Got a nice new starburst crack on my windshield today

[Barsoom]

I guess I've been properly initiated to Houston today. A truck kicked up a stone and cracked my windshield. This doesn't look like a chip, it's cracking in all the compass directions.

 

I suppose this means that I'll hone to get my insurance to replace the windshield soon. My question is: is there anything special about replacing the windshield with the sensor park attached to it? The windshield has a black matte of some kind that surrounds the sensor assembly- I assume that is to help with adhering to the glass? Is the windshield a specific part that any windshield repair company can get, or do I have to go to a specific place to get it repaired?

[SteveB_TX]

Personally, I use Safelite Auto Glass, who will come to wherever you need them to to fix the windshield (home, work, etc.). They can order/get whatever type of windshield you want. Just tell them you want an OEM Ford windshield for a 2013 Fusion with the rain sensing camera. Oh, and no, the black dot matrix isn't there to help adhere anything to the glass. Its sole purpose is to block the sun while looking cool. :) *

 

 

 

 

* Usual disclaimer applies.

Edited May 17, 2015 by SteveB_TX

[GrySql]

Personally, I use Safelite Auto Glass,

^^ I agree ^^

[Barsoom]

Thanks. I'll check them out. There is one in my neighborhood.

[hybridbear]

I would make sure they are aware of the features that your car has so that they come prepared. Geico recommends Safelite & we've used them too.

[Barsoom]

I made my appointment for Friday. My insurance is recommending a repair right now, because the crack is not in the line of sight and is only the size of a quarter.

 

Safelite says that if I don't like the repair, I can replace the windshield (don't know what my insurance would say about that). I told them about the sensor pack and GPS antenna. I told them that I have everything: auto-high beams, rain sensing wipers, lane-keeping system. They said their windshields are the same as Ford's without the Ford logo in the corner. Even has the same black dot matte around the sensor. We'll see, but first I have to try the repair.

[SteveB_TX]

When I had to replace the windshield on my 2005 Mustang GT vert, I demanded an OEM replacement with the Running pony in the center of the dot matrix. It cost a fortune but I was very happy with the job done by the Safelite tech. Unfortunately, my insurance does not cover glass replacement. Grrrr! :)

[Ram]

Another SafeLite recommendation here. If it is not right they will correct it.

[acdii]

Starbursts are easy fixes for them, they have the right tools to do it and unless you know exactly where it was, you will never know it was repaired. I have used the off the rack windshield repair kits for starbursts on a few cars, and depending on the damage it either works very good, or you can still see it, but it wont crack any further.

[ceilidhdog]

Am having my windshield replaced tomorrow at the dealership where I bought the car. Their price for an OEM windshield, installed, was only $20 more than Safelite. I figured I'd stick with the dealership because I have a good relationship with them and want to keep it going. Last summer, the windshield was hit by a rock that caused a starburst crack on the driver's side. I had that repaired, but in a few months it cracked further. I had that one repaired, as well, but one recent morning when I turned on the defroster the crack took off sideways across to the passenger side. Even though it doesn't interfere with the driver's or passenger's sight line, my wife says the crack detracts from the "look" of the car... hence the replacement.

[Griswald]

Want to bet the dealer contracts Safelite to do the replacement?

[Barsoom]

My original crack that was repaired by Safelite cracked again last week. I had to replace the windshield this time.

[Texasota]

My original crack that was repaired by Safelite cracked again last week. I had to replace the windshield this time.

I had the same thing happen a few years ago.The cost of the first repair that failed was deducted from the cost of the windshield replacement which helped ease the pain a little.