I finally got my first windshield crack/chip from the freeway I keep all my cars in showroom condition, this is first time I experienced a crack windshield.

Even though it's a small crack its still noticable and I feel I will need to replace soon because the small crack often leads to bigger crack on windshield.

In the mean time, I thought I'd like to know from you guys if there is another solution to fix a "small crack/chip" without replacing entire windshield?

 

here in Massachusetts, comprehensive covers windshield replacement with no deductilbe....still, I chose to have a windshield repair place repair the large chip rather than replace the windshield...they drill into the chip and inject some sort of resin and cure it with UV,.....all in your driveway.....greatly minimizes how noticable the chip is and supposedly makes it less likely for the crack to spread...I chose to repair the chip rather than replace the entire windshield as it seemed like it would be less trauma for my car

 

Sounds like your windshield came out looking like new. I prefer to repair the crack vs. replacing complete windshield as well.

I'll call windshield company tomorrow to find out how much to repair.

Thanks!

 

+1 I did this just prior to AMVIV. They did a fantastic job, and if I remember right it cost me in the neighborhood of $45.

Testimony to how good the fix can be: I participated in the Phil Wicks track day at AMVIV. There is a "no chips/cracks" clause in the participation checklist. I was worried. But, the fix was so good, someone would have had to hunt for the faint outline of the original chip. Passed pre track day inspection with flying colors.

 

Tig - Thanks for the assurance of quality of repair. I'm certain quality glass shops will do an equal job if not, maybe even better.

Man, now I feel better this can be done without the cost of replacing entire windshield.

Thanks guys!

 

[quote=JT MINI;1585211]I finally got my first windshield crack/chip from the freeway I keep all my cars in showroom condition, this is first time I experienced a crack windshield.

At least it was the windshield about 2 months ago I was getting ready to pass an 18-wheeler (I hate being around them) so I sped up to about 80MPH to pass him then BOOOOM!!!!!! I pull over look at my roof and it's chipped about the size of the Mini emblem on a Mini Cooper key .

 

I'm on my third chip repair. I called the company and they came out the same day each time. The chip must fit behind a quarter if you lay it on the windshield. They guy that came out pulled one out of his pocket and checked it before he started. I believe it cost about $40 plus tip each time. Good luck!

 

My insurance company (USAA) told me that they would waive the deductable for a chip repair if done by Safelite. FWIW

 

If you can get it fixed without replacing the windshield, do it!! Replacing windshieds can cause problems with leaks, moldings not fitting as well, and pieces flying off at interstate speed! Speaking from experience here, I'm on my fourth windshield.....

 

What the heck are these windshileds made out of???? Mica??? I thought the problem was the near vertical plane of the pre-R56 windshields. Well, last week I was driving on I-95 north of Baltimore, where the surface was stripped. I could hear sand-like debris hitting the windshield. Well, one piece, which was too small to see, put a chip in the windshield. It is a very tiny chip, not in a line of sight. I used one of those kits to repair it. Still visible, but only slightly. I hope it doesn't grow.

 

The MINI windshields are so fragile. I think it's their angle. I've had my MINI for 9 months, and I'm on windshield #3. Interestingly, it's not the tracker trailer trucks that cause me grief, it's 4x4 type pick up trucks with no mud guards (or whatever those things are called) that have cost me 2 of the 3 windshields.

I'm paying $265 each for the rain sensor windshield, and that's a "special" rate for members of our MINI club since collectively we give the guy so much business.

The dealer quoted me $439

If it's a crack, I replace the windshield. If it's a chip that meets the "quarter test", I just get that repaired.

 

When you can, have the windshield replaced with one made by PPG. Far superior glass.

We were part of the Honda Element windshield settlement, now on our fourth windshield. The first three (including the original factory glass) would crack at the mere sight of a small pebble. This fourth one is PPG Glass, and has four chips in it, and no cracks.

 

I have a write up on this

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...light=bullseye

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