Help!!! Windshield ding!

[JStang]

I have had my new 2006 Mustang for exactly 17 days. Today, while driving in to work, a rock hit my windshield and left a ding. On the outside of the windshield, there is only a little surface mark. However, between the layers of glass, there is small circular mark (resembles butterfly wings) that is less than the size of a dime in width.

Should I just call a shop like Safelite to come and fix the ding? Will the repair work be noticeable afterwards?

I know this is not exactly a "detailing" question. However, I did read that I should not wash the car until I get the ding repaired.

Thanks for the replies!

[the other pc]

Don't know what can or can't be done with your windshield but it's definitely something for a glass specialist to address. You might also check with your insurance carrier. Some offer total replacement or waive the deductible if you deal with it their recommended way.

They say not to wash it to avoid getting contamination (water, dirt, soap...) in the damaged area. If the car's dirty and you're dying to clean it you could put some waterproof tape over the area to protect it while washing.


PC.

[JStang]

Thanks, PC. I just got off the phone with a couple of glass repair shops. Both shops told me that because the ding is the driver's side, I need to replace the windshield.

This makes me sick! I have only had the car for two weeks! Besides, I wonder how the work will look and if the seals will be like those done at the factory.

ughh!

[Mike Phillips]

On a related note, we were driving our Honda Pilot down the road when a rock hit our windshield and cracked it so badly that we had to have it replaced. Call a local automotive glass company and the next day they came out to our house and replaced our windshield.

Next day, less than 24 hours later, we're driving down the road and another rock hits our windshield, cracks it again, not as bad but too bad to fix.

Chalk one up to Murphy's Law I guess?

[JStang]

That truly stinks, Mike. It appears Mr. Murphy is always present!

I guess I am overreacting since things could be worse. My bigest concern, since I have never had to deal with this issue in 20 years of driving, is whether the replacement will be evident or not. If so, I may be content to live with the ding in the windshield and call it a day!

[bshertzer]

we had safelite replace our expeditions windshield... crack that ran the width of it, just under the windshield wipers.

looked / worked just like the original one. no wind noise, no leaks, nothing out of the ordinary. i think we had to pay $100 deductible though

[scarface_]

Ask around about good shops though first. I had my old z's done at this one place for $200 bucks. Few days later i'm hearin this noise like flapping going down the highway. Pull over, the whole molding was coming off on the top of the windshield.

Mike i know how you feel, i hit this utility truck with my z years ago, no collision so $1400 out of my pocket. Got it back, that nite driving down the road 5 deer pop out in front of me, dodged the smaller ones but the big buck didn't wanna go nowhere. Plowed right into him, more money out of my pocket

[Zet]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
On a related note, we were driving our Honda Pilot down the road when a rock hit our windshield and cracked it so badly that we had to have it replaced. Call a local automotive glass company and the next day they came out to our house and replaced our windshield.

Next day, less than 24 hours later, we're driving down the road and another rock hits our windshield, cracks it again, not as bad but too bad to fix.

Chalk one up to Murphy's Law I guess?

Yeah, like what are the chances for that to happen?

Had my windshield replaced 2 months ago due to a crack, then just last week a rock hit it and cracked it again But reading your story Mike made me feel a lot better

But to add one more to Murphy. The same day that my windshield was cracked again, on the way home my exhaust gave up and broke in two! A bracket had rusted through and the rear part just fell down to the road. Gave me a lot of attention driving through Copenhagen like that

[tguil]

Most glass companies carry several brands of windshield glass. I always insist in the same brand that came with the vehicle. Over the past 45 years I've had lots of windshields replaced. No problems with any replacements.

Tom

[JStang]

Thanks to everyone for their words of wisdom!

From the feedback received, it appears that glass repair shops must never be at a loss for business.

Best Regards