I'm curious if anyone had a windshield film applied to protect their windshield from rocks and chips. Around 5,000 miles, I got the biggest rock damage on my windshield out of any car I've owned. At 15,000 miles, something tiny hit the windshield in another spot and cracked it. I'm about to get the windshield replaced to the tune of $1240, although I'm only paying my deductible. And the dealership told me the windshields were backordered...which seems to suggest a trend. I've done ~250,000 miles in other cars, all in the same area, and never had a crack. Having two in this car in such a short period of time makes me question how strong the glass is.

 

Up your deductible to zero.

These windshields attract rocks like nobody’s business.

 

My RDX has a rock chip as well and the crack is getting bigger. That's a $500 deductible from my wallet.

Is this just bad luck or the RDX more susceptible to rock chips than others?

 

I lack the data to make a judgement, but my RDX had a windshield replacement, and two ‘star’ fixes.

YMMV.


I take full glass coverage.

my 2014 Honda Accord had none.

 

I have a crack that started as a chip. I think its the windshields.

 

How much OEM windshield replacement cost? I am sure many insurance companies will only pay for OE compatible replacement.

 

$1242 for an OEM replacement. I paid my $250 deductible and I'm glad I didn't raise it like my insurance agent was suggesting.

 

I think most insurances pay for OEM glass first 3 years or so, then its only OE. You can always pay the difference. If OEM 1200, I am guessing OE is 400-500. So its deductible plus the difference

 

I'm not familiar with windshield protectors. Are they like phone screen protectors, because those scratch easily. Glass does not.

 

Whelp, my windshield has a crack in it, and this is going to be the second full replacement in 2 1/2 years.

 

Wow. I don’t know if it’s the aerodynamics of the hood or just dumb luck, but these windshields do seem to be rock magnets.

 

For me, I’m going with dumb.

 

I think it's a combination of several things. All vehicles have lower more aerodynamic front ends than years ago, so this is a bit more of a problem than it was in the past. Also, the general condition of roads. Especially after a bad winter. Around here, most roads that were completely repaved and beautiful 5 years ago are now just a patchwork of pothole repairs. Pieces of the road and asphalt are constantly being kicked up. And the type of traffic. Given a choice, I tend to drive on state parkways that do not allow commercial traffic (trucks, buses, etc.). I have fewer windshield problems than most people I know. Trucks kick up and drop all kinds of shit. It's unbelievable the stuff I've seen fall off construction, contractor and landscaping trucks by unsecured loads and debris.

And then, there just dumb luck, except you're not the dummy.

 

Most places didn’t have Robert Moses building parkways.

 

Try keeping bigger distance behind other cars, especially if they are big dump trumps or 16 wheelers… helps with paint chips and windshields..

 

Agreed. I have no doubt that OEM windshield quality has dropped over the years across all brands. But there’s a lot more to blame. Crumbling US roads and bridges, the ubiquity of SUVs that generally lack mud flaps, road congestion that puts cars closer to each other, increase in ground shipping traffic, etc. The odds are higher today than they were 15 years ago that you’ll get hit with rocks.

 

I joined the crack windshield club today. Rock kicked up from a truck at 70 MPH. Hit right lower passenger side. Sounded like .22 short shell in the car.

There’s is no evidence that windshield glass is any different today than ten years ago. Yes, acoustic glass is new but that’s about the layers not the glass.
Cracks and chips are just plain bad luck.

Add with poor road maintenance, high construction trucks traffic , tons of gravel and salt mix on the roads act like a sand blaster.

If anything plays a part in windshield cracks it’s the windshield angle.......that angle has been getting lower over the years. Best example Honda Elements had a high vertical angle, those experienced a very high crack just because there’s no glancing blow.

As far windshields on back order...........add them to the “shortage list” in the total economy.

 

I havent fixed mine. And i may not unless it gets really bad.

The way I see it, it will just keep cracking. So now I can drive and not care because its already cracked.

 

My thoughts exactly. My crack is the the top left corner out of my view. I dont wanna have the glass repair shop messing up the cars radars and sensors...only to have it crack again on me knowing my luck.