MPChi

Hi all. Just got a bad rock hit on my MP3's windshield a couple days ago. It had a star-shaped chip at first, but now it evolved into a 6 inch crack. I was looking into some windshield repair/replace info from the old threads but looks like most of you guys have it replaced rather than repaired by a shop. I am planning to go for the cheaper 'repair' route, but wanted to clear some questions as I haven't done it before.

My question is: Does the glass repair job pretty much remove the chip and the crack(visually) so that the windshield looks almost as good as new, or do they simply use the chemicals/resins to strengthen the damaged area, where the crack and chip stays as is? Base on some info I saw on a couple windshield repairing sites, it gave me an impression that they can get rid of the cracks pretty good. But since they didn't show any before & after pics, I can't really tell. Anyone had theirs done before? If the crack and chip stays, I may need to replace the whole thing instead.

Really appreciate any input.

Thanks.

carguycw

It's closer to the second one. Windshield repair works OK for little chips, but won't do a very good job on large ones. Also, if your chip has spread to a 6" crack, it will probably keep spreading, and windshield repair won't stop it.

However, I wonder why you're even asking this question in the first place. If you have an insurance policy that covers "Damage Other Than Collision", the insurance company will fix the problem, even replace the whole windshield, and it should not cost you more than $100 (depending on your deductible). In fact, many glass repair companies will even file the claim for you. The insurance company should not raise your rates or cancel your policy for this type of claim. Talk to them before doing some cheap half-assed attempted fix.

biggyshake

for safety reasons, i would NEVER EVER get a windshiled "repaired." The crack may be gone but the structural integrity of the glass is too. Play it safe and just get a whole new windshield put in there.

firefly

You can get it repair when there's only a star crack. Now it's too late as a reputable glass repair shop will tell you they can't/won't do a good job.

If you decide to replace the windshield demand an OE glass from Japan. I find that Japanese glass might have some sort of coating so dirt and oil film doesn't stick to the windshield. If you get an aftermarket windshield you'll notice how dirty/oily it gets when it rains.

Speedster

I had a pretty bad chip / star. Decided to get my fixed for the reason that I didn't want the "Glass Experts" replacing my windshield on a brand new car. Having a new windshield sounds nice, but removing the old one involves a lot of "scraping and cleaning" of the damaged glass before installing the new one. I figured that by the time they're done, I'll have a brand new windshield that leaks whenever it rains and whistles whenever I move.

To the point. As you can see I'm against replacing windshields, unless I really have to. In my case, the chip was pretty bad, and the repair wasn't all that successfull at covering it up completely. I can still see the repair, but at least it's not spreading anymore.

Another point. If it already spread like you say it did, I don't think they will even attempt to fix it.

good luck

SEA_P5

If the chip was smaller then a dime, then I would suggest getting it patched. Considering that it is now a six inch crack...It might be better to replace the whole windshield. Reasoning being is that with the weather and the glass contracting and expanding...whatever fix they put on the crack, it will keep on spreading...I estimate 4 months before the crack reaches both sides of the windshield.

Bankrup3000GT

I fix and install windshields for a living and if the crack is now 6in or more there is not much that you can do except get it replaced. but make sure that you go to a place with a good reputation and that will warrentie there work. make sure that they can give you a life time warrentie that it wont leak.

mp3_559

I have the same problem however mine is still just a star been there for a good 2 months now i guess when i get unlazy and call the insurance company they fix it for free so many times a year..