Have (FMC) Windshields Become More Fragile?

[ginosega]

Two chips in first two months of F-150 ownership, including one that happened when driving my new truck home from the dealer (that hurt). I had them both filled the same day so they didn't spread, but I feel that the windshield on this truck is more prone to chipping than vehicles I've owned from other brands.

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[Xman]

I've had rock chip my windshield 3x in the last 3 years. If you are looking to seal a rock chip, check out this product. A rock made this bullseye in my 2024 windshield. It left a hole in the outside that I could stick a dental tool pick into. I didn't want to leave that open so ran to the auto parts store and purchased the repair kit below. Unlike the experience I had with these type products 10 years ago, this one really worked. I followed the directions to a "T" and was amazed at how well it filled the outer portions of the bullseye. It was advertised to work on bullseyes up to an inch in diameter. Mine was bigger than that so there wasn't quite enough product to completely fill it. Still a nice improvement to have reduced the size of the bullseye and reduced the risk of further cracking.

 

[HammaMan]

The glass isn't any more or less strong. I believe the only potential weak point is the thicker laminate between the panes which helps in sound isolation. Regardless on windshields, there are IR 'tints' that can be placed over the inside of the windshield that help prevent splintering from entering the cabin on a hard impact without impacting the light transmission, but drastically reducing IR transmission. I use 50% tint on windshields to reduce onoming glare and keep the cabin cooler in summer. Combined w/ sunglasses, the visors don't need to be used to block the sun. My local shop's prices have remained constant basically forever. $80 to tint the windshield and $40/window. Each 'step up' in premium level of product adds ~20%

 

[lrb_35128]

The glass isn't any more or less strong. I believe the only potential weak point is the thicker laminate between the panes which helps in sound isolation. Regardless on windshields, there are IR 'tints' that can be placed over the inside of the windshield that help prevent splintering from entering the cabin on a hard impact without impacting the light transmission, but drastically reducing IR transmission. I use 50% tint on windshields to reduce onoming glare and keep the cabin cooler in summer. Combined w/ sunglasses, the visors don't need to be used to block the sun. My local shop's prices have remained constant basically forever. $80 to tint the windshield and $40/window. Each 'step up' in premium level of product adds ~20%

I'm using XPEL Prime CS Black 88 on the windshield (and Blue 90 on the moonroof) for the heat rejection while maintaining visibility. Over time the greenhouse that is the F-150's cabin will still heat up. However, by using the high-IR/UV rejection, the HVAC cools the cabin rapidly and hasn't struggled to maintain a comfortable setting. (Even in S. TX during the height of summer.)

 

[Jerome10]

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.

I'd probably agree with this. Truck came with the Goodyear AT. Many times getting on the expressway I get stones flung into the truck bodywork. Way more often than ever happens on my sedans.

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