joelv

Living in Houston, windshield cracks are a common occurrence. I'm usually one to get OEM glass but with the number of times I get rock chips and cracks, I feel like it might be better to stick with an aftermarket glass thats at least made in the US. The Lexus Japan glass is about $1000. Thoughts?

Insurance deductible is too high to waste a claim on it.

initial

I don't know what keeps hitting your windshield, jesus christ lol. I usually get a ceramic coating on my windshields so it'll protect it from getting nicks and cracks. Lol, a kid once threw a baseball sized rock at my windshield, it was still good as new. I can't say much about the kid after my friends and I pulled over to teach him a lesson on why he shouldn't throw rocks at oncoming cars.
I personally would stick OEM and get the glass ceramic coated, or if it's cheaper for you then go aftermarket and still get it ceramic coated.

jdpdata

Ceramic coating would do absolutely nothing to prevent crack glass. It won't protect your paint from scratches either. Only Paint Protection Film (PPF) can prevent scratches and knicks. Maybe they make something similar for glass like for LeMans race cars.

HERE YOU GO:

https://madico.com/automotive/windshield-protection

IcyBishop

Everything is bigger in Texas... except insurance coverage apparently.

I've had multiple windshield fixes and replacements free of charge through insurance (multiple companies as well).

Otherwise jdp is correct - only a film will help against damage. Basic coatings won't do a thing for damage. Otherwise clear bras wouldn't have a customer base if a hand applied coating prevented chips.