Question about cracking windshields - Page 2 - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

jtsanter · 05-23-2009, 12:09 PM

Less than a month after replacing my original windshield (small chip developed into a 15 inch vertical crack from just under the drivers side wiper) - while driving on the 91 Freeway in Corona, CA - a small piece of debris hit the upper passenger side. By the sound of the impact I didn't think much about it - then noticed a dime size star chip! I freaked! Within five days (after sitting in the sun for an afternoon) a crack has appeared - about 18 inches horizontal across to the mid point of the windshield. My insurance does not cover glass breakage - so it looks like another out of pocket trip to the dealer.

I am beginning to think that smart (MB) may be using a poor quality of glass material in the smart windshields. To save weight? Other reasons?

I have owned many MB's and BMW's in the last 30 years - experienced many debris hits to windshields from mild sounding to startling and have replaced only one windshield due to cracking - on a car with over 140 thousand miles! Never on a car with only 8000 miles on the odometer.

Does anyone else think that the quality of the glass in smart windshields is less than it should be? Sorry to say - but if the windshield cracks a third time - it might be time to rethink owning a smart.

SuperGeek · 05-23-2009, 12:24 PM

That's some horrible luck. I've only had one chip in 20 years, despite following trucks, log trucks, you name it. Maybe you're following closer than I am... may be a necessity in Corona?

I wonder if the shape of the windshield is a factor... any thoughts of whether it'd be more prone to cracking because of that? I'm sure with the tight air seal the car has, slamming the door with hot air is likely to add a lot of pressure, which would enhance any flaw.

For the short term, it might not hurt to get one of those windshield glass repair kits and keep it with you; if you hit road debris, patch it asap... 20-50 bucks is a lot better than a grand.

Windshield Repair Kit Review - Do Those Windshield Repair Kits Work - Can You Repair Your Own Windshield

John_H · 05-23-2009, 12:37 PM

The Smart is different than most MBs and BMWs because the glass is such a large surface area so close to the front of the car. I've had a large number of paint chips from rocks in other cars that would have hit the window on the Smart. So geometry has something to do with it.

Rather than cheap glass, it could be the windshield is more structural - taking more skin stress - than other cars you've owned.

I'm sad about your insurance situation. I have $0 deductible on my comprehensive on a policy that does cover glass just because of the troubles others have had with Smart windshields. So far I'm chip-free! ::knocking on wood::

**jimvw57** · 05-23-2009, 04:56 PM

I had a particularly bad summer once, 3 windshields in 2 months. It was on a VW Fox and the windshield costs $600 a pop. no road construction or gravel roads, just rocks hitting the glass. The last one I saw before it hit. Insurance said one more windshield and they were going to total the car... It was like a magnet or something. then it stopped and I went 4 years with no problems. Guess it was my turn.

jetfuel · 05-23-2009, 05:54 PM

...sister betty...have you considered that it could be just a small lighting bolt from you know who above 'cause of your avatar?....lol

jetfuel...in FL

chieftmc · 05-23-2009, 06:24 PM

I picked up a "chip" right in the center of my smart the 2nd week I owned it

I used one of those windshield repair kits from the auto parts store. It was like $9 with tax. Worked great

There is a "tiny" spot that most people would not even notice. It filled the "star" and I haven't had any problems with the repair. It's the same technology used by windshield repair shops !

Westfield 11 · 05-25-2009, 11:59 AM

When we took delivery of our 1st cabrio, the dealer noticed a flaw in the windscreen, it wasn't a crack, exactly, but you could see a defect in the interior of the glass when the light hit it in just the correct way. They replaced the windscreen before we took delivery under warranty. Perhaps these windows have an issue with internal stress that is exacerbated by the use of the glass as a structural element of the design.

Regarding MB glass: over the years, it has been my experience that Securit brand glass used in MB's is a bit more flexible than other brands. It seems to pit from sand and grit faster than other brands, but is more resistant to stars and chips. At least that's been my experience.

SuperGeek · 05-25-2009, 12:56 PM

That does it, I'm calling my insurance and checking on windshield coverage. I've got the hockey puck which brings replacement to $1500.

**SmartDigger** · 05-25-2009, 07:53 PM

Mine covers the glass with a deductable. I can get an extra rider to the policy to cover the deductable. Also they pay 100% of a chip repair.

mginsa · 06-01-2009, 03:42 PM

I was on a stretch of highway with no buildings left or right for several hundred yards (I am in Texas) and, as best I can recall, no cars beside me when the window imploded. As I vacuumed the glass out of the car I searched for a BB or similar and found none.

There was no logical explanation for the window imploding...

Michael