. Call the mobile services. Safelite comes to mind.

ranmas2004

iTrader: (2)

yes...they will come to you.

EuroDriver

iTrader: (21)

What you've hear is right: If it's a crack, it's not fixable. Only chips can be fixed because they just fill in the round "hole" since a round chip cannot get bigger, but it's impossible to keep a crack from spreading. The reason it's illegal to drive with a cracked widshield is that, as mentioned before, the integrity is compromised. With a crack, the widshield loses it's strength and if it's struck with another object (rock, etc)., it can shatter (not to smitherines like tempered glass, since automotive windshields have a rubber layer in the middle but having it suddently spider web on you can definitely cause an accident). Some of my friends have even had their widshield completely spider-web when they turn on the heater, defroster, a/c or even when spraying washer fluid on a cold morning.

I don't know where you are located but in So Cal, I had the windshield on my E32 (that the dealer wanted well over $1K for) replaced for less than $150 with installation.

mr_jon

This reminds me of the time I was messing around on my friends 96 altima and me knee went through the windshield lol, dont ask me how lol, I ended up paying him for the windshield to be installed and replaced and it came out a little under $200, I was so relieved, I thought it was going to cost a lot more, especially because of the installation.