windshield repair

[dcbrewer]

Has anyone had safelite repair their windshield? Ours got a half dollar size rock crack, and Geico is paying them to repair it. just wondering what to expect, Is it going look like a dead bug on the windshield??

[Mile_High]

Windshield repair is not highly technical, so the repairmen doesn't have to be highly skilled. I've had teenage kids doing it at the car wash do just as well or bad as the safelite store itself. Some are invisible, some not so much. I've only had one windshield ever continue to break after the repair and I've probably get 3-4 a year.

They do give you clear adhesive patches to cover your next chip to keep moisture out until they get there. You just have to remember where you put them 🙂

[jplante4]

The Sahara had four or five when I bought it and Safelite wouldn't repair, just replace. I didn't have any confidence that they could 1. Find a windshield for a 20 year old motor home, or 2. Put a windshield in (that was probably the wrong one) and not have it leak.

So like everything else when the "experts" let me down, I fixed it myself. There are kits and professional glass repair products available online and YouTube videos on the proper technique that will allow you to do the same repair as Safelite. Resin, a resin injection kit, a glass scraper and a UV light is all you need.

I generally distrust any large business that buys a lot of prime time air time for their commercials. Safelite is a good example of this rule.

[doxiemom11]

Moisture in it can make it non-repairable. Make sure you tell them you washed the windshield. A piece of tape over it is a good idea if you can. Keeps dirt and moisture out. Safelite is a reputable nationwide company that many insurance companies work with. My experience with them over 30 years was excellent.

[Mr_Mark1]

Good to hear Dcbrewer!

MM.

[dcbrewer]

They got it fixed, and can hardly see it, and the glass is smooth in that place. Now will see how it holds up.

[garyemunson]

On a Florida trip a couple years ago we had a rock hit and small star crack. We contacted our insurance company and they referred us to Safelite. It was raining non-stop so Safelite referred us to several of their sites along our travel path (they could not fix it in the rain and their shops could not accommodate a class A) It continued to rain for 2 days as we ran East ahead of a cold font. We got to FL and that night the temp dropped to 30 degrees and when we woke up the next morning, the rain had stopped but the crack had run completely across the windshield. We have had Safelite fix small chips and unless you knew where they were and the light was just right, you could not see them.

[Bruce_Brown]

We've had 2 or 3 repairs. One we can see a little but you need to look for it. It was a big hit (about the size of a 50 cent piece) that happened on our way to Yellowstone. We were 1/2 way home before Progressive was able to find someone to fix it. (We called every time we stopped, Progressive was great) That was 9 years ago and it's still holding strong. Since then we've had a few other small ones fixed at the house. You couldn't find those if you were looking for them.

I prefer the repair vs replacement too as the factory windshield doesn't leak or squeak. I'd rather not chance a replacement being as good.

The advice from Mr. Mark is excellent.

[DryCreek]

I make it a point to always travel with a windshield repair kit. I have had excellent results using the Blue Star windshield repair kits for all of our vehicles.
In fact, I had to repair three small chips on the windshield of the used MH we recently purchased. Very easy procedure and the results are comparable to what we see when we've used the professionals in the past.

[Trackrig]

I've had five, maybe six hits on my MH windshield repaired. Can only find one of them when the bright sunlight hits it just right, can't tell where the rest of them were. Definitely cheaper than replacing the windshield.

Bill

[dcbrewer]

Thanks Guys, I will see how it does, hope it works. Geico, said where it was small enough for a dollar bill to cover it, they would try to repair it.

[Passin_Thru]

If it starts to spread, replace the windshield. Glass will just keep cracking. Take it from any truckdriver who's been there.

[sdianel_-acct_c]

Depends on the type of chip or crack. We had an "eyebrow" crack in our windshield and Safelite repaired it, did a great job, but you could still see the crack on the edges. The repair lasted about 2 years and started creeping. We then had the windshield replaced. Insurance (Florida) covered both repair and replacement.

[dcbrewer]

Was on my way back to Kentucky from Florida, I heard it hit but didn't see the place till I cleaned the windshield. So many bugs couldn't see it. Will know tomorrow, that's when he comes to repair it. All washed up and back in the garage now. Will let you know the outcome, just hope its not something to draw my attention, to bug me every time I drive it.

[Mr_Mark1]

If anyone has a 'hit' on the windshield, immediately pull over (safely) and cover the rock hit with tape. You don't want dirt getting in there as that will make the repair more noticeable.

I just had a rock repair done and the only thing I see is the small chip in the windshield where it hit (passenger side near the bottom). The small cracks (2) were completely erased.

Good luck and safe travels,
MM.