Passat Windscreen Crack

[mike6265]

My VW Passat Estate 2004 had a small windscreen chip/crack.
The repair failed and the crack became about 9 cm long.
Now there is a couple of weeks delay before they can replace the windscreen.
I have been assured it is OK to drive.
However, what happens if it gets worse? Does the screen shatter (as in the past) or does the crack just increase in length?
I only ask as if there is more delay in the replacement I may have to travel some distance on the continent risking an emergency repair somewhere in France.

[patomlin76]

usually the crack will slowly extend as you use the car over bumpy roads etc... I've known cracks to go all the way from one side of the car and past halfway to the other side.

I've not known screens to shatter as such, although the decrease in safety is due to the weakened windscreen - in the event of rolling the car, there's more chance of the roof and a-pillars collapsing....

[martin1810]

It's a laminated screen. Two sheets of glass stuck to a thin sheet of plastic in the middle. It won't shatter.

[tr8]

i have a crack that is about 4" long on passanger side, got it about a year ago and have done another 80k miles since and its not moved dont worry.
wont bother having mine sorted as have only got to do about another 50k then the car is gone

[angus]

Why the huge wait?

I`ve never had to wait more than 24 hours for a screen (and that was only because it had a wiper sensor - the standard ones were on the shelf)

I also wouldn`t worry too much about France, we had a window smashed in 2001 when our B5.5 was only a couple of weeks old, being in Montpellier and having to drive 660 miles to the ferry I wasn`t happy at only having to have a piece of perspex fitted as there `wasn`t any glass windows in France`. I got lost trying to find the windscreen company, ended up down a little back street where there was a tiny auto glass company where I asked for directions. When I showed the guy why, he produced the correct window glass, correct tint and a genuine marked VW glass which he fitted for less than 40 quid.

[billythetidd]

The wait sounds odd. Phone Autoglass or if they are going to be a while take it to your nearest Autoglass centre. That's what I have done in the past.

[gamichea]

The wait sounds odd. Phone Autoglass or if they are going to be a while take it to your nearest Autoglass centre. That's what I have done in the past.

You need to be sure you use your insurer's approved windscreen replacement company or it could cost you a lot more than the usual windscreen excess of £50 - £75.

[billythetidd]

You need to be sure you use your insurer's approved windscreen replacement company or it could cost you a lot more than the usual windscreen excess of £50 - £75.

Yeah true, forgot about that.

[DSG4ME]

The wait sounds odd. Phone Autoglass or if they are going to be a while take it to your nearest Autoglass centre. That's what I have done in the past.

DO NOT GO THERE UNLESS THE INSURANCE IS PAYING AND HAS OK'D IT!


B6 Screen for a Sport AG = £800, local firm £325

Vectra C screen AG = £600, local firm £225


The best quote I got for my Superb was £160.

hth.

[DevonDave]

My Passat which is 3 months old has a cracked windscreen from a pinhead sized impact on the black edging.
I have a heated screen so am concerned on the guarantee issue.
If you get an autoglass repair for the excess on your insurance, the heating elements are not covered.
If you go via a dealer to get the warranty its £442 + vat less the £100 the insurance company give you.
Has anyone negotiated a bigger amount form the insurance company on the grounds of keeeping the Volkswagen 3 year warranty.
Also has anyone had bad experiences with windscreen cracks, my first Passat a 1999 model had 4 replacements in 11 years?