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Cracked windshield, repair or replace?

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Old 08-23-18, 03:35 AM
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BigPapa53
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Default Cracked windshield, repair or replace?

Our windshield has a very small crack. Insurance will pay 100% to either do a resin repair or replace the windshield. I'm leaning toward the repair. My experience is that a replacement is never as good as the factory install and with all the bells and whistles I worry about an inexperienced tech messing something up.

What are your thoughts?
Old 08-23-18, 05:18 AM
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jagtoes
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Originally Posted by BigPapa53
Our windshield has a very small crack. Insurance will pay 100% to either do a resin repair or replace the windshield. I'm leaning toward the repair. My experience is that a replacement is never as good as the factory install and with all the bells and whistles I worry about an inexperienced tech messing something up.

What are your thoughts?
Is it a crack and if so how long is it or is it a star from a stone chip. If a crack then replace but if it's a start type chip I would pay for it myself and see if it stays repaired or if the windshield cracks. Never had a problem with a replaced windshield. Your dilemma here is if you repair it and it cracks then you have to replace it. Repair is cheap so will your insurance cover it twice.
Old 08-23-18, 09:12 AM
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12jimmyjam
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Might vary by state too depending on the location of the crack and size.

On another note I was only able to get an oem lexus replacement after stopping in my local office and explaining the water repellent properties of an oem. They then got on the phone and safelite (man I hate their partnerships btw) and they reversed their refusal. That was with Nationwide.
Old 08-23-18, 08:35 PM
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BigPapa53
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It's a crack, not a star. 1/2" long, about 6" up from the wiper blade, about 8" to the right of center. You can't see it unless the light hits it just right. I just know it's s going to grow this winter. I guess I'll just let them replace it.

What's this about water repellent properties of the OE glass? First I've heard of that.
Old 08-24-18, 06:11 AM
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Originally Posted by BigPapa53
It's a crack, not a star. 1/2" long, about 6" up from the wiper blade, about 8" to the right of center. You can't see it unless the light hits it just right. I just know it's s going to grow this winter. I guess I'll just let them replace it.

What's this about water repellent properties of the OE glass? First I've heard of that.
The windshield is under stress so the crack will grow. Replacements are just as good and sometimes better then OEM. Put in a new one.
Old 08-24-18, 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by BigPapa53

What's this about water repellent properties of the OE glass? First I've heard of that.
Some say it’s similar to having a wax/repellent on it but you don’t have to maintain it. Rain doesn’t cling to it like it does on normal windshields. Didn’t see a Lexus page with a quick search but did find this page:

http://openroadautogroup.com/blog/le...rs-battle-rain
Old 08-24-18, 12:55 PM
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garsarno
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Replaced two windshields on my 2011 so far by Safe Guard. Worked perfectly, no leaks. Only issue is that the connection for the rain sensing wipers, I knock it off when washing inside of windshield, take it back to them, they reinstall no issues.
Old 08-24-18, 04:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 12jimmyjam


Some say it’s similar to having a wax/repellent on it but you don’t have to maintain it. Rain doesn’t cling to it like it does on normal windshields. Didn’t see a Lexus page with a quick search but did find this page:

http://openroadautogroup.com/blog/le...rs-battle-rain
Unfortunately this can't be used on the windshield nor the rear window. Only on the door glass. Instead just use wax or detailer when washing your windshield. It does the same.
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