[spta97]

On the highway yesterday and had a rock fly up from the car in the lane next to me and chip my windshield

It's not too bad, but it is in my line of sight and want to get it fixed so it doesn't get worse.

Looking for opinions on options:

1) Get a repair kit and do it myself: The process does not look that hard but saw reviews about some people who were not happy with results because the resin never cured despite following directions.

2) Go to a glass shop like Safelite: I can submit an insurance claim for this (estimate was $160 on the app) but not crazy about these shops as last time I had a windshield replaced (different vehicle) they broke a bunch of cowl clips. Also had to have them do it 2x because the original replacement was distorted.

I know this is not a replacement but the quality of their work historically makes me concerned.

Thoughts?

[allinon72]

I wouldn't touch a chip like that unless it starts spidering outward. Reason being, even if you fill it in, it's still visible so there's really no point. If it starts spidering, then you have a structural issue so you'd want to get it filled so it doesn't spread. I had Safelite fix an impact point that was spreading on our X1 and it's been fine for almost 3 years. Either way, I'm not sure this is something I would DIY.

[forza1976]

Do that yourself. It's easy as long as you have sunlight for it to cure.

That's nothing btw. This happened 2 weeks ago and I had to get safelite to fix.

[spta97]

Thanks for the replies!

So assuming my insurance covers, is there a benefit to doing it myself vs. Safelite?

I'm tempted to try myself as I want to minimize when people other than me touch my car.

[spta97]

I got the Permatex kit which was available locally. Instructions say "only for bullseyes".

Need to do more research if it will work for a chip.

[spta97]

Well I gave the Permatex kit a shot.

All was going well until I carefully pulled off the plastic piece and it came flying off. Luckily towels caught the resin.

Anyway, it is almost invisible from the outside now but has remained unchanged on the inside.

At least the glass is smooth now on the outside.

[JANE256]

Originally Posted by spta97

On the highway yesterday and had a rock fly up from the car in the lane next to me and chip my windshield

It's not too bad, but it is in my line of sight and want to get it fixed so it doesn't get worse.

Looking for opinions on options:

1) Get a repair kit and do it myself: The process does not look that hard but saw reviews about some people who were not happy with results because the resin never cured despite following directions.

2) Go to a glass shop like Safelite: I can submit an insurance claim for this (estimate was $160 on the app) but not crazy about these shops as last time I had a windshield replaced (different vehicle) they broke a bunch of cowl clips. Also had to have them do it 2x because the original replacement was distorted.

I know this is not a replacement but the quality of their work historically makes me concerned.

Thoughts?

I can understand your concerns about both DIY kits and some glass shops. I had a similar windshield chip issue, and I opted for the Crack Eraser kit. It worked surprisingly well, and the results were great. It's user-friendly, and you can check it out here to see if it suits your needs. Fixing the chip yourself might be a satisfying and reliable option! 😊

[spta97]

Originally Posted by JANE256

I can understand your concerns about both DIY kits and some glass shops. I had a similar windshield chip issue, and I opted for the Crack Eraser kit. It worked surprisingly well, and the results were great. It's user-friendly, and you can check it out here to see if it suits your needs. Fixing the chip yourself might be a satisfying and reliable option! 😊

Old thread but I did the self repair. It looks better and hasn’t spread, but it’s still there.

The Safelite I used around here (another vehicle) first put in a distorted windshield and had them replace. I noticed months later they broke nearly all the clips on my cowl. Shoddy work.

Did your bullseye completely disappear? Mine was better and less noticeable but it’s not clear glass.

[Jnat]

Originally Posted by spta97

Well I gave the Permatex kit a shot.

All was going well until I carefully pulled off the plastic piece and it came flying off. Luckily towels caught the resin.

Anyway, it is almost invisible from the outside now but has remained unchanged on the inside.

At least the glass is smooth now on the outside.

That came out great! I have similar and would be satisfied with that result

[chrisleo2001]

YouTube has lots of DIY videos. You can do it yourself.

[Condorll]

Your insurance should cover the repair.
My BMW dealer did a great job on my rock chip, they charge $49.95. Safelite charges a lot more.

[DBU]

Originally Posted by Condorll

Your insurance should cover the repair.
My BMW dealer did a great job on my rock chip, they charge $49.95. Safelite charges a lot more.

Hmm - that's weird. I have used Safelite twice - and never been charged a penny.

[M3Pilot09]

Insurance claim and new glass, I always get it approved by my insurance company in advance for OEM glass with the work done at my dealer who does it in house. They do not sub it out.

However, I have to pay the entire invoice and submit it to my insurance company for reimbursement less my deductible. That’s the only way I do it! Safelite is a bunch of hacks, self repair on an X3M pass.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Originally Posted by M3Pilot09

Insurance claim and new glass, I always get it approved by my insurance company in advance for OEM glass with the work done at my dealer who does it in house. They do not sub it out.

However, I have to pay the entire invoice and submit it to my insurance company for reimbursement less my deductible. That’s the only way I do it! Safelite is a bunch of hacks, self repair on an X3M pass.

Exactly. Demand nothing but OWM & take it to a top notch place. NEVER use Safelite. They use cheap glue, cheap labor & even cheaper glass. Their ultimate goal is to do it for pennies on the dollar every single ****ing time. Your X3 M deserves much better than that.

[thestimp]

My insurance does not cover windshields anymore in Pittsburgh, oof.