2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Uhh!? I broke my windshield by getting it wet?

[dresslered]

Has this happened to anyone before?



I finally got my truck washed today, and during the final rince (ya know, sprinkling the whole truck like it is raining), I heard a big CRACK! To my disbelief, a huge crack went running all around my windshield on the driver's side??? Granted, I was somewhat working in the sun and it was a beautiful day (ambient temperature was around 90), but the windshield was not even warm to the touch. I can't imagine any stresses that are placed on the windshield. Was this just a fluke? Any recommendations as to whether I should go with an after market windshield or gamble with the DC one again? Any chance DC would cover the repair (at 51k miles)? Naw!... . will it going to cost more than 50 bucks to replace? Thanks,



P. S. I would have been really pi$$ed had I windexed the inside glass prior to breaking it!

 

[LHartman]

Had it happen once on one of my other trucks. The windshield had a tiny nick in it. Washed it on a hot day and the cold water hit it. I heard a "pop". Didn't realize what it was until I climbed inside to drive off. The crack went through the nick in the windshield. Undoubtedly the heat was a contributing factor in it.



Loren

 

[dresslered]

Funny that you should mention the nick Loren. About two years ago I picked up a rock chip (tiny, itsey, bitsey nick) which really upset me as it was a brand new truck, and yes, the crack did happen to bend out of its way to go right through it. I would imagine that DC would claim that this was the culprit. However, I personally feel that this is like a dam bursting after skipping a rock upstream!

 

[nascar]

I had one replaced (rock chip that turned into spider web cracks).

The cost was somewhere around $340.

 

[rweis]

In FL insurance co's cover "road damage" cracks regularly. NO out of pocket cost.



Bob Weis

 

[Ramboy]

I have had two of these sorry windshields replaced and have nicks in the one on there now. Each one was less than $200 and they came to my house to do it. If they make these things any thinner, bugs will be nicking them.

Phil

 

[CAW440]

Same thing happened on my old 94, middle of the day 95+ hit it with the water, crack, lived here my whole life never happened before or since, sorry about your luck.

 

[ronco]

Thermal expansion and contraction are powerful forces of nature. Look at volcanos, geysers and what frozen rain can do to roads and concrete! That is why lightning splinters trees too.





Ronco

 

[dresslered]

Thermal expansion and contraction are powerful forces of nature

It's one of the greatest forces that we know of! However, when you design something, you take this into consideration. I've got six other vehicles and a whole house of windows that have never done this.

 

[Deezul1]

Call around to several glass shops, I have had 3 done and it was under $200 each time for after market glass and it looks fine even if it isnt DC glass

 

[ronco]

dresslered, thermal expansion and contraction are the forces behind the KDP also. Who designed around that one? My point is, DC is not the sharpest tool in the shed some days. Lift pumps? Death wobble? Paint jobs that fall off in the driveway? The list goes on and on.





Ronco

 

[dresslered]

Ronco, I totally agree with you! I just have been spoiled from my previous vehicles which allow me to wash the windows in the sun.

 

[RustyJC]

I had a Ford Fiesta S work car many years ago in Ohio. Within the first 2-3 months after purchasing it new, I headed out to work and turned on the rear electric defroster to clear the frost from the rear window. After about 3-4 minutes, the rear window shattered into thousands of pieces!



Other than that, all the glass breakage I've had has been stone pit or chip related. I'd call it a fluke and write it off to experience.



Rusty

 

[dresslered]

I'd call it a fluke and write it off to experience.

Then I'm definitely a man with lots of experience!



I've heard of the rear window breakage with defrosters before. In fact, there was a period that many of the Honda's would do this even in good weather. The fix was to add a couple of extra grids to the heater.

 

[TPCDrafting]

Your comprehensive policy on your truck will cover windshield replacement. You only pay the deductable, which is usually under $200. If you have your truck financed, you will likely have comprehensive coverage. If you look at the premium you pay for comp. and work in the deductable versus the cost the windshield outfits charge the insurance company, its almost worth it to go ahead and get a new windshield every year. just my . 02

 

[dresslered]

Insurance, Yech!

Unfortunately, I have 5 of 7 cars on my insurance policy which also includes a camper, the house, and an unbrella policy. Due to the fact that I have never made a claim, I get a 25% (over and above other discounts) discount on all the cars. In friggin' other words, I'll get a 25% rate increase for 5 years if I make a claim. So in my case, I will eat it rather than upset my Kalifornia Insurance company.



Update on the insurance: I was wrong about my inurance rates being effected by a comprehensive claim. As it turns out, the comprehensive claim does not effect the rates at all. However, I did opt for a $500 deductible which again makes it my baby.



Other question: Are they able to remove and re-apply the rear view mirror to the new glass without problems?

 

[krs]

"Are they able to remove and re-apply the rear view mirror to the new glass without problems?"



It's routine work for the glassman.

 

[Oil Burner]

I better keep an eye on that stone chip in my windshield. Guess I should only was it on overcast/rainy days without sun

~Jason

 

[Thomas]

The crack 'found' the rock chip when the windshield was stressed. The old rear view mirror is on the new glass.

 

[dresslered]

Thomas, that is a sink hole compared to the pin prick that I had. Just add water and watch it grow (3-feet per micro second that is)! The odd thing is that I've had that chip for over two years in the sun and the snow without any ill effects.