i was on I-5 today on my way to work, I got hit by this pretty good size rock, its about a size of dime. anybody know a good auto glass shop that can fix it for a pretty good price? i checked with some shops, they wanted 300 bucks to replace to whole windshield, but i wanted just try to fix it instead of replace the whole thing.

 

You should immediately use the windshield repair kits sold at autozone or auto supply stores. I used it on my mercedes windshield and it prohibited the crack from spreading out throughout the windshield.

You would need to do this on a sunny day (takes time for the resin to dry and repair the chip) or have a hair dryer or heat gun available for use.

Once the chip starts to crack and make its way down the windshield, you will need to get the windshield replaced (usually covered by warranty if you have comprehensive coverage). But if it is just a chip and hasnt started to crack yet, I would highly advise you to check out autozone or any automotive shop, buy the windshield repair kit and fix it yourself.

Best,

 

Think of it, I'll go buy one tomorrow since I have a tiny ding in my civic.

 

thanks for the advice

 

The glass repair people aren't allowed to patch the windshield if the damage is "in the direct forward view of the driver". That effectively means above the steering wheel in the middle of the windshield.

 

When you are ready to replace, try Seattle Auto Glass. I'd say I average about 2-3 per year.

 

Professional Auto Glass
10560 Aurora Ave N
Seattle, WA 98133
(206) 542-1513

They replaced the windshield on my 330 this summer w/ OEM glass and you'd never know it wasn't the original one. Top notch.

 

John, you replace 2 or 3 windshields per year? Are you pissing people off?

 

No, no no! Do not pay for windshield repair, unless, as said, it's in the direct view of the driver or is bigger than a US quarter (=0.95 Canadian quarter ? )

Go to any reputable glass repair shop (like Novus, Eastside Mobile Autoglass etc) and:
1) go there, have them fix it in 20 minutes for free;
2) have them come to your home/office/bar/whatever, have them fix it for free.

The trick is that your insurance company would rather pay them $60 than replace the whole windshield @$300. Done it about 6 times. 15 minutes on the phone with the insurance co. while the dude does the magic goop/UV cure.

But ---- they cannot do it if the glass is wet, or has been wet in the last few hours. Sucks for Seattle - I'm still waiting for a dry day!

In any case, DO IT NOW! Before it gets bigger.

 

[QUOTE=Seattle2k,Jan 5 2008, 03:19 PM] John, you replace 2 or 3 windshields per year?