Windscreen replacement at less than 5k miles - GUTTED

[GeoBog]

Got a nasty stone chip on my windscreen last week which resulted in a small star-like crack of about 10 mm. The guy from the glass company tried to fill it today with that special resin to repair it but the crack was quite deep and has expanded to about 25 mm. Now I need a new windscreen at 4980 miles on the clock and 7 months of ownership.

The OEM windscreen seems to be Pilkington but the other windows are Saint Gobain. I always thought that all the windows on a car come from the same manufacturer. The replacement windscreen is going to be Pilkington as well, but without the VW badge on it which doesn't bother me to much.

Anyone had experiences with windscreen replacement? Had my old car for 8 years but never had a screen chip or replacement.

[monkeyhanger]

Got a nasty stone chip on my windscreen last week which resulted in a small star-like crack of about 10 mm. The guy from the glass company tried to fill it today with that special resin to repair it but the crack was quite deep and has expanded to about 25 mm. Now I need a new windscreen at 4980 miles on the clock and 7 months of ownership.

The OEM windscreen seems to be Pilkington but the other windows are Saint Gobain. I always thought that all the windows on a car come from the same manufacturer. The replacement windscreen is going to be Pilkington as well, but without the VW badge on it which doesn't bother me to much.

Anyone had experiences with windscreen replacement? Had my old car for 8 years but never had a screen chip or replacement.

Make sure the proposed non-OEM windscreen has the same tint level and colour as the front door windows (green tint 15% I believe), and that your suoundaktor and auto-dimming rear-view mirrors are operating properly post-fit.

[remlapeel]

I had the same problem. Had my GTI 5 months and got a massive crack across the drivers window. Had mine replaced by auto glass and everything works fine.

[GrahamFR]

With all the tiny nicks in mine I wish I was getting mine replaced! Monkey what's the windscreen do to the auto dimming and fake sound maker?

[itavaltalainen]

Had mine replaced within a year of having the car.... just be happy you don't have the heated one. Sets you back over 1k2£ 

[GeoBog]

Cheers for the replies guys.

I am doing mine on insurance so not paying from my pocket. I am only paying the excess which is not too bad.

Autoglass is going to replace mine as well. The guy that tried to fix it today said the replacement is going to be the same brand (Pilkington) with rain/light sensor, with the only difference the missing VW badge so I'm guessing it is going to be the same tint as the factory fitted one.

[Sootchucker]

Monkey what's the windscreen do to the auto dimming and fake sound maker?

What MH was referring to is that the sensor for the auto lights (and auto wipers) is bonded to the windscreen, so a new windscreen either needs to come with one pre fitted, or somehow retrofit the old one, and there have been issues with some not working properly afterwards.

Also, the Sound Actuator actually resonates against the base of the windscreen (so is also attached to it), it's actually the windscreen that helps make the fake noises.

[GrahamFR]

well i never, so if i dont like the fake sound, a quick and easy fix while driving is to smash my windscreen, got it!

[chazzypuk]

Hi,

Well I got a cracked windscreen after only 300 miles of ownership so your doing better than me! (Lorry on M25 kicked up a massive stone for me!).

Comments as above should lead you in the right direction. By the sounds of it you already have, but remember to tell the insurance company you want an original windscreen. They fit cheeper ones by default. If you have a Diesel, make sure they are fitting one with the extra sound proofing (Acoustic windscreen). I had to learn about all this when I had mine done. I was with VW insurance so just got it all done at my local VW garage. They organised the OEM replacement from Germany and then got someone in the fit the glass under their watchful eye!

Good Luck!

[monkeyhanger]

Wit so many Rs coming in leased, and also broker sold VWs where the buyer lives at the other end of the country to the supplying dealership, i'm just waiting to hear of the unlucky sod who has a smashed windscreen on the way home from collecting their car.