Windshield has a small crack, do I need to replace?

[Applegirl2020]

I just can't catch a break y'all. Just last week I got the charge port door cover plate replaced and put on after the nightmare incident in the car wash. Now, as I'm driving into work this morning, a rock or pebble or something smacks into my windshield at 70 mph on the interstate and now there's a small chip and cracks in it. I'm terrified of it spreading and getting worse or affecting anything else. So I guess my question is, is it worth getting it replaced? I've heard the horror stories of the glass panel roof breaking and getting stuck waiting for a replacement for months and months. So, for a small but deep crack/chip, is it worth it? TIA!!

Sponsored

 

[jason330i]

Contact Safelite to see if the chip can be filled. That should prevent it from getting worse.

 

[SprManKalEl]

You definitely want to look into getting this repaired or replaced. This will eventually spread and cause more damage.

 

[bshaw]

If it’s still a small crack, have a company like safelite glue it before the crack spreads any larger.

I hesitate to recommend safelite because the guy spent about 90 seconds doing a sloppy job on my chip. $150 and it looks terrible and didn’t even stop the crack from spreading. If you can find an alternate service provider, start with them instead.

 

[Cm12]

The chip needs to be filled asap if you’re gonna try that route. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but waiting allows the glass to continue to weaken and debris to enter the damaged area. That debris can cause failure of the chip repair.

If your insurance coverage has glass repair, I’d just go that route personally.

 

[MW1515]

I just can't catch a break y'all. Just last week I got the charge port door cover plate replaced and put on after the nightmare incident in the car wash. Now, as I'm driving into work this morning, a rock or pebble or something smacks into my windshield at 70 mph on the interstate and now there's a small chip and cracks in it. I'm terrified of it spreading and getting worse or affecting anything else. So I guess my question is, is it worth getting it replaced? I've heard the horror stories of the glass panel roof breaking and getting stuck waiting for a replacement for months and months. So, for a small but deep crack/chip, is it worth it? TIA!!

Small but deep is perfect for filling. I just had safelite fill a pretty substantial star crack on my windshield. The center and most of the rest are mostly invisible now but the outer edges of the cracks are still a little visible. From my research and what the tech told me before she started I think this was the best I could have hoped for. Safelite did a good job in my case and it was covered 100% with no deductible from insurance. Try to get it done ASAP.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

I just can't catch a break y'all. Just last week I got the charge port door cover plate replaced and put on after the nightmare incident in the car wash. Now, as I'm driving into work this morning, a rock or pebble or something smacks into my windshield at 70 mph on the interstate and now there's a small chip and cracks in it. I'm terrified of it spreading and getting worse or affecting anything else. So I guess my question is, is it worth getting it replaced? I've heard the horror stories of the glass panel roof breaking and getting stuck waiting for a replacement for months and months. So, for a small but deep crack/chip, is it worth it? TIA!!

Hi Laura, I'd be happy to look into your Mach-E's windshield crack on my end. Will you send us a message with your VIN and dealership info? I can look into things on my end.

 

[Mach1E]

Check your insurance. In Florida they replace the windshield for free.

If it’s anywhere near your line of sight, don’t fill it.

 

[21st Century Pony]

The chip needs to be filled asap if you’re gonna try that route. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but waiting allows the glass to continue to weaken and debris to enter the damaged area. That debris can cause failure of the chip repair.

...especially as cold weather approaches. Cold temperatures outside + heated cabin air inside tend to accentuate the different rates of glass expansion, often making these cracks grow radially (ask me how I know this haha). Frankly, I recommend a DIY now at a $10 cost while the weekend days are still warm. It's pretty easy to do.

 

[bshaw]

...especially as cold weather approaches. Cold temperatures outside + heated cabin air inside tend to accentuate the different rates of glass expansion, often making these cracks grow radially (ask me how I know this haha). Frankly, I recommend a DIY now at a $10 cost while the weekend days are still warm. It's pretty easy to do.

Yes to the temp changes making it grow more quickly.

Can you explain more about the diy. I thought there was some specialty equipment required?

 

[hbirring01]

Fill it before it spreads. Its a very easy diy job. You can get kits off amazon or auto part stores. I would NOT recommend safelite. I had a small chip that I asked them to fill and everytime they would cancel 30 minutes after the appointment was supposed to start. Eventually the crack grew to cover my whole windshield. I had to have it replaced. I went with a local shop and they got me in the same day.

 

[21st Century Pony]

Can you explain more about the diy. I thought there was some specialty equipment required?

I suggest seaching online for "how to fix bullseye windshield crack" or something similar. There is a plethora of DIY kits out there. They all work basically the same way.

 

[Flint302]

Chips can be filled--cracks will never stop. Metal cracks can be drill-stopped, but glass cracks will only grow.

Sponsored