Cracked windshield - Need advice fellow Q5ers
05-29-2012, 07:53 AM
#11
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I would definitely have the windshield replaced. I had a chip smaller than that on my last car. At the time I didn't want to go through the hassles of replacing it--registration/inspection stickers, possible leaks, etc.--but I was sorry that I didn't. The SafeLite repair stopped it from cracking or getting bigger but it was still very visible. And when I traded the car in they of course deducted value because of the windshield.
Last edited by OttoNY; 05-29-2012 at 07:57 AM.
05-29-2012, 08:55 AM
#12
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Our moonlight blue 2012 Q5 has its first blemish. A fairly good sized chip in the windshield courtesy of some random flying rock. The chip is about silver dollar sized and has some cracks radiating out a couple of inches. It hasn't penetrated through the windscreen, I can't feel anything on the inside. But, it's a pretty messy chip as you can see from the pics. I'm guessing that it can't be filled and that the windshield will need to be replaced. If so, should I take it to Audi? or look for a cheaper replacement? Is it worth it to make an insurance claim (I have no other recent claims)? Anyone with recent experience?
05-29-2012, 09:27 AM
#14
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Be very careful who you use. Some of those bargain and/or mobile "shops" aren't body shop guys and don't care about anything but quickly swapping out your window and moving on to the next job.
Where they fail is scraping the sealant out of the window channel. They scrape the paint along with the sealant.. This causes rusting/bubbling steel at the window interface. Your first clue will be a wet floor after a rain.
The fix is to get a flat/good seal using POR (paint over rust), etc. Not a good situation.
Some guys will only use their trusted body shop for windshield replacement. I still use those portable shops, but I watch them very closely!
Where they fail is scraping the sealant out of the window channel. They scrape the paint along with the sealant.. This causes rusting/bubbling steel at the window interface. Your first clue will be a wet floor after a rain.
The fix is to get a flat/good seal using POR (paint over rust), etc. Not a good situation.
Some guys will only use their trusted body shop for windshield replacement. I still use those portable shops, but I watch them very closely!
05-29-2012, 09:48 AM
#15
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I would definitely have the windshield replaced. I had a chip smaller than that on my last car. At the time I didn't want to go through the hassles of replacing it--registration/inspection stickers, possible leaks, etc.--but I was sorry that I didn't. The SafeLite repair stopped it from cracking or getting bigger but it was still very visible. And when I traded the car in they of course deducted value because of the windshield.
05-29-2012, 04:48 PM
#16
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As most members have said, I recommend contacting your insurance company. I had a nickel-quarter size chip on my Nissan. I have full coverage with glass so they sent me to safelite and it was no charge to me at all. The Tech said if it had spread then they would just recommend a new one and the insurance would cover it.
Good luck
Good luck
05-29-2012, 07:10 PM
#17
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Safelite does a great job, give them a shot, repairs are usually "free" via insurance, and then if it's not repairable, get it replaced.
I had something similar, Safelite did a great job, I'll probably get it replaced once/if the next crack appears.
I had something similar, Safelite did a great job, I'll probably get it replaced once/if the next crack appears.
05-29-2012, 07:31 PM
#18
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replacement planned
Thanks for all the advice. called the insurance and indicated I'd prefer replacement as it seems too large and conspicuous to repair. They arranged for replacement at a specialist, now just waiting for the audi windscreen to come in.
12-27-2012, 06:22 AM
#19
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Quattrosky, what did you end up doing? I just recently got my windshield cracked and called GEICO, luckily i have full glass coverage. My Q5 is leased so this might have been a requirement. GEICO set up an appointment with SafeLight. My concern was that they will use an after market part and not properly install all the features of the windshield. Safelight assured me that they will use OEM for my Q5. How was your experience? Are there other things you have to look out for besides the rain sensor? Thanks all
12-27-2012, 06:42 AM
#20
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I had a Jetta broken into via the passenger front window. I have Geico as well and they recommended Safelite. Glass was aftermarket and I was not too happy w/ their job. They left broken pieces of glass within the footwells. If they show up with an aftermarket piece, I say go else where and spend a few more $ to have the job done right.