winshield crack

[bmwperson]

Hey guys,
I have a scratch on my windshield from my wiper and a small crack from a rock or smth, its really small and doesnt go thru the windshield( its just on the surface ), im was gonna apply aquapel on my windshield but before i do that id like to know what my options are as for fixing the scratch, crack in the windshield? i thought about replacing it but the crack is very small( no leaks, nothing) just bothers me.

Thanks

 

[rogelio]

I live in Colorado and have gone through quite a few windshields over the last few years, mainly due to sand during the winter, which never seems to disappear even during summer. I had a small spider crack, called my insurance company, and they had me contact an auto glass company. They came out, and did some sort of seal on the crack. This, according to both the insurance company and the glass company, will prevent or delay the crack from getting larger. There was no cost to me; the insurance company gladly covered the cost since it was considerably less than the replacement cost. The key is to get it fixed early, and with winter coming on, you might want to do it now.

 

[skandalous]

Front windsheilds are made of laminated glass. This means that it's pretty much 2 pieces of glass with a thin plastic layer inbetween the two. It takes some pretty heavy corrosion to break through the plastic layer if it's just cracked, so dont worry about leaking. In fact, we usually cut it by burning the layer of plastic by dousing some alcohol of there. Over time however, that little crack on the outside panel of glass will run all over the place. It could take a long time, or it cold be overnight, just depends. I recommend to go ahead and call the insurance company and talk to them. They should fix it right up. BTW, if you're wondering, I've grown up around glass my whole life. That's about all I know how to do on cars.

 

[bmwperson]

I have the exact same thing, a little spider crack. I probably would be happyer if that crack was bigger then it would have to replace it. Anyway after the insurance company fixed it, were you still able to see it? and whats this service called?

 

[rogelio]

I agree with skandalous, especially since is grew up in the business. I know from my experience the tinest of cracks will spread all over the place in a heartbeat. In fact, I watched more than one of my windshields spread before my eyes. Mostly when it was cold outside and the heater or defroster was going inside. Anyway, the crack I have is in a corner of the windshield on the passenger side, and is not in any line of site. I had it "patched" or "fixed" (or whatever the terminology was) right after it happened because, just as Skandalous stated, it will run on you. Anyway, call the insurance company to see what they say. I beleive most insurance companies offer the "spider crack" repair, because it may delay them having to pay for a replacement.

 

[bmwperson]

Yes, but id rather have the windshield replaced then fixed, i just dont want to see that spider crack. So my question is, after the insurace fixes my windshield is it still visible?

 

[rogelio]

Barely. Certainly more than no crack at all, but at most it looks like a water spot. I imagine it depends on the size and where it is located. Remember, mine is out of the line of site, so it is hard for me to detect (if the crack was still there, believe me, I would definitely see it). Also, because of where I live and the approaching winter, I would delay a replacement until the end of May to lessen the chances of more cracks. Maybe Skandalous can weigh in on it.

 

[bmwperson]

how much is it to replace the whole windshield?

 

[carcus]

Hey guys,
I have a scratch on my windshield from my wiper and a small crack from a rock or smth, its really small and doesnt go thru the windshield( its just on the surface ), im was gonna apply aquapel on my windshield but before i do that id like to know what my options are as for fixing the scratch, crack in the windshield? i thought about replacing it but the crack is very small( no leaks, nothing) just bothers me.

Thanks

Most glass shops fix those pretty cheap....call around before it gets worse.

 

[drako]

most insurance companies are required to fix the winshield if it is broken at no cost to you. so call the insurance company and see if they fix it if it is broken. dont tell them that it is only cracked a little. if they do replace it if it is smashed or broken, which most do, then tell them it is smashed. And go out front and take a brock to it or some other way to break it. just an idea. but befor you break your window make sure that they do replace them fo free. i would not want you to have a broken window that you are going to have to pay for at my word.

 

[mikev]

Front windsheilds are made of laminated glass. This means that it's pretty much 2 pieces of glass with a thin plastic layer inbetween the two. It takes some pretty heavy corrosion to break through the plastic layer if it's just cracked, so dont worry about leaking. In fact, we usually cut it by burning the layer of plastic by dousing some alcohol of there.

Aww so you mean if i HAPPEN to be drinking a bottle of wiskey on the hood and spill some on my crack it'll melt

 

[rogelio]

Check with your insurance company. Mine requires a $100 deductible for replacement. Each policy/company is different, so you need to contact them.