Chipped/scratched windshield

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by DerekinaPrius, Apr 7, 2011.

  1. DerekinaPrius

    DerekinaPrius New Member

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    So my 2010 Prius took a beating during a snowstorm a couple weeks ago. I noticed two very small chips in the windshield and some scratches in my direct field of view. I set up an appointment with Safelite because my dealer told me that's who they go through (my insurance, State Farm, doesn't offer windshield repair/replacement) and thought I'd check out the forums before I take it in. It looks like a lot of people have had issues with Safelite in the past with their products being inferior. I talked to a lady at their office and she said there's no difference in their "aftermarket" windshield compared to the OEM, except theirs doesn't have a Toyota logo on it. They're quoting me at only $60 to fix the two chips and $390 to replace the windshield if the scratches are too deep. I've never had to replace a windshield before, but this seems reasonable to me. Any thoughts/inputs, PCers?
     
    #1 DerekinaPrius, Apr 7, 2011
  2. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    My wife's car took a rock from a truck on the interstate that created a pretty good size chip. It was just above the normal line of sight. We had the chip repaired and I have to search to find the spot that was left.

    If it were mine, I would check in to having it repaired if possible.
     
    #2 jdcollins5, Apr 7, 2011
  3. DerekinaPrius

    DerekinaPrius New Member

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    I read on ehow.com that scratches can't be repaired if you run your fingernail along them and your nail gets caught, which is the case for mine. I'd much, much rather just repair it, but it's seriously right in the middle of my field of view.
     
    #3 DerekinaPrius, Apr 7, 2011
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Check with your insurance: they'll likely be able to recommend an accredited windshield chip repair outlet. Take it there, let them assess whether it's repairable or needs replacement.

    FWIW, we had a chip on our last HCHII, went that route, and like the other poster: had to look pretty hard to even find it, after repair.

    Some insurers will pay for the repair. In our area they used to, but no more. Still: worked for us, was under $60 CAN.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Apr 8, 2011
  5. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Funny you should ask, the chip in my windshield was repaired today. I paid $53 for a fellow to come out to our home and repair the car. He has been doing this kind of repair for decades, although the 'business in a box' as he calls it is newer. He appeared to do a superb job, and it was nice to be able and watch and chat. Neither I or my wife could find the defect after he left.

    My feeling is that anybody who has a couple months of solid experience, pays attention to their work, and uses quality equipment and materials is going to probably do good work for easy to moderate defects. The method is really, really clever.
     
    #5 SageBrush, Apr 8, 2011
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