I think you are way off base. Honda uses lighter, thinner, softer glass but I don't think they use poor quality glass at all. The lighter, thinner and softer, the fewer thousands of dollars of plastic surgery YOU MIGHT NEED if you fly through the thing.

Twenty years ago, windshields (windscreens outside of the U.S.A.) were much tougher. Also, during a windshield encounter, you were much more likely to be killed or -- literally -- defaced.

I bet the Porsches and Beemers have the same problems. I didn't know that a replacemet was $900. Maybe I will get the full coverage glass insurance. My windshield is still perfect at 3,500 miles.

 

Update: I was quoted $385 (dealer price) for a Honda windshield and $125 to install it. I could have taken it to the dealer but they just gave me the number of the place they use to install all their windshields.

I haven't checked into the PPG window yet.

 

Barry, if the seat belts and air bag work properly, I should never be anywhere near a windshield. I certainly wasn't when I crashed into a center divider at speed a while back avoiding someone who pulled out in front of me.

I'd be interested in reading any information you can refer me to about manufacturers selecting lighter, thinner, softer glass out of regard for customers. I suspect it's more out of regard for the bottom line.

cal

 

They have to consider pedestrians as well don't they? These are the people most likely to be coming into sudden contact with the windscreen! I guess that they may also consider the fact that some people may not be wearing their seatbelts..?!?

 

Cal, I'll try to find something in print. My source is Dave Parker, the owner of Parker Glass here in Sheridan. Dave and I have been friends for 24 years and he's done all my glass work at home, office and cars. He told me this once when I was getting a new windshield for an Accord. I told him I'd never had such problems with my '74 Dodge Dart, and Dave told me that glass standards have changed to make them both safer in an accident and more vulnerable.

 

Here's my question - Isn't it bad to file insurance claims with your company over a -relatively- small repair.

I'm concerned because i want to replace my windshield, but i'd rather eat the cost of it if my insurance would be raised or not lowered eventually because of a small claim like this.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Barry WY Silver/Black '01
[B]

...I bet the Porsches and Beemers have the same problems.

 

That depends on the state you are in and your specific insurance policy - here in MA, we can change a windshield with no deductible or any detrimental effect on premiums.

 

One more observation. My 1999 Jaguar XKR coupe, which has c. 12k miles on it, has a perfectly clear, unblemished windshield. Is this just because it has a little more slope to it? I think not.

cal

 

Luck? Or maybe you don't drive it as close to other cars?