Hi all

Thanks to my new highway commute, I've got my first "major" windshield crack. Looks like it split nearly all the way through, but I'm no expert.
Could anyone advise me as to whether this warrants:
1) leaving it be until it gets worse
2) using some kind of product on it (i recall someone gluing a windshield long ago, i don't know if it worked or was snake oil)
3) replacement

if 2 or 3, please recommend product or service center (got my mini from hassel on LI, but if you recommend an independent shop in the greater NYC area, i'm all ears), and what I should be looking to spend. Stock or aftermarket? I've read a few windshield threads here, but they're all old, and i'm wondering if things have changed since 2006ish.

What really stinks is i wasn't even close to anyone. I have no idea where it came from.

thanks
Eric

 

A $15 windshield repair kit at the McParts store may be able to fix that.....unless you have zero deductible comprehensive insurance and just want to go ahead and get it replaced. If you decide to repair it you want to do it sooner than later, so it does not spread and turn into a crack that you can't repair.

 

safelite will come to your home or office and do an epoxy repair in about 15 minutes

many insurance companies willl cover this at no cost, what ever your deductible as it costs so much less than full replacement.

similar to the DIY but you don't need to worry about spilling the glue!

The mark will not disappear, but it will be sealed to prevent water from getting in there (which when it freezes causes more cracking)

 

I've done self repairs on a chip like that with an Autozone kit, and I've also filled in a 1 1/2 foot long crack with a similar kit. The crack has not spread in several years, including dozens of runs of the Dragon. If the sealant can hold the crack from spreading there, it can hold it anywhere. The chip is hardly visible.

 

+1

This is what I would do. If that spot was in my field of vision I'd replace the windshield.

 

Okay, for some reason, instant notify by email isn't working for me. Will have to look into that.

Thanks for all the responses. I emailed my insurance company, and turns out i was really clever and had full glass added to my policy years ago. Turns out my original thought was that if the back window on my cabrio was to break, i'd be really boned, as i've been told they have to replace the entire top.

So i'll have the ins. company decide to replace or repair it to prevent propagation. I hadn't thought of what would happen if a tiny bit of water got in and froze, I should put some tape on there before it snows AGAIN

Fortunately, the crack is in the line of site.. of the passenger. So i can live with it for now at least.

Oh, and for the record, my dealer said a new windshield was over 400 parts and over 800 labor!

 

Do not even think of going to a stealership for glass. Its a rip off and almost all of them outsource the job to a local glass company for 350.00 total.

I called a local body shop that repairs Minis and asked who they used for glasswork. I got the name of a local glass shop they use and they came to my house and replaced my windshield w/ rain sensor for just over 300.00. (Lifetime warranty on work included).

The glass they used was Pilkington glass....same stock glass we have in our other car a 2010 Lexus RX 350.

If you do replace your windshield DO NOT USE SAFELIGHT AUTOGLASS. It is crap glass and workmanship....that from 2 different shops.

 

Is the manuf. of the glass stamped on the part, or do you have to ask and trust?

I'm guessing that the insurance company is going to want to patch it, at least at first, which might be fine if done well.

 

I'm having mine done next week. Using Guardian glass and a friend owns the glass shop. He ordered the "top seal/moulding" and was a total of $200 parts and labor, and I know he is making some..nothing is ever free. I said I would remove and reinstall the A-pillars. They came off fine and will go back on.
He did the same on my 911 2 years ago for slightly more, and the work was superb and the glass is great.
New front glass makes it feel like a new car....
My Mini glass has one bullseye, but the thing is pitted horribly...needs it BAD!
Brian

 

I also got my mini at hassel -

I went to Presby's Auto Glass in Valley Stream NY a couple weekends ago to have my windshield replaced with a Pilkington (PPG) windshield. They did a good job. It cost me $300 - I didn't have glass coverage in my inusrance, but I do now!

No issues with the A pillar covers getting cracked during the install, and they haven't fallen off (yet?) even with all the cold/rain/snow we have been experiencing.

 

Also, if you have rain sensitive wipers, make sure they use the correct glass.

 

Hi! I am looking to have my windshield replaced on my 07 and have the rain sensitive wipers. WOuld you highly recommend the place in Valley Stream? I work in New Hyde Park so could probably get there. I am now reading about all sorts of horror stories about damage to the car while replacing the windshield. I just called Safelight and they gave me some bull story about how their glass is identical to the PPG class. Help! I don't even know the right questions to ask!

Thanks much!

Laura

 

Aside from the large crack that sure is a lot of pitting.

 

I've had SafeLite put 'their' glass in several cars over the years - Audi, VW, Miata, Honda and GEN1 MINI and have never had a complaint about the quality of the glass.

 

I've had some SafeLite glass too (a VW windscreen and a passenger front window on the MINI), and was happy both times. I think the skill and care of the employees at each individual shop counts for a lot, so ask around your area and get recommendations. I mainly use SafeLite since they are 3 blocks from my loft so I can drop the car off and walk home.