Windshield crack!

[alxy]

Was traveling on the highway, overtaking a lorry when suddenly.... CRACK! A stone must have fallen off the lorry or whatever. I've had this happen a few times before, but usually end up with small stone chip mark on the windshield. This time, it struck just on the edge of the windshield which is where I guess the pressure is highest. So now I have a very visible hairline crack about 6 inches long Anyway, wondering if anyone knows what I can do about this. Specifically:

• Any way to totally remove the crack so that it is no longer visible, or at least reduced visibility?
• If not, then at least any way to put something on the crack so it doesn't get worse in future, i.e. protect windshield from shattering?
• Worst case, how much will a new screen cost?

Thanks!

 

[Shiroutsuri]

Alxy,
It happen to me once, a pebble hit the windscreen while driving on the NS highway, resulting in a 6in crack. The following day, it looks like a spider web on the windsreen. I guess I was lucky I was not driving the car. What I'm trying to say is don't take it lightly cause it may cause you your life if it shatters while you are driving on the highway. Best option is to have it replaced. If you travel alot on the highway, have the windscreen insured. Just my 2 cents.

 

[ehoe]

Thats why insurance coverage for windscreen is always recommended. If you have that then suggest you get the windscreen replaced for safety under insurance.

If not there are windscreen repair shops that can patch up the crack and return the glass to approx 70 - 90% original depending on the severity of the crack. However you must do this immediately to avoid dust, dirt, water, etc entering the crack. Best is to place a strip of sticky tape over the crack in the meantime.

But as mentioned earlier, the safest approach is still to have the entire windscreen replaced.

 

[owen]

Should replace.

Your car is still on 1st year insurance, iirc, windscreen is always part of the package. Windscreen is insured up to 5k so it's around that price.

 

[gracetcp]

Was traveling on the highway, overtaking a lorry when suddenly.... CRACK! A stone must have fallen off the lorry or whatever. I've had this happen a few times before, but usually end up with small stone chip mark on the windshield. This time, it struck just on the edge of the windshield which is where I guess the pressure is highest. So now I have a very visible hairline crack about 6 inches long

Anyway, wondering if anyone knows what I can do about this. Specifically:

1. Any way to totally remove the crack so that it is no longer visible, or at least reduced visibility?
2. If not, then at least any way to put something on the crack so it doesn't get worse in future, i.e. protect windshield from shattering?
3. Worst case, how much will a new screen cost?

Thanks!

I had a 6 inches crack coz kena batu and the crack spreaded to 10 inches. I had it 'tampal' for RM200+ within 1.5 hours at a windscreen specialist shop called Dr. Cermin Enterprise / Sam Yong near Tesco Puchong. I don't have the number now but am sure you can google for their contact #. Good luck.

 

[alxy]

Looked it up on the net and found a shop near SS2/S17. Mechanix Windshield Repair or something like that. Quite nice chap. Crack was measured at 13"! (It grew about 2" since last night)

Anyway, it's done now. Still visible from certain angles but better than last night when it was CLEARLY visible from ALL angles!

Thanx for all the advise guys.

 

[jarance]

really envy you. how I wish mine grew 2" overnight..

Have a crack as well. Been there for 3 years now. Never get the chance to replace the screen even though I have insurance to cover the windscreen. Anybody know how to claim the windscreen. Does it affect your insurance NCB?

I have seen one workshop purposely crack the screen and take photo for insurance. The photo is to "justify" the claim...

 

[astroboy]

I guess you people have been lucky that after driving many cars for many years, still dunno how a windshield insurance works and where to find windshield repair man.

Such topics can be very deep and tiring to explain.

My handphone has a windshield repair man contact that make house calls even on holidays and he has patched many lobangs for me d for all my other cars. My BMW still lucky.. touch wood! I am not sure he's the best man around but I no time to shop around and compare quality, meaning I'm not sure he's good enough for u. So if u really need his contact from me, PM me or u can try your luck out there as I am sure they are plenty good ones around.

Meanwhile, what u need to do is:
1. Always use a "salofin" tape to cover crack to prevent contamination.
2. Don't park under hot sun. It will promote the "growth" of the crack.
3. Contact the windshield specialist ASAP.
4. Don't use the car is possible and park it in nice cosy shaded car park.

Windshield insurance? won't affect NCB if u claim but u need to top up as it matures after u claim. Otherwise, can keep claiming within the year, insurance company pokai lo!

I would avoid replacing the windshield because:
1. V-Kool le? Not cheap.
2. When job not right, water will seep in.. messy..
3. removal of windshield will leave behind many scars on the chassis because of scrapping the old rubber/silicon out which will result in rust.

So patch it back is my first priority!

Many way to claim..

A) If u don't have insurance... u do this.... (sensored)
B) If u have insurance, and want to over-claim why? and how?... (sensored)
C) If u have insurance and do not wish to over claim and stick to the bill, just call up your agent and ask for the nearest windshield panel shop, just go there. Kao tim!

 

[kshapawi]

I had mine fixed Glass Dr. at Ara Damansara.. They use resin and some other chemical.

 

[kshapawi]

nice info astroboy...can PM me your contact...hehe

 

[maxkpp]

Two years ago, I had my windshield replaced by the approved insurance panel workshop. No need to pay anything, just fill up all the necessary forms ... and off course ... the police report.

Three years ago I was lazy to do all these, so I let the crack be until I need to sell off the Wira.

~ Five years ago, I use my own money first to replace the windshield and then claim from insurance ... very leceh also.

#$@! You gotta have insurance for your windshield. That reminds me, the windshield coverage for my daily ride is insufficient ... covers only RM700 ... (Protons ~ RM400 only) I have asked around, the cost to replace my car's windshield is RM2.5K ... and the 3M film should be around RM700.

 

[astroboy]

Not to mention V-Kool alone for windshield is RM700 (Retail)!! U can insure it together with your windshield insurance though. So 2.5k + 0.7k = 3.2k, insurance premium (15%) would be RM480 every year. I can buy a lot of resin and UV rays with that..

 

[alxy]

really envy you. how I wish mine grew 2" overnight..

Hmm...wonder what part you meant by "wish mine grew 2" overnight..."

Seriously though, I had taken all the necessary care, i.e. taping up the crack and covering car with cover so to avoid heat and rain. And still crack grew overnight. How I knew exactly how much crack grew is because of the tape.

If I hadn't done all that, might have been worse so all things considered, things went as well as they could.

 

[jarance]

Hmm...wonder what part you meant by "wish mine grew 2" overnight..."

Seriously though, I had taken all the necessary care, i.e. taping up the crack and covering car with cover so to avoid heat and rain. And still crack grew overnight. How I knew exactly how much crack grew is because of the tape.

If I hadn't done all that, might have been worse so all things considered, things went as well as they could.

For a guy, what do you think... :rock:

tapping will not stop the crack but will prevent water or dust from getting into the hairline crack. This will make the repair easier.

when the glass is cracked, it will always keep keep glowing due the crystalline molucular structure of glass. This is similar to cutting glass. You just need a diamond cutter and scratch a line on the surface. By just tapping the glass, you can break the glass into two pieces.

 

[alxy]

Thanks for the info.... something new learned

 

[r37720]

I have changed by rear windscreen. Cost me RM5000+. ..The V-Kool 40 another RM1K. I only insured RM3000. Have to top up. The front windsceen is estimated RM3000.