[Jeepeiro_fl_usa]

1997 xj 4.0,4x4,5 spd,all original...so i left my jeep parked in Ct(15-35 F) and i flew to Fl and when i got back i noticed a small crack about 2" on the left side,but after a month is getting bigger about 10".My question is what is this happening and i`m not sure if i need to replace and just wait to see what happens.I still driving the truck and i`m concerned about safety for now...any suggestions will be aprecciated.Thanks Jeepforum for let me be part of the jeep family.

[mecompco]

I had a new windshield put in last fall after a tree limb jumped out in front of me. This winter, the new windshield cracked, about where you describe--driver's side, about where the wipers rest. Supposedly this is a safety hazard so the windshield should be replaced. Many insurance polocies cover it, anyway. I know of no way to fix a crack that large.

[jd4x426]

with a crack that big you will have to replace it but as he said most insuance companies cover the windshields

[Kpat]

Originally Posted by jd4x426

with a crack that big you will have to replace it but as he said most insuance companies cover the windshields

Ya but usually have an initial payment of say $300 first then they cover rest.
Unless you've got full coverage.


The windshield is only like on avg. $250 so unless you've got full coverage I would just pay own way or leave it...
90% of the trucks here in northern ON have cracked windshields.. mine is right across.
I know it can't be certified like this but i wouldn't say its a safety hazard unless you can feel any sharpness in the crack... then I would definatley get a new one ASAP.

[Kpat]

Originally Posted by Jeepeiro_fl_usa

1997 xj 4.0,4x4,5 spd,all original...so i left my jeep parked in Ct(15-35 F) and i flew to Fl and when i got back i noticed a small crack about 2" on the left side,but after a month is getting bigger about 10".My question is what is this happening and i`m not sure if i need to replace and just wait to see what happens.I still driving the truck and i`m concerned about safety for now...any suggestions will be aprecciated.Thanks Jeepforum for let me be part of the jeep family.

Another way to prevent cracks in the future is when you notice a "chip"... get it sealed at Apple auto or Speedy.
I know that had about 3-4 chips in my old car and once I got it sealed they never formed into any cracks.
It costs about $80 for me and that came with a warranty covering any new chips and if it formed into a crack they covered cost of new windshield.

[xjguy98]

I left mine parked 2 months while I was in Afghan over the winter and when I got back last week I had the same problem. Looked like a stress crack from top middle above the mirror and down across my field of vision. Took it to Apple and got them to replace it, lifetime warranty for $275.....cheaper than my $1000 deductible for insurance...

[Kpat]

Originally Posted by xjguy98

I left mine parked 2 months while I was in Afghan over the winter and when I got back last week I had the same problem. Looked like a stress crack from top middle above the mirror and down across my field of vision. Took it to Apple and got them to replace it, lifetime warranty for $275.....cheaper than my $1000 deductible for insurance...

You with the hasty p's??
I was for 2 years in belleville and am know up in timmins. Going to afghan on stream 1 2010

[Jeepeiro_fl_usa]

Thank you guys for your help...i did some upgrades and i will post the pic everything is done...cya.

[tjwalker]

The fact that it has already grown from 2" to 10" is concerning. There is a real good chance of it spreading further. Keep in mind that the windshield is part of the "structural integrity" of your vehicle for crashes, etc. Thusly, it provides far more than a window to what's in front of you.

There are companies that can inject a resin into cracks, but that depends on not only the size of the crack, but the location of it. I have heard of one company that claims that if the crack is smaller than a dollar bill, it can be injected. Other companies have different criteria for repairing it vs replacing.

If it is directly in the sight line of the driver, it is probably best to get the windshield replaced.

[conrasm]

I paid $160 for a new windshield installed at safelite. They aren't very expensive for the XJ. They will come to your home or where you work and do it in the parking lot if you ask. Don't know if it's extra.