3rd crack in 1.5 yrs!!!

[nitu]

Can someone please help me understand this.

I have a 2001 Corolla and I replaced the original PPG windshield in July 03 and then a tiny tiny something hit the driver side right upper edge (where the tape would be) and it cracked!!!! I then had that replaced in Nov 03 and just yesterday a salt chip hit the driver side bottom (again where the black tape is) and it cracked again.

I am so fed up that i don't even want to change the windshield. The same guy replaced in 1st and 2nd time. Second time he put Toyota's PPG glass back.

Am i just having a string of bad luck with my windshield? Poor workmanship? or shotty glass? Can someone please help make sense of this.

Thank you!

[StarQuest]

nitu,

Your just having a string of bad luck. Sorry!

The black tape area that you describe is commonly refered to as the painted frit line. It's there to provide better adhesion or bonding of urethane to the glass. 95% of the time when your shield takes a hit that close (1"-3" from the edge) it will crack. It's neither the installers or the glass manufactures fault. Just a fact of life!

Wish you better luck with your new sheild :-)

[SunTec]

Some auto glass companies will give you a free year of chip repairs after the first time you get your windshield replaced.

http://www.suntecautoglass.com

[glassdude]

Starquest is correct.
Even a little tiny "nick" in this area is enough for it to crack out.
The bad thing about a hit in the frit area is that most times you don't even know that you've got a chip until it's too late.

-Jeff