chipped windshield

[ldye]

Owned the car for one year now and still have not replaced the windshield. My dealer, 3 hours away notified me that they finally did a windshield replacement. I'm still on the fence whether to replace mine. Would be total of 400 miles and overnight stay to get the job done. Only a small chip but it does bug me when I see it. I still worry if the risk to replace outweighs the benefit of a new glass. I am paranoid about water leaks and any other problems with the install. Those of you that have had glass replaced, did you have any problems?

[M3R8]

Chipped windshields can sometimes be repaired, try to find a repair shop specializing in this to give you an estimate.

After all, if it's only a chip rather than a crack, this is normally only a cosmetic matter. Windshield repair shops will make it disappear completely and possibly give the glass a bit of its previous strength so that this chip doesn't develop into a crack.

I say seek professional advice and don't replace unless absolutely necessary.

On top of the repaired chip, you can also have it wrapped... which will further strengthen it.

I gather, from this forum, that R8 windshields tend to crack easier than most cars, too, in which case wrapping it might add a bit of protection against that.

[ldye]

Had the chip repaired but it didn't eliminate it totally. Small but still there. Right in my line of vision and draws your attention right at it. Not too bad once you stop concentrating on it. Probably will just leave it alone. May try another glass shop to see if the chip can be redone.

Chipped windshields can sometimes be repaired, try to find a repair shop specializing in this to give you an estimate.

After all, if it's only a chip rather than a crack, this is normally only a cosmetic matter. Windshield repair shops will make it disappear completely and possibly give the glass a bit of its previous strength so that this chip doesn't develop into a crack.

I say seek professional advice and don't replace unless absolutely necessary.

On top of the repaired chip, you can also have it wrapped... which will further strengthen it.

I gather, from this forum, that R8 windshields tend to crack easier than most cars, too, in which case wrapping it might add a bit of protection against that.

[M3R8]

Yeah, try to get it redone by another shop, it should be invisible.

I know from local regulations that if a chip is visible and in the driver's view (don't know if only before or after correction as well) then the windscreen must be replaced.

Check if your insurance covers replacement.

[mngolfer]

I know Mothertucker has had at least three replacements windshields. I have had one. I have not had any problems with the replacement at all. They can only order OEM windshields since the R8 is too rare for aftermarket windshields. Just get it replaced under your insurance. Mine was no charge and was done by the local glass replacement company. Get a recommendation by the dealer. He outsources glass replacement.

[sundowner]

Yeah, try to get it redone by another shop, it should be invisible.

My understanding is that the repair can not be made "totally invisible." They can do a very good job and make the repair nearly invisible. However, when the chip is directly in the driver's view it can often be noticeable to the driver.

[M3R8]

My understanding is that the repair can not be made "totally invisible." They can do a very good job and make the repair nearly invisible. However, when the chip is directly in the driver's view it can often be noticeable to the driver.

Maybe that's why local regulations say replace if it's within driver's view, I don't know. Never had a chip repaired.

[SebringSilver]

One big pothole or an expansion joint will turn that chip into a crack. Might as well get it replaced, even if it involves a long trek. Windshield replacement is so common, I can't see too big a downside to getting it done.

Good luck.

[harrison]

You could very well be READY for a new windshield at even 10,000 mi. The hyper speeds the R8 loves to cruise at causes plenty of pitting...from sand, debris. When the sun is directly in front of the glass, is when you'll notice the blasting the windshield takes. Once you have a windshield replaced, visibility becomes awesome again. I have no chips or cracks-but I am looking forward to replacing the windscreen someday. A lot of people swear that Chip repair worked for them. In certain cases, chip repair is a real money saver.

[KfabR8]

If you decide to get the windshield replaced, make sure you get OEM Audi equipment. I recently had the windshield of my RS6 replaced with an aftermarket piece and the company that did the job is coming back tomorrow to put an OEM unit in. The aftermarket has horrid waves in it - to the point of being distracting.

I agree w/Harrison - a new windshield is like putting on new glasses. Those little pits and nicks from stuff in the air and off the road really does add up after a while. Even though it's wavy, the clarity that the new RS6 glass has is great. (car has 68K miles).

I don't know what it is about European glass, but it seems to me that it's "soft" compared to stuff from PPG (supplier for most US mfgs). I noticed that both my Audis and the old 928GTS that I had all suffered from pitting and surface damage from road debris to much more of an extent (milage/age considered) than the US autos that I've owned.