Windshield chips are NOT to be taken lightly!

[elwesso]

..... unless of course you want a new windshield.

So a couple weeks ago I was washing the windows on my car and noticed I had a TINY rock chip at the base of my windshield (where the wipers are). It was proabbly about the size of the tip of a match.. I know that you can get those tiny chips fixed for relatively cheap and it will prevent the windshield from getting worse....

I figured I wasnt going to be driving the car for a week or so, so I'd just get it fixed in a week or so.. I put a small piece of electrical tape so that water or dirt wouldnt get into it...

Fast forward to this weekend... It was beautiful outside and I was going for a nice drive up to the lake house, but the car was kinda dusty so I decided I'd hose it off real quick before I left. As soon as the water hit the windsheild, CRACK. Now I have a crack going the entire height of the windshield, and I get to buy a new windshield.

[Jesda]

Ewww, that sucks. Whats the quote on new glass?

Also, good reminder to wash my car. With a gold Q, I never see dirt, so I never care to wash it.

[elwesso]

I havent gotten a quote, I dont have time to replace the windshield right now, so I'm probably going to just drive it for the next couple weeks with a crack there. I only have 2 weeks of school left. Only thing that sucks is im probably gonna be taking it to carlisle like that.

[96Qowner]

Wes, I may be wrong, but I think car insurance covers windshields for any reason. It should only cost the deductible.

[phatyak]

Wes,

96Qowner is right. Last time I had a windshield crack, I had it replaced with little or no out of pocket cost. Most insurance does cover the windshield for any reason. The windshield insurance is actually separate from your other insurance and has it's own deductible. I either used this site: http://www.89glass.com or one just like them and they took care of all the paperwork and the insurance claim. They came to my work and replaced it during the day. I got lucky and it wound up not costing my anything because they were having an internet special and the rebate to me was enough to cover the deductible.

Don't drive too long with the windshield like that, it will just keep cracking more and more in different directions. I know because I drove on mine WAY too long before finding out that it wasn't going to cost me anything to have it repaired.

[Rex]

Only thing that sucks is im probably gonna be taking it to carlisle like that.

FYI, There's a chance it won't pass safety/tech inspection and thus you may not be able to autocross it .

[elwesso]

Hmmm. Maybe I'll take it to a glass place this week and see what we can do?

[96Qowner]

Always be careful about cheapo places, though (as usual with a Q). I had an Accord windshield replaced by one of the shops offering a rebate that equals the deductible - wouldn't do it again - poor optical quality, poor workmanship.

Next time I'll pay the full deductible and get decent glass.

[qsiguy]

I brought my Q into work today to get a windshield replaced. I don't have comprehensive insurance so I have to pay cash for it out of pocket. Got quoted $255 but worked them down to $225. They should be here in the next few hours.

I got 3 different quotes @ $254.81, $235, and the $255 from the place I am using but they came down to $225. Also, if they ask for tint color options the blue tint seems to be the cheapest for some reason, and I think it was by quite a bit.

[qsiguy]

Guys out there right now installing my new winshield! Had a "star" crack/chip directly in front of my line of site for over a year. Surprisingly it never spread but at the right angle it was blinding.

[Jesda]

Biggest problem with cheap glass is warping that causes an area to look blurry or bent. A lot of people, unfortunately, don't notice this until its too late to get a refund. Be sure to sit in both seats and thoroughly inspect the optical quality.

[lino]

Sorry to hear about that Wes .

Wes,

96Qowner is right. Last time I had a windshield crack, I had it replaced with little or no out of pocket cost. Most insurance does cover the windshield for any reason. The windshield insurance is actually separate from your other insurance and has it's own deductible.

Be sure to check out the specifics of your policy first.

[qship96]

Wes,google "prescription windsheild",an interesting concept

[elwesso]

Hmm, clear window film that blocks all that stuff, seems like something to look into.

Im definitely going to get a good windshield to put on this thing...

[jamesmost]

had mine replaced like 6 yrs ago

Hmm, clear window film that blocks all that stuff, seems like something to look into.

Im definitely going to get a good windshield to put on this thing...

no problems (ppg-pittsburgh plate glass)

[phatyak]

Always be careful about cheapo places, though (as usual with a Q). I had an Accord windshield replaced by one of the shops offering a rebate that equals the deductible - wouldn't do it again - poor optical quality, poor workmanship.

Next time I'll pay the full deductible and get decent glass.

I agree 100% with avoiding cheap glass. I got to choose between 4 local shops to get the work done. The rebate was from the online store, not the local shop that did the repairs. That local shop got full price for the glass (although they do pay a listing fee to be part of the online website), and I got an exact match on the front windshield of my Toyota Camry (very light tan tint to the glass). Quality install, glass was fine for the next two years before the car was sent to RIP.

Guess it just depends on the companies you deal with as to whether you get a quality product. If you have a glass shop you trust already and are in a position to pay, that is absolutely the best way to go!

Whatever the case, hope it works out for you. I'm shutting up now.

[qsiguy]

Windshield is done and looks great. The glass is Pilkington which I'd heard is very good OEM quality glass.

$231.89 with tax.

[StarPD]

..... unless of course you want a new windshield.

So a couple weeks ago I was washing the windows on my car and noticed I had a TINY rock chip at the base of my windshield (where the wipers are). It was proabbly about the size of the tip of a match.. I know that you can get those tiny chips fixed for relatively cheap and it will prevent the windshield from getting worse....

I figured I wasnt going to be driving the car for a week or so, so I'd just get it fixed in a week or so. I put a small piece of electrical tape so that water or dirt wouldnt get into it...

Fast forward to this weekend... It was beautiful outside and I was going for a nice drive up to the lake house, but the car was kinda dusty so I decided I'd hose it off real quick before I left. As soon as the water hit the windsheild, CRACK. Now I have a crack going the entire height of the windshield, and I get to buy a new windshield.

I work part-time for my son who owns an auto glass company. I call on insurance agents to try to get them to send us their windshield replacement jobs and repairs, so I know a little about auto glass.

First, windshield repair will NOT keep a windshield from cracking. It is a cosmetic repair only.

Second, never try to replace a windshield yourself. That requires extensive knowledge and skill. I recall one member here who wanted to pull a windshield from a wrecked car in a junkyard and install it himself in his Q. Bad idea, and terribly false economy, which probably wouldn't work anyway, and would likely result in the replacement glass cracking eventually and/or leaks.

Many States do not have what is kown as "full glass coverage" at all, and some do have coverage but have a deductible. Here in AZ, we have "full glass coverage" with NO deductible, and surprisingy, it's relatively inexpensive. Be sure to discuss with your agent exactly what coverage you can get, what it will cost, and what the terms are.

If you do get your windshield replaced, NEVER, EVER use those represented by hawkers at car washes, gas stations, or in TV commercials especially the ones that offer free diamonds, steaks, dinners, or other come-ons. They almost always use aftermarket glass, which frequently is of poor optical quality, and frequently doesn't fit properly. See, aftermarket glass manufacturers re-use the dies they that are used to cut the windshield too many times. Each cut removes some of the die. When worn, the glass ends up being cut too small, and results in cracking and/or leaks. OEM glass OTOH, requires that the dies be used only a limited number of times, and is carefully checked for optical distortion. That's why OEM glass costs more than aftermaket glass. Sometimes that distortion is not apparent, but can result in eye strain and even headaches. Don't use the 800 numbers insurance companies use to get your windshield replaced either. They usually use el cheapo glass companies that employ beginning techs and aftermarket glass. Instead, use your insurance AGENT to personally recommend a local glass company that he works with and that he knows uses OEM glass, and has qualified techs. If he refuses to recommend someone, get a different agent that doesn't want to just blow you off and send you to the 800 number. This kind of agent only wants to get his commissions on your insurance and isn't willing to help you like he should. Some of my best agent customers learned the hard way from sending their customers to the 800 number and got too many complaints. After a few instances like this, they use us and our GOOD local competitors in rotation, selecting only 3 to 5 of those companies that take good care of their customers for them. Take advantage of your agent's value of you as a customer, and his personal knowledge of the auto glass business.

Here's some insight on the glass companies who use come-ons. Reputable local glass companies cannot afford to wait 9 to 12 months to get their money. If they bill the insurance company direct, which by law, they can, they wait for their money. So they bill through what is known as a glass network, of which each insurance company has one they use. These networks get the money to the glass companies quickly and without undue delay, but they set the heavily discounted price. They leave enough for the glass company to profit, but not overcharge them or make excessive profits. Because these better local glass companies work through the agents, they almost always use OEM glass and have highly qualified technicians. As an example, most of the "come-on" glass companies use aftermarket glass, and pay beginning techs $7 to $9 per hour, and require them to do 10 jobs per day, including travel time. We and our good competitors use OEM glass and pay our techs a lot more (because we have to in order to get good ones), and require a minimum of 6 jobs per day, with a maximum of 8. As an example, our newest technician hired a year ago makes $26 per hour. That's what it took to get him. Since we work through agents, we absolutely MUST have top technicians. The come-on glass outfits charge the insurance companies full list and inflated labor charges though, and since they make so much money, they can afford to wait to get their bucks. It's not to the benefit of customers though.

Do NOT shop by yourself for windshield replacement based on price. You WILL get what you pay for. Instead, once again, rely on your insurance agent to send you to 2 or 3 to compare prices from

Elwesso, your windshield will likely not just fall out. They're made to not do so. But you could get a citation for having a cracked windshield, illegal in many States. Call your agent, and even if you don't have full glass coverage, ask him to recomend a GOOD local glass company that uses OEM glass and has exerienced technicians. ALL of the good ones will come to your home or business to do the job, so you won't have to worry about getting the car to them and leaving it all day, depending on someone else for transportation to and from their shop.

Anyone in AZ who needs a windshield, PM me and I'll take good care of you.Just be sure to remind me that you're a NICO member so I can be sure to "Red Carpet" you like I do for relatives and friends.

Modified by StarPD at 1:04 PM 4/23/2007
Modified by StarPD at 1:17 PM 4/23/2007

[Jesda]

George, thats awesome info! You rock.

[qsiguy]

.....Anyone in AZ who needs a windshield, PM me and I'll take good care of you.Just be sure to remind me that you're a NICO member so I can be sure to "Red Carpet" you like I do for relatives and friends.

Well, geez George! I just had mine done today. Wish I would have known that.

Shane

[StarPD]

George, thats awesome info! You rock.

Thank you Jesda. I try to repay fellow members for their help if and when I can by posting things I know about and learn (usually the hard way).

I hope what I posted save sothers problems in the future.
Modified by StarPD at 2:14 PM 4/23/2007

[StarPD]

Well, geez George! I just had mine done today. Wish I would have known that.

Shane

I hope you got it done by one of our reputable competitors. There ARE some in Phoenix, but one has to be careful about choosing which one. That's why I suggested relying on your insurance agent, even if you don't have full glass coverage.

My company BTW is "Universal Auto Glass".

If I can help anyone else though, let me know.

[qsiguy]

Ever heard of Auto Glass Direct?

[elwesso]

George you rock! thanks a million man....

Question- I wont be driving the car for 1.5 weeks or so, os the car is gonna have plenty of down time. I dont think we have any glass places around here... Is it as easy as me calling my agent, telling me where to get it replaced, and then I call the place and they come to my house and replace it? I dont need the car so it can sit dormant while the windshield gets replaced.. i'm at school right now but I do have a private residence.. I just dont want a lot of hassle, and mainly i dont have a lot of time to drive around.

The crack is BARELY visible. So much that I tried to take a picture of it, but I couldnt get it to come out because you can only see it at certain angles. If you saw the car you probably wouldnt notice it, youd probably only notice it while sitting in the car.

[92Q45guy]

Ewww, that sucks. Whats the quote on new glass?

Also, good reminder to wash my car. With a gold Q, I never see dirt, so I never care to wash it.

My car is the same color. Even in the winter with all of the salt , It still looks great!

[StarPD]

George you rock! thanks a million man....

Question- I wont be driving the car for 1.5 weeks or so, os the car is gonna have plenty of down time. I dont think we have any glass places around here... Is it as easy as me calling my agent, telling me where to get it replaced, and then I call the place and they come to my house and replace it? I dont need the car so it can sit dormant while the windshield gets replaced.. i'm at school right now but I do have a private residence.. I just dont want a lot of hassle, and mainly i dont have a lot of time to drive around.

The crack is BARELY visible. So much that I tried to take a picture of it, but I couldnt get it to come out because you can only see it at certain angles. If you saw the car you probably wouldnt notice it, youd probably only notice it while sitting in the car.

Yes, most reputable auto glass outfits will come to you and do the replacement at your home or business, unless it's really a LONG distance.It would have to be a pretty good way though. We travel all over the valley here in the Phoenix metro area, which is huge. It's almost 100 miles diagonally across the metro area in one direction, almost 75 in the other, and we go anywhere in it.

Don't worry about downtime. The company you choose will call you and schedule your job at a convenient time for you, either at your home or work/school. You WILL have to be available to verify the work though, so be sure to take that into account when you set the appointment. Another note. Sometimes they get hung up on a job, so times are approximate, not "hard" appintments. Do be sure to quickly go over the car while the tech is there so that if any collateral damage occurs, there's no argument as to how it happened or who did it. Sometimes the repair process does create minor damage to headliners or other associated areas. The glass company is responsible for taking care of any damage, and will usually do so without quarrel. I know that on the rare occasion we encounter that, we step up to the pate without argument or hassle. Any reputable glass company that your agent recommends will do the same. Don't worry though. While it happens occasionally, it's not common, and you shouldn't have any problem. Just protect yourself in front.

Let me know how you make out.

Good luck.

[KwoodTheOne]

I really need to check into the glass coverage thing. Right after buying the new Altima not even 5minutes of driving it home. I had a rock come up and chip the window I called the deaker they sealed it for me for free the next day but eventually I'd like to get it fixed. Maybe for cheaper than my deductible with that coverage. Last month I was driving and a bicyclist shot a rock from his tire, at the rear passenger door of the Altima a Ding about the size of an eraser head, the dealer filled it in with touch up paint and tell me they would have to sand the doors down to get it to match up better. they tell me to wait until i get some more before I pay them a flat rate to do just one. How frustrating I need a thick plastic coating over any vehicle I drive.

[qship96]

the 2002+ altima seems to have very thin steel bodies,as many seem more dinged up than other cars of similar age

[goody90q45]

I got 3 different quotes @ $254.81, $235, and the $255 from the place I am using but they came down to $225. Also, if they ask for tint color options the blue tint seems to be the cheapest for some reason, and I think it was by quite a bit.

For comparison Wes, I got a windshield put in my 90Q last year and it was $200/installed. I also was given 3 price options and chose the middle option since I wasn't keeping the car. I made an appointment for the next day and the glass was waiting. Picked up the Q four hours later.

[Rex]

Wes - this seems article worthy, IMHO.