DIY Windshield Crack Repair

[Zorba]

So I just replaced my windshield about 9 months ago, with a safelite windshield. Well that other day I noticed about a ~6" crack, by the time I got home it had grown to about 8". All the shops I've talked to about fixing it say that it is too long to fix, but I really don't want to shell out the $250 deductible for a new windshield and the probable fight with the insurance company to go back to OEM glass.

Looking around a little bit it looks like you can stop drill the crack with a diamond bit on a dremel then fill the crack with resin. Although I'd like to be able to hide the crack, I am more concerned about keeping it from growing longer. We use stop drills a lot in aviation, so I know they work, but I am wondering if anyone on here has done it successfully on a windshield? I am concerned about how to know you've gotten through the first layer, without getting into the laminate or inner layer.

I am also going to call around some more, I figure a "shaddier" shop will do it, just have to find one.

 

[CA19100]

They have a lifetime warranty; it's possible there was a defect and Safelite will cover it. Definitely worth checking: http://www.safelite.com/national-lifetime-warranty/

 

[bamx2]

So if one had a vehicle that had a windshield crack as mentioned in the OP but no warranty or insurance option for replacement , how would got about making the repair. More discussion on this subject (DIY repair of small windshield cracks and dings ) would be appreciated. - Thanks

 

[Zorba]

They have a lifetime warranty; it's possible there was a defect and Safelite will cover it. Definitely worth checking: http://www.safelite.com/national-lifetime-warranty/

Already asked, chips/cracks aren't covered

 

[LTC8K6]

Already asked, chips/cracks aren't covered

What else is there to cover other than a crack or a leak?

If it cracked on it's own, it looks like the warranty does cover it, unless you have damage or rust on the pinch weld.

 

[Pacfanweb]

What else is there to cover other than a crack or a leak?

If it cracked on it's own, it looks like the warranty does cover it, unless you have damage or rust on the pinch weld.

Probably didn't crack on its own. Likely something hit it.

To find out, just take a ball point pen with a fairly sharp tip and run it along the crack. It catches a in a little divot or crater, that's where something hit it.

As far as fixing one, you can still see it, just not as much.

 

[inachu]

I am sure one day there will be new windshield crack repair.

Sand infused with chemicals that burn when in contact with outside air.
Get out your metal putty swish it about on the glass like one does with compound on a car.

 

[bryanl]

When windshield repair resin first came out, one company, maybe Safelite, demonstrated that it could repair even 24" cracks. Holes were drilled part way through the glass, both at the ends of the crack (also kept crack from spreading) and every several inches along the crack to allow resin to be injected into the crack. However that was before airbags were common, and I would not trust a windshield repaired on the passenger side since the passenger airbag relies upon the windshield to hold it in place.

 

[mvbighead]

Already asked, chips/cracks aren't covered

This has to be the most bizarre thing i've read today. It's warrantied... except if it fails, then it's not.

 

[Wuzup101]

This has to be the most bizarre thing i've read today. It's warrantied... except if it fails, then it's not.

Not really. They cover you if it was a defect in the glass / install that caused it to fail. They don't cover it if you get hit by a rock that cracks your glass (in the same way that your car's bumper to bumper warranty doesn't cover you hitting a road gator and smashing your front bumper). That is what insurance is for.

I've had several safelite windshields over the years on several vehicles. I've also had them repair chips. I've had several safelite windshields that broke just like OEM when struck by a rock / piece of road debris. It happens, and is the most common reason that people need new glass.

Now if this windshield just "broke" a day or two after getting it while sitting in the garage that's one thing. 9 months later I would assume that it was hit by something. That's just an assumption.

 

[Micrornd]

You may want to check with your state's highway patrol, in many states cracks over 6" require windshield replacement, not repair.

Are you sure there is a deductible involved?
Here windshields are not subject to deductible under state insurance regulations and are required to be replaced at no cost to the insured (if replacement is required under state vehicle codes)

 

[Zorba]

You may want to check with your state's highway patrol, in many states cracks over 6" require windshield replacement, not repair.

Are you sure there is a deductible involved?
Here windshields are not subject to deductible under state insurance regulations and are required to be replaced at no cost to the insured (if replacement is required under state vehicle codes)

Yeah, it was borderline too long to be legally repaired. I didn't drive the car hoping it wouldn't grow anymore while I decide what to do, but just sitting in the garage it grew another ~6-8 inches. So I'll probably just replace it after the winter sanding season.

In Oklahoma the insurance companies aren't required to cover windshields 100% .

BTW: There was a chip, so something hit it in the black area. So it could've happened to anyone's glass, but my OEM windshield took lots of hits/chips without cracking. It was finally done in when a chunk of ice from the car in front of flew off and hit it.