Have (FMC) Windshields Become More Fragile?

[lrb_35128]

I have been a licensed driver since the 80s. I claiming, "driving" as a hobby. I routinely drive extended distances. I have also made it a priority to own at least one vehicle more than licensed drivers in the household. Yet until this month, although I have repaired a (small) handful of chips, I have only had to replace one (1) windshield. - Within the past couple of weeks, I have had rocks strike the windshield on both the wife's 2024 Lincoln and my 2024 F-150. Both events resulted in a chip which within hours on one and a few days for the other became cracks exceeding 12-inches.

So, have FMC windshield become more fragile or am I just having a run of bad luck?

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[mxwrk]

a green pinecone dropped from 30 feet…truck was parked. I’d say the glass sucks

 

[aviator]

They are all. My 2016 F150 went through 2 windshields, wife's TLX 5 windshields. They highway we travel everyday on is known for rock trucks

 

[Jerome10]

Jeez. I haven't replaced a windshield in probably over a decade. It may be more like 15 years.

My old Corolla had almost 220,000 miles on it when I sold it.... and had the original windshield. I drove that thing all over the country. I actually started hoping it would crack cuz it was so sandblasted it was getting hard to see at night in the rain

My F150 has one tiny little chip or scrape (no star pattern) in 13,000 miles.

I've heard some vehicles are much more prone than others. Don't know if it is windshield angle or what.

It didn't used to be such a big deal but now with cameras and radar and all that I guess it can cost thousands. You or your insurance (and your ins. rates) pay that. I wanna say the glass on the Corolla was $300 when I looked it up once.

Only thought is maybe a high-quality aftermarket windshield might be stronger than the Ford OEM one?

 

[aviator]

I've avoided aftermarket because both the Acura and Ford have sound damping technology and the aftermarkets did not. However it might be worth a try. Before these two vehicles never replaced a windshield like you.

 

[Kanuck]

I had to replace my windshield at about 16 months of ownership. Took a stone thrown up by a pickup. Had OEM glass installed.

What I have noticed is that the roads seem "Dirtier ". I remember seeing the highways dept trucks having big brushes hanging underneath and cleaning off the roads. Haven't seen any of them for a long time. DOT inspectors don't seem to inforcing vehicles having loose material cleaned off before proceeding.

 

[Mash150]

A little over 38000 miles on my 21. Mostly highway miles. Three stone chips so far on the windshield. And depending on the sun angle, the windshield looks like it’s been sandblasted. Fortunately , none of the chips developed into cracks but I did get one repaired at a glass shop. So yes , it seems the glass is weaker ; likely due to the process with sound deadening.

 

[Ajzride]

Modern glass is softer for acoustic benefits, results in easier damage. bonus benefit for Safelite.

 

[whizkidder]

A local glass installer told me he believes that in general, tire tread has become more agressive over the years, and are picking up bigger rocks. Might be a contributing factor.

 

[Bunker]

I broke my first windshield at 2500 miles, but it was Canada so it was compulsory. The second went at 15000 miles. Currently have a large chip in the third.

IDK. Went 20 years without breaking any. Then in the past 10 I bet I’ve replaced 6 windshields.

 

[lrb_35128]

Only thought is maybe a high-quality aftermarket windshield might be stronger than the Ford OEM one?

In that I have the HUD, I need to go with OEM.

The insult to injury is after I pay the deductible, wait for the part, have the windshield replaced & calibrated, I'll have to visit my local XPEL dealer/installers (John & Roxy) to have the ceramic tint reinstalled at an added cost.

On the upside, glad(?) I'm not the only one dealing with the issue...

 

[oncechance]

The windshield on my 2014 F150 is like armor. Rocks hit and no chips. My 2022 has two chips where rocks have hit.

 

[{tpc}]

I think I have had one chip since 2018 (with my fords), knock on wood. It only resulted in the tiniest crack that never went anywhere and that was on my 2022. Was very close to the black portion of the upper center part of the windshield. I was sure they would catch it when I turned it in, but they did not. Or it wasn't a cost thing since so small. I dunno.

 

[fatboywilly]

I think I have had one chip since 2018 (with my fords), knock on wood. It only resulted in the tiniest crack that never went anywhere and that was on my 2022. Was very close to the black portion of the upper center part of the windshield. I was sure they would catch it when I turned it in, but they did not. Or it wasn't a cost thing since so small. I dunno.

 

[fatboywilly]

Just replaced mine on tuesday. It looked like it was sandblasted. Couldnt see it until driving into the sun. Then it looked horrible. Safe lite did a nice job.

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