OT: anyone try clearplex before for a windshield.

[Coronita]

Gonna stretch and ask here to see if anyone actually tried this…

Has anyone tried ClearPlex or something similar for their windshield. It’s basically a clear bra for your windshield.

ClearPlex Windshield Protection

I’m tired of getting my windshield replaced even though I only have a $250 deductible each time. It’s just annoying because with newer cars, they need to not only replace the windshield but the color painted window moldings around and getting them to match the rest of the car sometimes takes effort.

Wondering if the product works as advertised. I have PPF clear bra film on the rest of my car and have been happy with it. Wondering how the windshield version does to prevent a rock chip or crack.

[zk]

I don’t know anything about that, but have you considered zero deductible comprehensive?

It’s generally only about $7 extra per month. Maybe less if you’re already at a $250 deductible. Makes it a no-brainer to get any little ding or chip fixed.

[Coronita]

My windshield deductible is $250. The issue isn’t the cost, the issue I’m tired of the downtime of this car and this car is known to have easily breakable windshield. The other issue is that to replace the windshield, they also have to replace the once time use window garnishes that surround the windshield, which is suppose to be color coded to the rest of your car. The problem is that if I keep replacing the windshield, the color these garnishes wlll be slightly off from the rest of the car which has slightly faded over the years. First world problem…

It’s actually quite pricey for the insurance to replace the windshield for me. The windshield and labor is about $400. But on top of that, they have to pay $300 for the color coded trim pieces that surround the windshield. And those trim pieces were covered with Xpel clear bra, and to have them redone ala carte, the company that did it wants $250 for that too. So insurance is going to be forking over $700 each time I need a new windshield with the $250 deductible I have. I probably need a windshield once every 2.5 years.

[kcal09]

I had clearplex on my 911 turbo s for 2 years. It looked good for about a year and the second year it was pretty scratched up but I just sold the car or I would have removed it. I suppose the new owner will be happy about his or her perfect windshield. I guess it helps with chip protection but would you EM rather look at scratches or small pits.

[Coronita]

Well that does it. I guess I wont get it. Looks like it doesn’t last that long. I get a new windshield tomorrow.

[svelte]

[quote=Coronita] I probably need a windshield once every 2.5 years.[/quote]

We probably get a rock chip star once every 2.5 years or so between us and we each drive about 10K per year.

Most of those I’ve been able to have the star repair done and it was fine. Twice recently the star went to a full-on crack the same day so I didn’t have a chance to repair.

Those windshields cost me $400 for a 16 yo car (total cost out the door) and $790 on a brand new Italian car (total cost out the door). Didn’t even have 3K miles on it yet. The new car had a fully loaded windshield, all the factory tints and compatible with all the tech equip like forward collision alert, etc. I didn’t even have to take it to a dealer and have it recalibrated – the car self-calibrates after install.

I’ve never even heard of color matched trim pieces needing replacing during a windshield repair. That sounds unnecessarily complicated.

[Coronita]

I normally just get a chip or tiny crack. But since this car is so low to the ground and the windshield is thin, I ended up with a 12 inch crack …. first I’ve ever had in any car the past 20 years. and I’ve only had this car for slightly over 3 years and it’s an occasional driver…. oh well.

I’m taking this with stride. It’s not a luxury car. it’s not a luxury car..It’s an econ box…I bought it so I can toss it around without feeling so remorseful if it gets a few bruises and cuts…I keep saying to myself… Problem is that I’m OCD when it comes to a car’s appearance…

I feel kinda guilty. I already broke the exhaust once when it ran too hot. Then I snapped the transmission a few months ago. And now this. And while the mileage is low, it’s all track and autocross miles lol.

I guess it could be worse. This could have a been a Porsche with a much bigger repair bill if that condo short sales didn’t come along a few years ago. I can’t afford to abuse a Porsche….yet…

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