Sponsored

Cracked windshield again

TX-BluStreak

TRD Pro
Well-known member
First Name
Tom
Joined
Jun 27, 2024
Threads
1
Messages
118
Reaction score
137
Location
Houston, TX
Vehicle(s)
2025 Tacoma TRD Pro
This might sound a little luxurious but have y'all considered tinting your front windshield? Most of the heat is collected on the windshield b/c its slanted more so than the side windows (and yet people often only tint their side and back windows but forget to tint the front as well). Another reason for tinting the front windshield (not only does it reject heat) is that it also adds an additional layer of protection to the glass from cracking when hit by falling debris or rock chips.

I'm not saying it won't crack or break if you threw a concrete block at it. But if a rock chip or falling debris does hit your windshield it won't crack as easily b/c of that extra layer of protection.

Here's an example: I've had the unfortunate pleasure of driving behind an 18-wheeler this past weekend hauling rocks/ gravel and one or two of the smaller rock chips flew off the truck and hit my windshield. I heard a loud crack and immediately exit the freeway to find a suitable place to park so I can inspect the truck. To my surprise, I didn't find any cracks, chips or dents on my windshield or moonroof. I thanked the lord, that extra expense in installing tint on the front actually saved me from spending more $$$ on replacing it if it wasn't protected.
Sponsored

 

Slappy

SR5
Well-known member
First Name
Mike
Joined
Nov 17, 2024
Threads
12
Messages
322
Reaction score
203
Location
94947
Vehicle(s)
tacoma , highlander
This might sound a little luxurious but have y'all considered tinting your front windshield? Most of the heat is collected on the windshield b/c its slanted more so than the side windows (and yet people often only tint their side and back windows but forget to tint the front as well). Another reason for tinting the front windshield (not only does it reject heat) is that it also adds an additional layer of protection to the glass from cracking when hit by falling debris or rock chips.

I'm not saying it won't crack or break if you threw a concrete block at it. But if a rock chip or falling debris does hit your windshield it won't crack as easily b/c of that extra layer of protection.

Here's an example: I've had the unfortunate pleasure of driving behind an 18-wheeler this past weekend hauling rocks/ gravel and one or two of the smaller rock chips flew off the truck and hit my windshield. I heard a loud crack and immediately exit the freeway to find a suitable place to park so I can inspect the truck. To my surprise, I didn't find any cracks, chips or dents on my windshield or moonroof. I thanked the lord, that extra expense in installing tint on the front actually saved me from spending more $$$ on replacing it if it wasn't protected.
is that a inside tint or a outside protection film that you describe ??
i did my side windows ceramic tint but didn't know if i wanted a protection film or tint
still wanted something as the truck does gets hot from the windshield
 

TX-BluStreak

TRD Pro
Well-known member
First Name
Tom
Joined
Jun 27, 2024
Threads
1
Messages
118
Reaction score
137
Location
Houston, TX
Vehicle(s)
2025 Tacoma TRD Pro
is that a inside tint or a outside protection film that you describe ??
i did my side windows ceramic tint but didn't know if i wanted a protection film or tint
still wanted something as the truck does gets hot from the windshield
It's an inside tint for the front windshield. I believe my windshield was tinted at 70%.
 

Ron

Limited
Well-known member
Joined
Dec 20, 2023
Threads
17
Messages
246
Reaction score
228
Location
Vancouver Island
Vehicle(s)
2024 Tacoma Limited Hybrid, Honda Pioneer 1000
My windshield has taken a few rocks that had me concerned but no chips or cracks found. Maybe the acoustic glass on my limited can take the rocks better.

I wonder what an acoustic upgrade would cost you guys.
 

Sponsored

Longpatterned

SR5
Active member
First Name
Tim
Joined
Apr 28, 2024
Threads
2
Messages
39
Reaction score
35
Location
New Orleans, LA
Vehicle(s)
Toyota Tacoma 4x4 SR5 Double Cab Long Bed
Yes. Two running cracks on pass side. One from the center out, one from the outside inward. Both from rocks. Maybe it’s part of the weight savings? Doesn’t seem as tough as it could be…
 

TX-BluStreak

TRD Pro
Well-known member
First Name
Tom
Joined
Jun 27, 2024
Threads
1
Messages
118
Reaction score
137
Location
Houston, TX
Vehicle(s)
2025 Tacoma TRD Pro
I don't think he meant to say "acoustic glass" (or maybe he did) b/c that kinda glass only blocks out sound and quiets the cabin; it does nothing to protect you from cracks if a rock or three fell on it.

If you want the best windshield on the market, you should try "Gorilla Glass". This type of glass is offered on Jeep Wranglers/ Rubicon/ Gladiators because their windshields are almost 90` from the hood and 16` vertical angle making it more prone to breakage. They're also offered on exotic super & hyper cars like Porsche 911 GT2, McLaren 720s, and Ford GT.

My grand-uncle has a 2009 FJ Cruiser and his windshield is very similar to the Jeep Rubicon's windshield angle that it cracks so often from road debris, twigs, and rock chips (among other things) that he's had it replaced twice. He loves his SUV and keeps it looking pristine. He about threw in the towel when it cracked the 3rd time as he was driving from Long Beach to Malibu. That was around the time I was still living in LA and I told him about Corning Gorilla Glass. I told him it's the best windshield glass on the market but it's also super expensive. He didn't tell me how much it cost (it's probably a little too much b/c my grand-aunt is super pissed at me for suggesting it to him) but he got it done and have no regrets. Idk if wanna spend more $$$ on an unbreakable windshield but it's one less thing to worry about especially if you're off-roading.

Here's more information about Corning Gorilla Glass for anyone whose interested:
https://www.corning.com/gorillaglas...g-gorilla-glass-for-automotive-exteriors.html
 
Last edited:

TexasBlueCrush

TRD Sport Premium
Well-known member
First Name
Tex
Joined
Dec 13, 2023
Threads
7
Messages
135
Reaction score
161
Location
Texas
Vehicle(s)
....4th gen TRD Sport 6MT and three more Toyota pickup trucks going back to 1993
I don't think he meant to say "acoustic glass" (or maybe he did) b/c that kinda glass only blocks out sound and quiets the cabin; it does nothing to protect you from cracks if a rock or three fell on it.

If you want the best windshield on the market, you should try "Gorilla Glass". This type of glass is offered on Jeep Wranglers/ Rubicon/ Gladiators because their windshields are almost 90` from the hood and 16` vertical angle making it more prone to breakage. They're also offered on exotic super & hyper cars like Porsche 911 GT2, McLaren 720s, and Ford GT.

My grand-uncle has a 2009 FJ Cruiser and his windshield is very similar to the Jeep Rubicon's windshield angle that it cracks so often from road debris, twigs, and rock chips (among other things) that he's had it replaced twice. He loves his SUV and keeps it looking pristine. He about threw in the towel when it cracked the 3rd time as he was driving from Long Beach to Malibu. That was around the time I was still living in LA and I told him about Corning Gorilla Glass. I told him it's the best windshield glass on the market but it's also super expensive. He didn't tell me how much it cost (it's probably a little too much b/c my grand-aunt is super pissed at me for suggesting it to him) but he got it done and have no regrets. Idk if wanna spend more $$$ on an unbreakable windshield but it's one less thing to worry about especially if you're off-roading.

Here's more information about Corning Gorilla Glass for anyone whose interested:
https://www.corning.com/gorillaglas...g-gorilla-glass-for-automotive-exteriors.html
I'd be interested in this. How much did your Uncle pay ? The link you provided didn't specify.
 

TX-BluStreak

TRD Pro
Well-known member
First Name
Tom
Joined
Jun 27, 2024
Threads
1
Messages
118
Reaction score
137
Location
Houston, TX
Vehicle(s)
2025 Tacoma TRD Pro
I'd be interested in this. How much did your Uncle pay ? The link you provided didn't specify.
He never told me how much he paid but considering this was 10-13yrs ago; the cost of it might be a lot higher now. That link is more or less information on the glass...it wouldn't specify the price b/c different installers or dealers would charge them at different rates.

I would ask your local glass installer and see if they even offer Corning Gorilla Glass and see how much they'd charge for them.
 

Ron

Limited
Well-known member
Joined
Dec 20, 2023
Threads
17
Messages
246
Reaction score
228
Location
Vancouver Island
Vehicle(s)
2024 Tacoma Limited Hybrid, Honda Pioneer 1000
I don't think he meant to say "acoustic glass" (or maybe he did)
Actually, I did mean to say acoustic - but i was only speculating that its stronger.

FWIW - AI thinks it is :
Yes, acoustic glass windshields are generally considered stronger than standard windshields. The additional PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) layer used in acoustic glass provides extra structural support, making it more resistant to breakage and less likely to shatter into large, sharp pieces in the event of impact.
Sponsored

 
 






Top