more aerodynamic = more rocks hitting windshield

Just fyi, the windshield is an important structural piece of the car. If the crack goes all the way through the glass, you should get it fixed or replaced if possible. Cracks all the way through the glass seem to spread over time anyway, so you'd need to replace it sooner or later -- better to do it sooner.

 

Man, that sucks.

By the way, has anyone noticed that the Prius' windshield is almost completely flat? I just thought it was kinda strange compared to other cars I've driven.

 

A number of insurance companies will have your windshield repaired or replaced (including mine: Geico) at no charge to the customer!

 

Just speculation...

Perhaps they get hit by rocks less often, but are more prone to cracking when hit? Due to the steep angle or something like that?

 

I'd say the non-aerodynamic car 'breaking' through the atmosphere creates it's own protective pressure cushion/barrier, where large objects are deflected more.

Aerodynamic cars are less or un-protected, since the cushion is almost non-existent as it slides through the air.

Or maybe not...

 

I think surface area is just surface area.

If an aerodymanic car gets hit more than a non aerodynamic car, I'd be amazed. Maybe it has to do with bigger surface area windscreens get hit more than smaller area surface area?

What would be a good test? VW New Bettle vs Audi TT?

 

I agree with efusco. I don't understand why the aerodynamic windshield of any type is MORE prone to cracks or being hit by stones. If the stone is small enough to be carried by the airstreams, then the aerodynamic windshield would be less likely to be struck, since small stones would be carried along with the air.

I imagine that a equal size (in square feet) windshield that is at right angles to the air would be more likely to be struck.

Another thing to consider would be the height off the ground. Maybe a windshield close to the ground will more likely be struck, since the stones fly up in the air, and then down. ?More stones would be closer to the ground?

Anyway, this is fun to think about.

 

What does make sense (although I'm not sure that it is the correct answer) is the windshield is extremely large (due to the nature of making the car more aerodynamic), therefore more prone to actually being struck. Hence more cracked windshields.

 

Gremlins. It's those damn Gremlins

 

just for clarification, it's not that the insurance company just feels like they should replace your glass... it's that in many states, the comprehensive (also known as 'other than collision') coverage includes the availability of 'full glass coverage'. really it's just a buyback of whatever deductible you carry on damage to the car.

since glass is either broken or it's not (no such thing as a 'partially broken' windshield or window), it doesn't really pay to apply a deductible, which is designed to avoid the expense of settling smaller claims. the companies find it convenient to negotiate massive deals with the glass companies, with favorable pricing schedules.

so in the end, to the consumer, it just seems like you call your insurance carrier, or some toll free number they give you, and 'they' replace the windshield. a system that works.

 

Get the small penny sized spider web crack spot fixed before it starts to crack further... then you will need to get the entire windshield replaced!!! :cussing: ...I believe the Prius uses a special tint and heat reflective glass, right now with limited availbility of parts I would try to get it spot fixed as soon as possible.

May I suggest that the greater the slope of the windshield (more aerodynamic) the less likely that breaking damage occurs since the force is not normal to the surface. A force hitting normal to the surface will generate the most force (think of a golf club face). I think what your seeing in real life is more trucks on the road without mud guards and they then to throw more stuff at the low profile cars...I bet that big SUVs following our low profile cars see less damage from our cars since a good part of the tire is covered and if we do throw stuff it must fly higher to hit the SUVs windshield. :mrgreen:

Mike

 

When I had my windshield cracked on my old car, I called up the autoglass place, and they did all the paperword with the insurance company. I never even had to call the insurance folks.

Some glass companies have vans that will come to your home/office, replace the windshield, and then drive off...

 

its funny that this subject comes up. i noticed that when i first got my car that things that would fly over my little benz and other cars ive owned seemed to be attracted to my hood! for instance the first day i took smiley out on the highway a tractor trailer sent a huge piece of cardboard up into the air and smack onto my little hood and winshield. although this is just antedotal i think that the lack of a hood compared to other cars keeps the air around the front from forming a dam and pushing things away like most cars do. anyone else have that feeling.?

 

wow just saw my post. my spelling is awful. i meant to say anecdotal.geeeeshhhh!

 

If the amount of air moving over the front of the hood moves a particle out of the way, it isn't something you should be all that worried about in the first place.

It is the particles that arc up and coming directly down at you or the direct shot from whatever sent it off (a truck tire.) A wind dam (unless you can get your car to do Mach 1...and then I wanna know what you modded!) won't do too much to save the ding.