dealing with small crack in windshield

[prr]

Sure enough, a few days after replacing my windshield, I got behind a truck and got a crack. Now the folks who replaced the windshield say that they can apply a resin to the crack to keep it from spreading.

Thing is, they want 70 bucks (they charged 190 to insert the windshield to begin with) to do it. They say that since the crack is small (smaller than a quarter's diameter) that it can work. Obviously right now its not a major problem (it sits low, not in my line of sight), but if it starts spreading I'll most likely have to replace teh windshield again.

My question is--what are the chances of this stopping the crack from spreading? Its a gamble here---I pay 70 now, in the hope that this will work, and save me 190 later on. If it won't work, I'd rather just see how big the crack will get, and then replace the windshield, than pay now, AND pay later as well.

[Murr1525]

Re: dealing with small crack in windshield

Does auto insurance cover that sort of thing sometimes?

[prr]

Re: dealing with small crack in windshield

Even if it did, my deductible is either 500 or 1,000.

[Joe Dragon]

Re: dealing with small crack in windshield

Check other windshield shops. The crack repair is simple; my shop does it for a few bucks to attract referrals from customers. Get it done though, the crack will get longer without the repair.

[Andy M.]

Re: dealing with small crack in windshield

Murr, I believe you are correct, regardless of deductible. They will pay for the small repair, but if you need to get the windshield replaced that is when the deductible will come into play. At least that is the way mine works. I have seen this kind of repair work so I think it is worth a shot. Also a good idea to call your insurance, either way it never hurts to ask.

[prr]

Re: dealing with small crack in windshield

OK I suppose it wouldn't hurt to call my ins co.

New question: I'm getting a lot of quotes. Some are in teh $30-35 range, others in the $50-70 range.

I just asked a guy who wants 60 what the chances are of this getting fixed (as in, making sure it won't spread), and he said he's been doing windshields for 11 years, and if the resin is applied right, he's never seen it not work.

Now this is making me think that it might be worth my while to pay 60-70, just to make sure its done right.

How difficult is this procedure? Is it something that is easy to do incorrectly (meaning I could be giving away 30-35 bucks by trying to save money, and having it done wrong)?

[prr]

Re: dealing with small crack in windshield

Check other windshield shops. The crack repair is simple; my shop does it for a few bucks to attract referrals from customers. Get it done though, the crack will get longer without the repair.

I can wait till the weekend to get this, can't I? I mean, the crack won't start spreading this soon, will it? Honestly its been so long since I last had a cracked windshield I forgot how quickly it spread.

[Andy M.]

Re: dealing with small crack in windshield

Not sure where you live but this is who I used the last time I had my windshield replaced. They were on time and came to where I work to do the repair. No issues with it after that.

http://www.safelite.com/

[prr]

Re: dealing with small crack in windshield

Alright, made an appt with the folks who installed it. They were recommended by my (trusted) mechanic, so I'll just go with them.

Thanks everyone for replying.

[mis3]

Re: dealing with small crack in windshield

Less than the size of a quarter is not exactly small. Another consideration is would it show after the repair? I repaired a few stone chips before and I would see small white dots afterward.

One time I had a stone chip on the highway and in a matter of 50 km, it grew into a crack which extended half the windshield. When it started to crack, I called my friend to get me the number of a auto-glass repair store in the next town. I called and made the arrangement but unfortunately, by the time I arrived, it was too late for the repair. One thing I don't understand was the crack grew and grew rapidly to about 10 inches and somehow it stopped. It did not grow anymore for 2-3 weeks and the windshield was finally replaced.

Your price of a new windshield is not that expensive. I paid $570 last time to replace my windshield with OE parts. If your repair cost is almost half and if the end result is not "perfect", you may want to take the chance.

I know a stone chip may or may not grow into a crack. I am not sure about cracks.

[BillE]

Re: dealing with small crack in windshield

Just to add...back in '04 the wifes car picked up a smallish crack in her windshield. "They" did the resin trick and it lasted until last year when a pheasant tried to join me in driving. So in a lot of situations this 'trick' does work.

Also, we have a large deductible but the insurance company waived it for the resin job.

Bill

[SEAYUH2]

Re: dealing with small crack in windshield

My question is--what are the chances of this stopping the crack from spreading? Its a gamble here---I pay 70 now, in the hope that this will work, and save me 190 later on. If it won't work, I'd rather just see how big the crack will get, and then replace the windshield, than pay now, AND pay later as well.

Windshield repair or replacement depends on the size, location and severity of the damage. The majority of windshield repair shops can repair quarter-sized rock chips and cracks up to three inches long. Anything bigger and most places will recommend replacement.

However, some facilities use a special technique that allows them to repair cracks up to 12 inches long. So it pays to check around before committing to a new windshield.

Location of the damage also plays an important role in determining your windshield's fate. Cracks at the edge of the windshield tend to spread very quickly and can compromise the structural integrity of the glass. If they're caught in time, they can be repaired. But in most cases, it's usually advisable to replace the windshield.

Also be aware that some facilities may not repair a chip that appears directly in the driver's line of vision. Because the repair process leaves minor distortions in the glass, some shops prefer to replace the windshield rather than compromise the driver's vision.

Regardless of the size and location of a chip or crack, it's always advisable to have it repaired quickly. If you wait some time to repair it, dirt can work its way into the damaged area, affecting the effectiveness and clarity of the repair.

Finally, bear in mind that if your windshield took a big enough hit, it may simply be beyond saving. Major impacts (BIG objects) or accident damage go beyond what any repair facility can fix. In these severe cases, replacement is a must.

The cost to repair a windshield is pretty standard across the country. MSN Autos surveyed windshield repair facilities across the country and found that costs are fairly consistent. Repairing a single rock chip costs around $40-$50 for the first chip, then usually $10 extra for each additional chip.

The cost to repair most cracks is about the same. However, if the crack is longer than three inches, it may require special treatment. Long-crack specialist Novus typically charges about $70 to repair a six- to twelve-inch windshield crack.

Good Luck

[mis3]

Re: dealing with small crack in windshield

Location of the damage also plays an important role in determining your windshield's fate. Cracks at the edge of the windshield tend to spread very quickly and can compromise the structural integrity of the glass. If they're caught in time, they can be repaired. But in most cases, it's usually advisable to replace the windshield.

Agreed. The chip I mentioned earlier was located about an inch near the edge (left). I was going about 150 KMH to get to the auto-glass store but it was too late.