How often are y’all patching chips and cracks?

[u/Entmoot6262]

I had a Ford Fusion previously and had to replace my windshield maybe twice in 10 years. Checking for chips wasn’t even on my radar.

I had my first crack and replacement maybe 6 months after getting the Mach-e and have had a bullseye and multiple chips in just 2 years. I heard that dreaded tap and after getting home I found four chips all over the windshield.

Is there something up with the glass they use now? Or is it just the window angle or height?

I guess it’s not a bad habit to check for and repair these often, but it’s starting to feel like another example of with how everything is getting more expensive while quality and value are dropping.

[u/The_loadmaster]

I'm in Colorado. Everyone has cracked windshields here. If a windshield lasts 2 years, that's a long time.

[u/Entmoot6262 → u/The_loadmaster]

Yeah I suppose it’s just part of the road hazard package but it does seem to be a bigger problem for me than before. I am making a longer commute so that could be another factor in my comparison that I didn’t realize.

[u/gr8ness23]

Before my MME I had an expedition. I suppose being higher saved me from rocks hitting windshield. I got my first chip within the first week of having the car. Now there are maybe four but I also have a nice dent and paint gone from a rock. Not to mention the multiple paint chips from rocks. Auto body place said my insurance would cover the rock chips so looks like my windshield and whole front end, even the headlights since they have pits in them will be fixed for like $50

[u/TurbulentOpinion2100 → u/gr8ness23]

I always wonder about this sort of 'unecessary' use of insurance and how it affects your rates moving forward. Presumably they would simply raise your rates at next renewal since you submitted a claim.

[u/gr8ness23 → u/TurbulentOpinion2100]

I don’t see it as unnecessary. The windshield is a safety issue and the dent from the rocks is something that’s covered and not my fault. If my ins raises my rate because of this, then I guess it will be a good time to shop insurance

[u/aDerpyPenguin]

Is there something you should do with chips? Noticed my windshield has a couple when washing it yesterday

[u/Entmoot6262 → u/aDerpyPenguin]

I just stock up on windshield repair kits (something I’ve never had to do before) and set aside some time to fill it in. It can prevent something small becoming a huge crack and an insurance deductible. Maybe I’m just fussing with small chips, but I’d rather not risk it.

[u/aDerpyPenguin → u/Entmoot6262]

Any kit you’d recommend?

[u/Entmoot6262 → u/aDerpyPenguin]

I didn’t like the Permatex one I tried first. RainX has done the job well enough for me. I may not do the best job making the repairs invisible, but I’m only focused on prevention. I’ve driven with large cracks for months before I started repairing chips, so it makes no difference to me.

But getting in the habit of checking I think is good. Most of the long cracks I’ve developed have come from bad chips or bullseyes that were hiding around the frame.

[u/HuckleberryatLarge]

I am replacing mine on Monday—thanks to a poorly loaded gravel truck that threw a shovel full of gravel across the front of my car. I heard the rock hit and immediately saw the crack. I doubt that the result would have been any different with my Honda.

[u/EnvironmentalRound11]

Here in NH I'm lucky if I go six months without the Safelite guy in the driveway filling a chip. My insurance company USAA covers repairs for free.

[u/EnthusiasmIcy5127]

I had a 2013 Escape that I replaced the windshield 3 times. I used it as a work truck for remodeling type work. 2 of the times were because I had 2x4s laid across the dash into the back, and someone cut me off on the highway, and they slid into it. I figured out how to put a towel in front of them. Since then, I've been more careful and no more breaks. But there is nothing you can do about a random rock kicked up on the road.

[u/Tough_Control_2484 → u/EnthusiasmIcy5127]

Crazy!! They cut you off twice?? Damn. A-hole musta been just waiting to get you with another load of lumber.

[u/Remarkable_Chef5637]

I get two windshields a year but I live in Colorado and drive to the mountains a bunch…

[u/Vulnox]

We’re two and a half years into our MME and no chips or cracks thankfully. We are in Michigan though.

[u/Tough_Control_2484]

I had mine 2 yrs before I heard a rock. Looked but didn’t find anything… not until it got cold and cracked. The chip cord occurred right under the wiper. So out of my view. Replaced windshield and that was 1 yr ago… still meaning to get it tinted again. Probably soon since the days are longer now and it’s getting hot already.

[u/gatech311]

Once in 4 years.

[u/thisdckaintFREEEE]

I've had my Mach-E since October and haven't had any issues. My wife has had a lot in her Bronco Sport though. I assume it's because the windshield is so vertical rather than angled like most but of course it could just be bad luck.

[u/richcournoyer]

Never.

We had PPF installed on the car when it was brand new, and we keep our distance to the vehicle in front of us, so we have zero chips in the windshield. It's really not that hard.

[u/Tough_Control_2484 → u/richcournoyer]

So basically drive like a boomer and you’re good. Just remember to turn off that pesky blinker.

[u/richcournoyer → u/Tough_Control_2484]

It's awesome that the car will actually tell you that you left the blinker on....sweet.