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Bad luck with windshields

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Old Jun 21, 2016 | 09:29 PM
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Default Bad luck with windshields

I bought my C7 last year and it sat on the lot with a broken windshield. The dealer installed a new one. I drove the car home and 3 months later I had a rock hit the lower part of the windshield. The crack grew larger and larger and I eventually had it replaced under insurance. Two months after that the same thing happened. The crack started out as a small little nothing and has grown quite large. I have a 20 year old on my insurance but we have a good record. However, I'm nervous about making another claim so soon so I may just live with it until I have to get the car inspected in around 8 months. Anyway, I read that the guys who wrap cars can wrap the windshield with a clear wrap to minimize rock impacts and to avoid cracking. Has anyone heard of anything like that??
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Old Jun 21, 2016 | 09:56 PM
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There has been several post about windshields cracking from the inside first. A friend just had his replaced by the dealer for free.
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Old Jun 21, 2016 | 10:04 PM
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The impact of the rock is obvious so I doubt the dealer would fix it but it won't hurt to ask. In any event I want to protect the new windshield regardless with something like we use on a cell phone screen.

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Old Jun 22, 2016 | 08:52 AM
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I've probably had 10 windshields cracked by flying rocks and replaced over the years, and I've never had my rate increased as a result. Such damage is covered by the "Comprehensive" rider (also covering weather damage, theft, etc.) on auto insurance policies , and my agent has always told me that legitimate Comprehensive claims will never raise your rate unlike the "Collision" rider of a policy.
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Old Jun 22, 2016 | 09:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Foosh
I've probably had 10 windshields cracked by flying rocks and replaced over the years, and I've never had my rate increased as a result. Such damage is covered by the "Comprehensive" rider (also covering weather damage, theft, etc.) on auto insurance policies , and my agent has always told me that legitimate Comprehensive claims will never raise your rate unlike the "Collision" rider of a policy.
What he said.
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Old Jun 22, 2016 | 09:56 AM
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I'd suggest you look into windshield repair vs. replace each time. I've had repairs done every time and the crack does not spread. For the $65 or so it's not worth either risking your insurance co., or bothering them with it. To me, insurance is for really bad and expensive things, not a crack or chip that can be repaired if caught early. jmo
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Old Jun 22, 2016 | 10:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Foosh
I've probably had 10 windshields cracked by flying rocks and replaced over the years, and I've never had my rate increased as a result. Such damage is covered by the "Comprehensive" rider (also covering weather damage, theft, etc.) on auto insurance policies , and my agent has always told me that legitimate Comprehensive claims will never raise your rate unlike the "Collision" rider of a policy.
Wow, someone who has actually had more windshields replaced than me. I thought I held the record with eight. On my current C7 I made it 19 miles away from the dealership (on the day of purchase) before I had my first rock from a big rig blast it. Perhaps I hold the record for distance if not numbers or replacements.

Bill
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Old Jun 22, 2016 | 11:28 AM
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All three of our vehicles has a cracked or chipped windshield. I don't know if the glass is worse, the roads more crowded or in worse condition. I don't remember having a cracked windshield for the first 20 years I was driving.
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Old Jun 22, 2016 | 11:36 AM
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the shop that did my expel....top notch shop here in CT offers
Bray windshield skin...prevents rock chips...
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Old Jun 22, 2016 | 11:48 AM
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I think the windshields aren't the quality they used to be. Just anecdotal on my part, but that seems to be the consensus of most folks. I chipped mine the first day I drove it. Then it gets little nicks in it that are not bad enough to get a repair on. Then the window cracked from the inside on upper left driver side corner that is in process of getting fixed now. It is GM warranty issue because some cars have remnants of welding slag in that area. The first window shipped to the dealer was broke. The second one had a chip in the seal. Now I am waiting for the 3rd one to be delivered to the dealer. Fortunately the crack is out of filed of view and has spread to the edges. You guys might check your windows in that area to see if a crack has started. I'll supply a picture of mine.

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Old Jun 22, 2016 | 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by joemessman
I think the windshields aren't the quality they used to be. Just anecdotal on my part, but that seems to be the consensus of most folks. I chipped mine the first day I drove it. Then it gets little nicks in it that are not bad enough to get a repair on. Then the window cracked from the inside on upper left driver side corner that is in process of getting fixed now. It is GM warranty issue because some cars have remnants of welding slag in that area. The first window shipped to the dealer was broke. The second one had a chip in the seal. Now I am waiting for the 3rd one to be delivered to the dealer. Fortunately the crack is out of filed of view and has spread to the edges. You guys might check your windows in that area to see if a crack has started. I'll supply a picture of mine.
The glass is generally thinner to save weight and cost.
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Old Jun 22, 2016 | 08:39 PM
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Mine is almost identical to joemessman's windshield, and I went through
the same process until the third windshield arrived. I will say the service
department was great and the parts manager was very particular in making
sure the last windshield was perfect. I am happy to report the car looks
perfect again. The glass installer thought the crack might be caused by
pulling on the corner of windshield when exiting the car. Who knows the
real reason, just glad it is OK and GM took care of it.

Last edited by TK02; Jun 22, 2016 at 08:40 PM.
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Old Jun 22, 2016 | 09:28 PM
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This is good advice and I ordered a repair kit. Unfortunately, I waited too long and then the crack grew beyond repair.
Originally Posted by AORoads
I'd suggest you look into windshield repair vs. replace each time. I've had repairs done every time and the crack does not spread. For the $65 or so it's not worth either risking your insurance co., or bothering them with it. To me, insurance is for really bad and expensive things, not a crack or chip that can be repaired if caught early. jmo
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Old Jun 22, 2016 | 09:31 PM
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Originally Posted by blown81bu
the shop that did my expel....top notch shop here in CT offers
Bray windshield skin...prevents rock chips...
I'm very interested in the windshield skin. Do you know anyone who had it done and then had a rock hit the windshield? Is there any problem with visibility. Looking through rain is hard enough. I like the concept if it works and is useable.
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Old Jun 23, 2016 | 11:10 AM
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My 15 Z51 Vert has a curved crack in that same spot that is on the inside. I've been delaying going to the dealer about it because I don't want to deal with any hassle getting it replaced under warranty. Guess I'll have to bite the bullet here soon.

Originally Posted by joemessman
I think the windshields aren't the quality they used to be. Just anecdotal on my part, but that seems to be the consensus of most folks. I chipped mine the first day I drove it. Then it gets little nicks in it that are not bad enough to get a repair on. Then the window cracked from the inside on upper left driver side corner that is in process of getting fixed now. It is GM warranty issue because some cars have remnants of welding slag in that area. The first window shipped to the dealer was broke. The second one had a chip in the seal. Now I am waiting for the 3rd one to be delivered to the dealer. Fortunately the crack is out of filed of view and has spread to the edges. You guys might check your windows in that area to see if a crack has started. I'll supply a picture of mine.
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Old Jun 23, 2016 | 11:34 AM
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Originally Posted by FlaVert
My 15 Z51 Vert has a curved crack in that same spot that is on the inside. I've been delaying going to the dealer about it because I don't want to deal with any hassle getting it replaced under warranty. Guess I'll have to bite the bullet here soon.
Good. Just be sure to mention the welding slag issue. They may not know about it and just replace without eliminating the cause. Welding slag.
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Old Jun 28, 2016 | 07:50 PM
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They finally got in good window today and installed it. I went down there to witness the installation. The guy that installed it seemed to know what he was doing. He examined the area perimeter for welding slag and improper pressure points and didn't find any. He indicated that with these type of double pane windows, that if they are installed in production or a glass repair shop, that they are prone to twist and stress fractures and they should sit for several hours before driving the car. So I will go down tomorrow morning to drive it home. The adhesive sealer will be setup by then fully. And yes, he said they don't make them like they used to.

Last edited by joemessman; Jun 28, 2016 at 07:51 PM.
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Old Jun 29, 2016 | 12:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Foosh
I've probably had 10 windshields cracked by flying rocks and replaced over the years, and I've never had my rate increased as a result. Such damage is covered by the "Comprehensive" rider (also covering weather damage, theft, etc.) on auto insurance policies , and my agent has always told me that legitimate Comprehensive claims will never raise your rate unlike the "Collision" rider of a policy.
That's the way my insurance has always worked - busted windshield is under comprehensive and no rate increases as long as it is a legit claim.
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Old Jun 29, 2016 | 11:41 AM
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I picked up my car from the dealer this morning and finally have a new windshield. Third time is the charm! The install looks perfect and the installer didn't trash the car. Amen.
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Old Jun 29, 2016 | 04:54 PM
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Knock wood I don't many broken windshields. But, I just can't seem to keep a new car very long before I get those nasty little nicks.
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