Ford Focus Windscreen Crack Fix/Replacement

Drifta on 26/09/2016 - 22:11

Hi folks,

Got home earlier and noticed a crack on the passenger side windscreen, coming from the top edge (near the rear view mirror) and going down for about 10cm. I can see a very very small chip (~1mm) there, about 3cm from the top edge.

This is a brand new car (4 months old) and its the first time something like this has happened to me, I've had stones hit the windscreen at 100ks on the freeway and no damage (i guess my lucks run out).

Anyway, wondering if anyone has any idea if something like this is covered by warranty. I've read a few ford forums with people claiming that a small chip in the black part of the windscreen results in cracks and that it is common across fords. Would this be something ford would even consider, given it is a brand new car with less than 4k kms? Funnily enough I paid ford to trade in my old focus which had shuddering issues after suffering for 3yrs.

Is better to go to the manufacturer for replacement and pay more or go to a local store. Will warranty be void in this case?

I've heard o'briens are a rip off but can anyone recommend a repairer in melbourne with approx costs?

Thanks

Automotive

Comments

  • supnigs super skids on 26/09/2016 - 22:23

    It maybe able to be sealed using a kit.

    • Drifta on 26/09/2016 - 22:30

      Thanks, I was considering getting a kit from SCA and the like but wasnt sure if they would be effective with cracks as opposed to chips. Would love to know if anyone has tried this successfully. Would I be better of getting a pro to seal it as opposed to using the kit myself, I imagine there are no second chances with this sort of stuff.

      • supnigs super skids on 26/09/2016 - 22:54

        Sorry read it wrong. If a crack has developed it won't fix this. It's only really to seal to prevent it cracking.

        • Drifta on 26/09/2016 - 23:01

          Damn :( Was hoping to prevent it from cracking further with the kit, Its quite small and at the top of the windscreen on passenger side, that its hard to notice, unless you go looking. I might still give it a go if I'm replacing the screen anyway, only got $35 to lose.

        • supnigs super skids on 27/09/2016 - 09:03

          yeah give it a go anyway 👍

  • Kangal on 26/09/2016 - 22:48

    I don't think warranty covers for chips…unless it was DOA (or chipped on arrival).
    I doubt it would affect your warranty either, unless you had a supercar which had a special window/system.

    But to remove any doubt, you could just give your local Ford a quick call.
    They might not cover it, but maybe they could offer you a competitive quote for the fix.
    Worth a shot, I say.

    • Drifta on 26/09/2016 - 22:51

      Thanks mate, will give ford a call and find out about warranty. I dont know about DOA as didn't notice anything until the crack appeared.
      The car does have rain sensing wipers, would I need special windscreen for this? I believe the sensor is in the black part, just under the rear view mirror, but not sure if its on the glass itself or elsewhere

      • bdl on 27/09/2016 - 00:21

        I know for VWs you need a different windscreen for rain sensing vs. non-rain sensing models.. the rain sensor one is more expensive..

        • Drifta on 27/09/2016 - 00:25

          Thanks…but damn :( - fairly certain in the same boat

  • dlf73 on 26/09/2016 - 22:52

    Some insurance policies have one free windscreen replacement a year. Check if your policy has this, or if not go through your policy to see what you may be entitled to.
    I would be surprised if you can claim this back on Ford, but if you do and succeed, i would love to hear it!
    Yes O'Brien's and the like can fix chips and cracks, no idea on price, so if no luck with policy contact them and get a quote.
    My only recommendation is do it quickly, as bumps while driving can and will make it worse!

    • Drifta on 26/09/2016 - 23:00

      Just looked through the policy document and says windscreen excess reduction not included, so would need to pay full $750 excess. Not worth it unless going to dealership to get it fixed as I imagine they would charge over 1k.

      • dlf73 on 26/09/2016 - 23:05

        Ouch, that's a shame!

        • Drifta on 26/09/2016 - 23:08

          indeed.. Will be making sure to include that in the future.

        • dlf73 on 26/09/2016 - 23:26

          @Drifta: http://lilluna.com/how-to-keep-a-windshield-crack-from-sprea…
          This may help. Have never tried it so hopefully someone has some knowledge and can back if up or disprove it. Also check websites of windscreen places and submit details for a quote to see where you stand. Google local, not so big name places. Also do you have racv? You could do same with them. Just trying to give you every option available!

        • Drifta on 26/09/2016 - 23:57

          @dlf73: Thanks mate, appreciate the advice. Will start putting in for quotes, though most websites clearly state they only fix small chips and crack=replace. I have allianz roadside which came free with the new car so will enquire with them too. Probably not going to try the nailpolish option and fork out the $35 for a repair kit if I am left with no choice but to repair as I am hoping I might be able to get a few more mounths out of it. Dont really have much to lose if Im replacing anyway so worth a shot

        • bdl on 27/09/2016 - 00:20

          @Drifta: don't leave it too long - the longer the crack the more likely it may become unroadworthy - http://www.racv.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/royalauto/home/motori…

        • Drifta on 27/09/2016 - 00:27

          @bdl: Thanks for the link. found a similar link for NRMA but wasnt sure if the rules were the same. Seems my crack is within limits currently. I am planning on getting onto this in the next couple of days and borrow a family member's car in the mean time.

      • [Deactivated] on 26/09/2016 - 23:49

        $750?
        It'll be cheaper to get an auto glazier to replace it.

        • Drifta on 26/09/2016 - 23:53

          agreed, dont really want to pay anywhere near that, unless Im forced to in order to keep new car warranty

        • airzone on 27/09/2016 - 09:41
          +1

          @Drifta: You're not obliged to use the dealer for something like this..

      • bdl on 27/09/2016 - 00:18

        if you have a glass sunroof the windscreen reduction is worth it - as it protects the sunroof for the same price, sorry to hear about your crack :(

        • Drifta on 27/09/2016 - 00:24

          no sunroof, just a base level hatchback with rain sensing wipers, which might add a cost to the replacement I imagine. (not quite sure how the sensor is hooked up)

        • bdl on 27/09/2016 - 02:02

          @Drifta: mine clips to a mount set in the windscreen - this is the mount that makes a non-sensor windscreen different to a sensor-one

  • airzone on 27/09/2016 - 09:44

    Stone chips are fair wear and tear and are unwarrantable. Same can be said for running over a nail or getting a scratch in a car park.

    • Drifta on 27/09/2016 - 12:07

      absolutely, was more questioning the fact that ford's in general seem to have weak points near the top edge (black glue part) as a tiny chip like this shouldnt have formed to begin with/ turn into a crack.

      I've had other stones etc hit the car with no damage in the past. Lots of complains on Ford forums with the exact same concern.

  • Drifta on 27/09/2016 - 12:11

    Thanks guys, got a few quotes today, cheapest non sensor screen was 295 but with sensor the cheapest goes to 425, and goes up to 1200 for a OEM dealer fitted. National windscreens ($425) & RACV Glass($477) seem to be the cheapest followed by non OEM dealer fitted at $700.

    Anyone used national windscreens / RACV before and comment on quality? both offering lifetime guarantees as part of the deal and will come out to you

    • [Deactivated] on 22/10/2016 - 12:19

      I wonder if you could go with the cheapest non sensor, then next year add the windscreen option to your policy and claim the OEM replacement then? Under that policy you are entitled to one free windscreen replacement per year, so I don't think it would be unethical to do that? Thoughts?

      • Drifta on 24/10/2016 - 20:20

        yeah thats an option. I am not fussed about OEM though. Got a quote for windscreen cover and decided its not worth it. If i can get more than 1.25 years out of the replacement id break even.

        • [Deactivated] on 24/10/2016 - 20:21

          isn't it just +$50 on your policy? I think it is with most larger insurers.

        • Drifta on 24/10/2016 - 20:22

          @poop: nope. an extra $25/month

        • [Deactivated] on 24/10/2016 - 20:53

          @Drifta: wow might be worth shopping around! Try aami and racv?

  • PVA on 24/10/2016 - 20:25

    Windscreens Obrien cant do a fix?

    I the crack doesnt both you too much just leave it, it isnt in your eyeline so not dangerous or illegal.

    • Drifta on 24/10/2016 - 20:30
      +1

      No one wanted to fix the crack as its about 10cm - I ended up buying a repair kit from SCA and did it myself. I havent done it too well (had lots of air bubbles) as you can see the dodgy job but its out of sight on the passenger side so will leave it till it gets worse. The chip is practically filled though which is good.

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