[tjwid]

It is only one month and I got a chip on the windshield, I don't even know when did that happen!!
Anyway, I need some advice whether to replace it or use some toolkit to repair it. I am concerned if I replace it, will it reduce the seal tightness from the factory?
If I should replace it, any good store in the Silicon Valley you'd recommend?
If I should repair it, which brand/toolkit I should consider? The size of the chip is pretty small.
Thanks.

 

[RGWomack]

tjwid,
We usually have a few guys who come around the dealerships that do a very good job of fixing window chips. See if your salesperson knows who that person is, perhaps he will set you up with them without running it through the dealership. Usually it is under $50.00 and you don't have to worry about pulling the windshield out.

 

[TheWorm]

Many insurance companies will cover the repair of small chips for free or nominal cost. It's been years since I've had a chip, but as I recall it was $10 (if anything) at AAA. Keeps them from having to pay for a new windshield (and you from coughing up your comprehensive deductible).

The tech shot some sort of epoxy(?) in the chip/crack with a syringe and suction-type device, then buffed it smooth. Took maybe 10 minutes. YMMV depending on the type of chip and whether cracking has spread vs. a small "pit".

You can probably buy the kit yourself at an auto parts store, but definitely check with your insurance company; I bet they have a program like AAA does (or did). Like Roger says, your dealership likely has a deal with someone, too, just like with the dent removal people.

 

[tjwid]

update

Folks,
Just want to share my experience on reparing windshield:
- I have been doing research to determine if I should repair or replace the windshield. While researching, I am still using the car. The originally small chip started to crack. That pretty much decided for me that I have to replace.
- I was able to locate some folks who had experience with windshield repair kit. Here are what I learn:
-- Once repaired, it is not noticable unless you check closely
-- One of my friend had a repair done on his BMW five years ago. No problem so far.
-- If the hole is smaller than a quarter, go repair it. You want to do it ASAP. Otherwise, it will spread like spider net. Even the repair kit claim they can fix crack up to 12 inches long, you probabbly don't want these repair mark on you lovely MDX.
-- Another reason you should do it ASAP is that the damaged area will be clean and you'll get good bonding with the repair kit.
-- Unless you have experience with these repair kit, go to repair shop. They have experience, can do it much faster and the cost is under $60.
-- If you plan to do it yourself, make sure you have lots of sun!! The instruction said 30min or 60min if it is cloudy. To repair crack, ithat is fine. To repair hole, you probabaly want to give it a whole day. If you do it at professional shop, they have UV light and can complete the hardening process much faster.

 

[Robyjo]

Good info, thanks tj...

Any info on fixing an etch (scratch)?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[lausy]

I had a chip on my "X"'s windshield last summer and I got it repaired. I am pretty satisfied with the repair, it is a little noticeable but not enough for me to worry about it. The main thing is that it will not spread. Like the worm said, a lot of insurance companies will waive the deductible so I paid nothing. The technician said as a rule of thumb, anything smaller than the size of a dollar bill, they can repair.

 

[A2MDXer]

The two important considerations are:
1. Size and depth of the chip, and
2. Location (is it in your sight line - if so, the chip may produce a glare from oncoming lights at night)

My insurer will fix it for free so there is really no reason to do it myself. I currently have one chip in my windshield at the bottom-center (just above the wipers). Since it does not affect my sight line and the car was new (I didn't want to lose the "factory seal") I chose to repair (it's been over 3 months and 2500 miles later and no problems). If it's done right, you may be able to see it but the chip will not spread. If the car was 4 years old and had another chip I would probably replace it.

 

[whitemdx]

tj,

Did you decide to replace the windshield with the original MDX windshield? Mine just cracked on last Monday and decided to replace it rather than fixing it since the crack is located at direct line of driver's view. There are a lot of posts saying that MDX windshield cracks easier than other cars. I didn't believe it until mine cracked. I thought 02 models having thicker windshield might have help but not in my case.

I decided to replace with the original MDX windshield anyway since Acura changed the windshield for 02 model to reduce the wind noise.

 

[tjwid]

whitemdx,
Since the original small pit started to crack, I decided to replace. It took the dealer about a week to order the OEM windshield. Then I have to make appointment to turn in my car to dealer. The actual work will be done tomorrow.
If you choose not to go through dealer, then the glass repairer can go to your home or office to do the work. However, as you pointed out that 2002 windshield is different from 2001 model, I am concerned that if I don't go through dealer I may not get the real 2002 OEM windshield. Besides, my deductible is the same.
To prevent the windshield from further cracking, I applied the $10 repair kit. I went to Tahoe and the crack did not spread.
But, the crack does reflect sunlight in certain angle. So, I am glade that I am going to have it replaced.

You mentioned that MDX shield cracks easier, that is interesting. I was not able to figure out when I got that pit. I did not go to freeway the day before I noticed the pit. I wonder how many people have that impression that MDX is windshield is easier to crack?

 

[whitemdx]

tjwid,

Search for windshield crack and you will get various people who got cracked windshields complaining about how easy the MDX windshield breaks. Well, I don't think anyone of them has an exact scientific proof but I do tend to believe it after I cracked mine.

I decided to replace it through the regular auto glass place. I did ask for the origianl Acura MDX 02 windshield. They said they will order from the dealer so I figure it would be the same as going to the dealer except that I don't have to leave the car in the shop as you've mentioned.

I hope that I have better luck with this windshield. Good luck with yours as well.

 

[Pauls MDX]

Replacing glass

Try to get the OEM 2002 glass it will make the interior noise much quieter. Actually all the glass was changed on the 2002, it was made a little thicker t reduce the interior noise.

 

[srpbep]

Glass Repair vs Replacement

Some new info and summary of others:

(1) When you get a chip, get it fixed FAST. If you wait, good chance will start to crack and/or spider web.

(2) Professional repairs by "competent technicians" are "near invisible". If the repair is directly in the driver's normal straight ahead view, the "near perfect" repair may not be good enough for some people.

(3) Many chips require drilling the windshield so that the resin can be properly injected. Suggest you leave this to the pros [note: they have already practiced on other peoples' windshields!!]. Remember practice makes perfect [or some such stuff...]

(4) Each "chip repair company" will claim that their process/resin is "the best, far better than all the others". How can they all be best?? In reality, they are all good [surprise!!].

(5) I believe that many insurance companies pay for most/all. In response to an earlier post, AAA pays ALL COST and sends modbile tech to your home or work [much prefer to pay $50 than eat their share of $500 - $1500 windshield.

 

[whitemdx]

New windshield

I did finally end up getting a new oem windshield installed yesterday. After 24 hrs, it seem to be fine. I didn't notice any unusual wind noise or vibration after the replacement. However, my rearview mirror seems to be a bit on the loose side. It doesn't vibrate or anything during the drive but it is quite loose when I try to adjust it compareded before the windshield replacement. I wonder if anyone else had this problem?

 

[tjwid]

Three windshield in one day!!

It is a long story. But, my windshield is finally replaced today!!
A week back when I talked to the service consultant in the dealership about whether MDX windshield is easier to crack. He denied. A week later, I am support to have my windshield done yesterday, dealer postponed it to today because they can have mine done with other MDXs. Today, they have three MDXs that need windshield replaced, this is in one dealership. Does this indicate a general MDX quality issue in the windshield?

 

[srpbep]

Windshield Problem

Is your MDX a 2001 or 2002? Did you notice whether the other ones were 2001 or 2002? Curious to know if all MDXs have the problem or just one specific year?

 

[Canmdx]

Windshield stone chips

I've had two stone chips on my 2001 MDX. This chip frequency does seem higher than in previous vehicles, although it's difficult to say whether the fault lies with defective glass or just a design flaw which causes air flow to direct objects into the windshield.

I discussed this problem with my Acura service rep. They indicated that Acura has had this problem on other vehicles (but didn't feel the MDX was a problem) and the fix is always some sort of improvement in hood design or something else which can redirect stones etc. Given the thicker 2002 glass having as many stone chips, I'm sure the problem is unrelated to the glass itself.

My first chip was about the size of a dime and was fixed reasonably well (without windshield replacement). When I took it in for servicing, the Acura Service rep didn't like the job they had done and did a second repair - making it almost invisible. My insurance company covered the original repair with no deductible - Acura did the follow-up repair as good customer service.

My second chip was about the size of a quarter. I didn't think this was fixable and had Acura order the OEM windshield (price was $700). When I took it in, they recommended fixing it rather than a replacement. The repair is still noticeable but not in any sightlines, so I'll live with it (and save my insurance company some money).

If I get a third chip (at this rate it shouldn't be far off - ) I'll go with the $700 windshield and maybe get the new improved 2002 glass (if it fits my 2001 - anyone know???).

 

[wlind]

WILL FRONT AIR DEFLECTOR HELP?

I was just wondering if anybody thinks if a frnt air deflector will help prevent stone chips. My MDX is only two weeks old and I do mostly highway driving. Hate to have to replace the windshield. Anyone with a air deflector care to comment!

Happy MDXing!

 

[Canmdx]

Chips and air deflector

I had the Acura air deflector on my MDX for a few months last summer and didn't experience any stone chips (despite a fair amount of highway driving).

I eventually returned the Acura deflector because it created an annoying wind whistle. Whistle went away, but I did experience two stone chips without it. That could be coincidental though.

Regardless, I've ordered the 'Formfit' hood deflector from my Acura dealer and will give that one a try. I do feel there is some benefit to having some front-end protection for both the windshield and the hood.

 

[tjwid]

no chip, no mark

It is about three weeks after my windshield replaced, my new windshield got hit by another stone. It gave very lound noise and my heart dropped at that moment. I though I am going to break the record, two windshields in a month.
When I got a change to examine the windshield, I was surprised to see that, other than some dust, no chip, no mark on the area that was hit by the stone. So, my confidence on the quality of MDX windshield is back.
On the other hand, I am still puzzled how I got the first chip. This time, I heard the noise and I was driving about about 40 mile an hour. The result: no chip, no mark.
Last time, I don't even know when and how I got it. Compare these two incidents, I speculate that may be my first incident was done by some jealous people. Oh well, at least I feel more confident on MDX's windshield now.

 

[MIKEinTN]

Just replaced my windshield

I got a chip on Saturday afternoon while driving down to Greenville, SC. It made only a small chip, but seemed to be moving the next day. I took it to a glass shop that I trusted and when they tried to do the injection, the crack ran.....hello $640 windshield. I have a $500 deductable, so that was fun.

There goes my accessories budget for a couple of months. I will be interested to see how many people have had windshield problems. I really don't want to add a front deflector for the wind noise, but if it will help avoid rocks then I would consider it.

I almost posted a similar topic myself, so I appreicate it being posted.