Chips & Dings will happen but...

[irwinje]

Today makes 2 weeks that I've had my CRV and where I am very pleased overall with the vehicle, I also have some gripes. The first thing I noticed was the lack of an arm rest. I figured it was simply because it was a manual transmission, so I'll add one. Not a big deal. Then I noticed the center council which I feel is somewhat impractical considering the configuration. If I were to add an armrest it would be in the way of the drink holders which again is impractical. My solution: Take the table thing out and build a new center council that conforms to my needs a little better. Also, not really a big deal other than initial problem of figuring out how to remove the table.
Now for the real problem. The Windshield! I did a considerable amount of research on both the Element and the CRV and knew that there may be issues with cracking windshields. I figured it was a trade off for the amount of other things on other vehicles that would go wrong. I never thought I would spend almost the entire ride to work this morning watching what started as a small chip spread the length of my windshield. Since I accepted the potential for this issue prior to purchasing the vehicle I wouldn't really say that I'm pissed off or even disappointed, just let down that it is an immediate issue. Had I driven 50k miles and then it happened I'd probably be alright with it.
I think everyone would agree that when you purchase anything, especially a new vehicle, you want to keep it as nice as possible as long as possible. This just isn't the way I wanted to spend my morning comute. Honda has to know about this porblem and it seems to me they have not done a lot to try and combat it. Chips and dings will happen but this is just unexpected from a manufacturer as reputable as Honda.
Honda: Please figure this out, make cheaper replacement windshields(that last longer) and while you're at it I'd like this one for free. Maybe not the not the most realistic requests, but this is the place to voice them, no matter how unrealistic.

[L454S]

Had to replace the one in my new 07 last week. Has just over a thousand miles on it. Thought it would be OK with a chip just below the right wiper arm in the black area. After a couple weeks though, it started running. I thought the price was not that bad though, $340 installed.

[Markc]

something to consider when you get a ding or chip. The moment it begins to spread, try to re-direct it by putting pressure on the outside of the window and gently push toward the area you wish to re-direct it.

This doesn't negate the fact that you will have to replace the windshield soon, but it will allow you to drive as safely as possible to the shop.

Those of you that have had the need to replace a window, did you check with your insurance? I have a window clause in my policy.
I have had to use it once on my wife's old van. I bought a new weed whacker! I managed to kick up a rock or pebble into the back window. The previous owner had tinted the back window. This tinting held the window together. I don't know how long it had been breaking, but I didn't notice until I shut off the weed whacker. I kept hearing a ticking noise - I actually had to laugh when I saw it.
We had been doing some renovating in the house, and had some sticky carpet protector pastic - tape that is 24 inches wide! I taped the window with this to hold it in place until the next day when I had the window replaced. This was three years ago.
Last summer I did a similar thing to my sliding glass door in my back yard.

Weed eaters, windows, and me - don't really mix!

Thanks,
Mark

[Iaind1]

irwinje:

While I know for sure the pain of picking up a 'good' sized chip in the windshield (plus filling the bugger with epoxy super glue, and yeh yeh it should be fixed properly)...


What are the issues with cracking windshields? -How do you see the problem from an Engineering/Legal perspective? (I assume the aim is to get the windscreen fixed for free by Honda)

(Was the glass manufactured below specification?)
(Is it too big and easy a target?)
(Is the glass too thin?)
(Is the glass material composition or manufacturing process unsuitable?)
(Is the curve/crown or shape of the glass unsuitable?)




L454S: $340 => £200 (we pay more tax...) seems ok say compared to the Ford "quick clear" windscreen which was about £400! Just remember that the glass is there to stop foreign object debris from hitting the driver so it's worth looking after those 3 little milimeter of glass? (seems a little thin?)