Windshield Crack/Chip Repair

[Fried_Chicken]

I have several small chips on the windshields of several of my cars, including in a glass headlight.

Is there an elegant way of fixing them?
Do products like this (http://www.amazon.com/Rain-X-600001-Windshield-Repair-Kit/dp/B00IPS4APU/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1441134055&sr=1-2&keywords=windshield+chip) work?

[ELCID86]

My insurance company (USAA) covers repairs. They use Safelite.

[yura]

I have several small chips on the windshields of several of my cars, including in a glass headlight.

Is there an elegant way of fixing them?
Do products like this (http://www.amazon.com/Rain-X-600001-Windshield-Repair-Kit/dp/B00IPS4APU/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1441134055&sr=1-2&keywords=windshield+chip) work?

"Repairs all types of laminated windshields"

What is a laminated windshield? Does that apply to ZHPs?

"Minimizes the appearance of chips and cracks and stops them from spreading"

Sounds like the chip will still be visible after this repair. Not what I would be happy with.

Personally, I'd replace the windshield. The insurance around here does windshield claims for a $200 deductible with no premium hits - I've used this a few times on different cars.

[az3579]

"Repairs all types of laminated windshields"

What is a laminated windshield? Does that apply to ZHPs?

"Minimizes the appearance of chips and cracks and stops them from spreading"

Sounds like the chip will still be visible after this repair. Not what I would be happy with.

Personally, I'd replace the windshield. The insurance around here does windshield claims for a $200 deductible with no premium hits - I've used this a few times on different cars.

I have zero glass deductible so I'd replace it as well, though they will ask how big the chip is. They won't replace it if it's too small and can be "fixed", unfortunately.

If it's right in your line of sight, then they probably will allow a replacement. The chips are still visible after repair, just not nearly as much.

[Fried_Chicken]

Unfortunately our insurance has a $500 deductible, and they will use any aftermarket windshield rather than an OEM BMW windshield.
Same for the mercedes, and that definitely needs an OEM windshield.

[az3579]

Unfortunately our insurance has a $500 deductible, and they will use any aftermarket windshield rather than an OEM BMW windshield.
Same for the mercedes, and that definitely needs an OEM windshield.

Well if you have a $500 deductible, then you might as well demand an OE windshield since you'd be paying for it. An OE windshield is only like $150 more installed... depending on where you live. It's very expensive here in the Northeast.

FCP has the OE windshield for $280 (not sure what shipping is). Pay someone to install it and you're good to go. If you do end up replacing the windshield then make sure to find someone that will warranty their work if you provide the glass.

[Fried_Chicken]

Well if you have a $500 deductible, then you might as well demand an OE windshield since you'd be paying for it. An OE windshield is only like $150 more installed... depending on where you live. It's very expensive here in the Northeast.

FCP has the OE windshield for $280 (not sure what shipping is). Pay someone to install it and you're good to go. If you do end up replacing the windshield then make sure to find someone that will warranty their work if you provide the glass.

Where are you seeing the windshield for $280?
I only see this one (https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-green-windshield-51318196154) that shows up as unavailable.

[danewilson77]

My insurance company (USAA) covers repairs. They use Safelite.
Yes. Repairs, but not window replacement.

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[az3579]

Where are you seeing the windshield for $280?
I only see this one (https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-green-windshield-51318196154) that shows up as unavailable.
Looks like it's a different part number now, which is even cheaper!

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-green-windshield-shade-band-rain-sensor-51317059706

sent from my Droid Turbo

[danewilson77]

So I can have it shipped to my place then have Safelite install?

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[fredo]

That should be ok. But very likely, Safelite will provide no warranty on the installation since you provided the windshield.

At least that's what my Indy tells me when I bring my own OEM parts.

[az3579]

So I can have it shipped to my place then have Safelite install?

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In theory. I don't see why not, other than... (see below)


That should be ok. But very likely, Safelite will provide no warranty on the installation since you provided the windshield.

At least that's what my Indy tells me when I bring my own OEM parts.

I have verified this. Safelite will not warranty the glass or the labor if you provide the glass and don't purchase through them.
I do think there are some local glass shops that will warranty the labor if anything, but I don't think any national chain would do that.
The vast majority of installs are uneventful with regards to glass cracking, but there's always a chance.

[BavarianZHP]

I live in Washington, where there is no full insurance coverage for windshields without high deductibles... However, I've fixed about 4 chips in various cars (brothers, dads, and unfortuantely my own just recently) using off the shelf repair kits like the ones from Oreilly:

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/PER9/16067/N0397.oap?ck=Search_N0397_-1_-1&pt=N0397&ppt=C2392

Just follow the directions - I've even been able to fixed cracks that they do not recommend the kit on! Keep in mind these are relatively small chips and cracks. Not the ones that span a long length of windshield. Can't hurt for $10.

Tips:

1) While you have the plunger up and are applying vacuum to get rid of the bubbles, tap the glass vigorously.
2) After setting it, move your car from the shade into direct sunlight (UV cures it)

Of course do it ASAP. I did mine the same day on a spider crack and you can't even tell it's there!