Should I Replace or Repair My Windscreen?

Braintrain1000 on 24/11/2016 - 06:52

Hello Ozbargainers.

I have a 2009 Honda Accord. Few weeks ago I got a small star shaped chip in my windscreen which is now approximately 3 inches big. I called a couple of windscreen shops and got ridiculously expensive quotes like 600 from o'brien and 477 from RACV and 360 from a local shop and all of these techies emphasised on changing the windscreen and said its not repairable if the crack is bigger than 2 dollors coin. However, I have seen videos on youtube where techies all over the world are able to fix cracks as big as 15 inches.

Is it Australian standard or techies do it for more money?

Automotive

Comments

  • Islund on 24/11/2016 - 07:22
    +3

    Hi,

    I am not answering you question but relating my own experience hoping it will help.

    I had a small chip in my windscreen but I got the windscreen replaced rather then repaired (perhaps because the insurance company offered 1 "free" replacement a year).

    Regretting it to this day for now there is moisture/fog around the windscreen edges most times it rains.

    • bhm133 on 24/11/2016 - 08:51
      +1

      Take it back and explain. It seems the sealer they have used is leaking somewhat. Have you tried to clean the inside of the screen to see if this helps?

      • Islund on 24/11/2016 - 09:47
        +5

        have you tried explaining anything to a VW dealer? :o))

        • D6C1 on 25/11/2016 - 23:42
          +1

          They wont get it.. Even if you explain emissions to them ;)

        • Gershom on 26/11/2016 - 08:45
          +1

          VW? ROTFLMAO.

    • zuuutoootuuu on 25/11/2016 - 18:21

      The other problem that people don't know about is that when the windscreen guy removes the glass, 95% of the time they cut through the paint which rusts around the windscreen and can also starts leaking into the car.

      For anyone reading this, if you have a desirable car/collectors car that has an original windscreen, repair the chip and DON'T replace.
      If someone tells you that you that you need to do it for roadworthy, get a second opinion or ask if a windscreen repair will suffice as most of the time they do. I've had bullseye cracks up to 50c coin size repaired, often they say that they won't warranty the job if it's bigger than 10c coin size to cover their butts but that's ok. It's cheaper to repair and if it doesn't work out then replace it as a last resort.

    • gguu on 25/11/2016 - 23:37
      +1

      I have similar experience with my previous car. Replaced a windscreen (no insurance involved) and it started leaking during heavy rains. Called the guys twice, they resealed the edge twice with no success.

  • airzone on 24/11/2016 - 07:26
    +4

    Aussie standard. You an try and do a repair yourself though.

  • mikeymike on 24/11/2016 - 08:08
    +4

    Could try this stuff, used it a few times and works a treat
    http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/Ufixit-Windscreen-R…
    Just make sure to take your time, and its not a hot day :)

    • snook on 24/11/2016 - 11:38
      +2

      I have also used this more than once and it's great. As above, have patience and follow the instructions.

  • altomic on 24/11/2016 - 08:13
    +9

    I had a star chip that was about the size of a $2 coin. I bought a kit for ~$5 delivered. after using the kit I will say it wasn't a "perfect" repair. whilst you wouldn't see the chip if you simply looked at the windscreen. you could however see that a chip had been repaired if you examined the windscreen closely.

    the chip was gone. it didn't spread. it was fine after 2 years - the time I sold the car. it wasn't a problem when I got a roadworthy.

    you don't want it spreading further. - especially with summer coming up.

    would use a windscreen repair kit again.

  • Slippery Fish on 24/11/2016 - 08:20
    +3

    If it's not in your view drive with it but take out auto glass cover. If it works on calender year (my mums use to) in January you can get a freebie. The cover use to cost her 26 a year extra or something. Wouldn't be without it.

  • bhm133 on 24/11/2016 - 08:50
    +3

    DIY repair kits can still crack the screen further, though. Feel free to attempt if you'd like. 3 inches is a big crack (that's what I tell the plumber, anyway). I doubt any shop will try and repair it for you. As mentioned above, it is an Australian standard. I have had previous cracks repaired professionally and there was no problem. Only once did the crack spread which meant a new windscreen. The last windscreen I changed was from a local shop. Same glass as Obriens but cheaper to install. That was 4 years ago and there are no problems. The poster above who mentioned condensation, that should be brought back to the shop or maybe even clean the windscreen…

  • cloudy on 24/11/2016 - 09:09
    +1

    It reminds me of when I was in Asia in a taxi, the crack in his windscreen was a foot wide. He would keep driving with it till the car is written off I'm sure.

  • AJW on 24/11/2016 - 09:21
    +2

    Small chips and cracks can be easily fixed using the windscreen repair kits available on ebay or supercheap auto etc etc, but 3 inches is too big to fix imo. It will only cover the size of a 10c piece at most as the glue is injected on point of contact and will only spread a little way into the extending crack. BUT it would probably stop it spreading quickly like it is going to untreated.

  • bobbified on 24/11/2016 - 09:22
    +1

    Don't believe everything you see on YouTube.

    It might be possible to repair, but how long would it last?
    With glass, if it's not repaired properly, the crack will continue to expand.

    Previously when I had a small rock come through my windscreen while I was driving, I replaced the whole thing - it cost me a total of $400.

    • Braintrain1000 on 24/11/2016 - 09:25

      Which car was it?

      • bobbified on 24/11/2016 - 09:26
        +1

        It was a Toyota 4WD.

        I'm guess the less-common or european cars might be a little more expensive than my Toyota.

  • Braintrain1000 on 24/11/2016 - 09:24

    Interesting to know your thoughts guys.

    I have been quoted 365 tax and 330 cash only for a replacement. I am going with the replacement. I just stopped driving Uber because of this crack and I think my insurance doesn't cover glass repairs etc.

    I will ask these techies about the moisture abd leaks issues mentioned by islund.

    Thank you.

    • singlemalt72 on 24/11/2016 - 10:07

      "and I think my insurance doesn't cover glass repairs etc."

      Ring them and check then!

  • akd on 24/11/2016 - 09:50
    +2

    My car had less than 1 inch crack and Obrien replaced the whole glass. The guy scared me of crack expanding, police catching and fines. Since it was under insurance, I did it. Last time on my trip to Asia, I saw many cars/taxi with screen cracks of bigger than 20 cm (even half of the screen cracked). The drivers were not worried at all and most of the cars had cracks for more than a year and still going fine.

    • Braintrain1000 on 24/11/2016 - 15:09

      They quoted me 600 and when I checked that the repair can be fixed with Dyi kits i foundout that its not the safety these muggers are concerned about its the money they can make in just 20 mins.

      They guy aho replaced my WS just now said he does 10 cars a day and its an amazing business and no education needed just a few weeks of training and he also said REPAIRING windscreen is a hard and time consuming job and requires good tools and experience and costs less which means more labour and less money.

      Ridiculous!

  • [Deactivated] on 24/11/2016 - 10:12
    +2

    Past experience:

    I have a chip on my hobby cars windscreen been there 15 years and has not gotten any bigger.

    The screen is the original one from the factory put on the car when it was made and i can say that the older ones are more tuffer then newer cars.

    My second car had a chip and expoded into a spider web in the bottom corner. Luckily nrma had a one screen replacement program with my insurance and was told that they are different now.
    Also in saying that they chip a lot easier imo.

    EDIT:

    obrians are the most expensive but will use a third party cheaper windscreen as well like other cheaper mobs.
    Replacing it will be the best bet as it is part of the structure of the car and with safety in mind the integrity of the screen is deminished because of the damage.

    I think also if the damage is infront of the driver it is a defect.

    • psy on 25/11/2016 - 15:06
      +1

      +1 I'll never use Obriens again.

      I had a euro car with factory tinted windscreen. Got a quote which seemed too good to be true from Obriens. Questioned and was told it was the OEM glass, so decided to go ahead with the repair. Left him to do his thing (he came to me), and after it was fitted discovered it wasnt the correct glass.

      Ended up arguing with Obriens and went to the extent of contacting my vehicle manufacturer who confirmed part # and that Obriens hadn't ordered any glass from them for my car.

      The same guy from Obriens ended up returning (with the OEM screen) a week later and replaced the windscreen.

  • [Deactivated] on 24/11/2016 - 11:03
    +1

    I had a 2006 Accord and the windscreen after calling around was $220 to replace. I'm sure if it comes down to having to change the whole windscreen you can get it cheaper. Call around a bit more, mainly the independent guys.

    • Braintrain1000 on 24/11/2016 - 15:03

      Thank you. Just went with windscreen deals they replaced glass with the same aftermarket brand for 350

  • Michael Flanagan on 24/11/2016 - 12:51
    -1

    if the crack isnt getting bigger by the day, why not try to get it fixed rather then a whole new one. i have had chips fixed for around $80 to $100.
    also is it chipped the entire way through the wind screen?

    • Braintrain1000 on 24/11/2016 - 15:02

      Crack is getting bigger but i just got it replaced. I didn't want to take the risk as i use my car for Ubering and can't take risk with passengers life..

      • Euphemistic on 24/11/2016 - 15:22

        I think you mean "I don't want to get bad reviews for uber driving because passengers think I don't look after my car"

        • Braintrain1000 on 24/11/2016 - 18:18

          Yes. I think It's illegal to carry passengers in an unroadworthy vehicle. Anyway, Its all fixed now.

        • Euphemistic on 24/11/2016 - 19:25

          @Braintrain1000: actually it is illegal to drive an unroadworthy car, except under special circumstances, like on the way to get it repaired. It is also probably against 'company' policy to carry passengers in an unroadworthy vehicle, only illegal because it shouldn't be driven anyway.

  • Drifta on 25/11/2016 - 03:13
    +1

    I have a similar post up here from a few months ago. I called around and got a few quotes from super expensive dealer/obrien to cheaper independents. In the end I ended up buying a kit from SCA and fixed it myself. I rushed the job a bit and the finishing is not great. Left a few air bubbles in the curing strip's. However the crack stopped expanding. I had my crack about 10cm with a star chip of 1cm at the top. Its all fixed now and so far seems good. See how it fares in the summer heat. I would always recommend try to fix it yourself if not in direct driver view. At worst you have about $35 to lose. Chalk it up as a learning experience. Could potentially save you hundreds.

    • Braintrain1000 on 25/11/2016 - 12:03

      Thanks for response. Ill try fixing it myself next time. I paid 365 for a new one

  • Beetlejuice on 25/11/2016 - 15:32
    +2

    So I had a chip about the size of a 5c piece, on passenger side near top of windscreen. I had obrians come and fix it on the spot, was happy with myself for saving money. Fast Forward 4 years, and that professionally 'fixed' chip meant I couldn't get a roadworthy when I went to sell the car unless I replaced the entire windscreen. Several mechanics told me it's all a scam, no fix is considered good enough for them to issue a roadworthy. So effectively I was out the $200 or whatever I originally paid obrians. It seemed sturdy enough to me after they fixed it but obviously legally it's not good enough.

  • RolandWaites on 25/11/2016 - 16:48

    Replaced mine earlier this year, a couple of small-business guys a friend's brother had used previously. O'Brien wanted $600, these guys charged $220. Pays to call around.

  • GangGang on 25/11/2016 - 17:44

    Add the windscreen policy onto your car insurance. Make a claim for it to be replaced and then leave the policy on or cancel it. I did this around 8-9 years ago and I can't remember the price but it was under a $100 for the policy. I don't remember paying any excess as well.

  • Stolniik on 25/11/2016 - 18:37
    +1

    Clear Vision Auto Glass is family run and prices quoted from O'Brien can be beat. The owner of this company used to work for O'Brien and can supply and install or repair windscreens at a good price.

    Have a look and see what you think. Tell them I sent you! :)

    Good luck!

  • Forskin on 25/11/2016 - 22:06

    I just got quoted $160 cash to replace the windscreen on my commodore, booked it in for monday… Surely you can find some cheaper options?

    • Braintrain1000 on 26/11/2016 - 02:06

      Hondas are expensive and techies don't like them as compared to some other jap brands.

      No i didn't call many places and I didn't want to fet independent techies as people had some bad experience with them and their work.

      Good luck. Let us know about the outcome.

  • captobvious on 25/11/2016 - 23:32
    +3

    Usually unavoidable if you have a cracked windscreen so perhaps just make sure they do an as good as factory job (check seals, garnish, rim etc). I prefer getting a windscreen fixed rather than replaced as most of the time the windscreen technician scratches the shit out of the frame getting the old glue off, and if they dont seal it properly moisture will penetrate and eventually rust. Also take note some windscreens on modern cars are acoustic and the windscreen shop may replace it with a regular winscreen, if that happens you will notice much more noise coming from your front donk especially if you have a diesel vehicle.

    • Braintrain1000 on 26/11/2016 - 02:03
      +1

      Very good info. These techies can fool any normal person who has little or no knowledge. I was constantly checking their work, asked them to inspect car for any damages before starting work. They brought the windscreen made by same company (Fuyao) which i had before. I checked the work and asked for warranty on workmenship. I also checked the plastic trims on the outside and they looked fine.

  • Dr Techno on 25/11/2016 - 23:41
    +2

    If you will be keeping the car for a long time, I wouldn't focus on cheapest price. I would focus on who will be doing the job right.
    Sharp tools are used to remove the urethane seal underneath the windshield, this normally puts scratches into the windshield frame. The windshield frame should be painted to protect surface but alot of places skip this since they want the job done fast. Who wants to wait for paint to dry.

    Within a few years you will have rust forming and long term, rust holes may form which can cause leaks when its raining..

    • Braintrain1000 on 26/11/2016 - 02:10
      +1

      Thanks for the info. I got it replaced. I am planning to sell my honda next year and buy a camry.

  • gguu on 25/11/2016 - 23:41
    +2

    3 inches is a big crack and very unlikely it can be fixed properly. I might be wrong but there was a rule about using resin only on cracks which could be covered by $1 coin. Larger ones may crack again.

  • vietken89 on 29/11/2016 - 08:56

    3inchs is hugeeeeee, are you saying 3cm hahahha

    nah replacement is required, gumtree or shop around.

  • phocus on 30/11/2016 - 11:15

    dont skimp on a repair of that magnitude. Windscreen is vital to your saftey in the event of a crash with an animal, person or anything else

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