Broken Windshield...Aaaargh!

[RVance]

This is the 6th windshield I've cracked on my twice yearly trips down the length of I-5 in California, despite all attempts to steer clear of trucks and those Big Foot wannabes throwing rocks. (Two of my own, and four rentals.) But this one really hurts with 2,000 miles on the Stinger. State Farm approved original Kia glass for my GT2 (I told them there was no after-market yet). But I am worried about trim damage, sealing, and proper interface with all the electronics. Anyone out there go through this yet?

 

[mldavis2]

Have the dealer service department do it if they are able. Otherwise take it in afterwards and have them check the camera, HUD and anything else connected to the windshield.

 

[Madman]

This is the 6th windshield I've cracked on my twice yearly trips down the length of I-5 in California, despite all attempts to steer clear of trucks and those Big Foot wannabes throwing rocks. (Two of my own, and four rentals.) But this one really hurts with 2,000 miles on the Stinger. State Farm approved original Kia glass for my GT2 (I told them there was no after-market yet). But I am worried about trim damage, sealing, and proper interface with all the electronics. Anyone out there go through this yet?

Wow, hadn't even thought of the pain (cost) of getting a windscreen done. I was behind a truck spraying small rocks the other day and was more worried about my paint. My insurer has windscreen cover as a (cheap) option....may investigate.

 

[Stinger GT SS]

Ouch, that sucks & that’s always my concern with a replacement, trim damage & sealing etc. hope all goes well for the replacement.

 

[RVance]

Thanks to all responders. Luckily, I have $100 comprehensive deductible. Quote is $1500+ from a local shop who is ordering windshield from the dealer ($1100), who does not do installs. I will request State Farm send a rep to inspect work (which they did with my Mustang) and I will have the dealership check it out on my complimentary first service. Still hate the thought of cracking open a factory fresh unit!

 

[eljay]

Bummer about the windshield. Keep us posted on how this replacement works out.

Good to hear how State Farm handled this. I know I could probably save $$$, but I bundled my car and real estate with them long ago (and have every discount I'm eligible for) and have been happy with the way they took care of my few auto and home claims in the past. And I like being able to walk into an office, rather than dealing with reps on the phone or internet. So much more "humane."

 

[Soca Boy]

The new windscreens in today’s cars can be costly, they wanted $2000 for my KIA K900.

 

[mldavis2]

Main reason I tried to get a GT1 without the HUD.

 

[Stinger GT SS]

Main reason I tried to get a GT1 without the HUD.

The HUD only reflects onto the windscreen, it projects the images from the dash.

 

[eljay]

The HUD only reflects onto the windscreen, it projects the images from the dash.

Yes, but the windshield installed in cars with HUD is constructed differently to prevent distortion of the image. I don't know extactly how--I've heard that in some cars there's a coating on the interior, and have also heard it has something to do with the layer of vinyl between the two layers of glass. I've read variously that using a non-HUD windshield can either cause a lot or very little difference in the clearness of the HUD image.

I just know that on my last car, the dealer told me that if I ever had to replace the windshield, to be sure to get one for HUD. Fortunately, I never had to.

 

[Stinger GT SS]

Yes, but the windshield installed in cars with HUD is constructed differently to prevent distortion of the image. I don't know extactly how--I've heard that in some cars there's a coating on the interior, and have also heard it has something to do with the layer of vinyl between the two layers of glass. I've read variously that using a non-HUD windshield can either cause a lot or very little difference in the clearness of the HUD image.

I just know that on my last car, the dealer told me that if I ever had to replace the windshield, to be sure to get one for HUD. Fortunately, I never had to.

All windscreens have a clear laver of material sandwiched between two layers of glass, this what makes it “safety” glass, when it shatters this is what holds it together. I believe Kia would make only 1 windscreen to suit all models of Stinger, this is how you keep production costs down. But when it comes to spare/replacement parts is where they take price liberty’s.
I have seen instances where parts are exactly the same but priced differently for the “trim” level of car you own....therefore starts the urban myth of exclusive parts to suit, my opinion of course but will stand corrected if this can be substantiated.

 

[mldavis2]

I will ask the parts department about the cost of windshields. The Stinger (both GT2's and others) have an unusual outline at the top which could cause aftermarket problems or delays in supplying the items. I do not know for sure about the way the HUD is implemented on the GT2's but on my Pontiac GrandPrix GTP, the windshield for the HUD was about double the cost of the regular non-HUD windshield. I assume it has something to do with an "invisible" reflective property of the sandwich layer. Or maybe it's just another way to soak the consumer who doesn't know any better. I will report back when I find out.

 

[RVance]

The first thing the body shop asked was if I had HUD. Then they wanted to know the rest of the options/sensors that were in the mirror cluster. They indicated it was pre-installed on the windshield. The windshield may have a reflective quality for the HUD- or that may have been a consideration for previous iterations of the technology- IDK. (But when I wear my prescription driving glasses the damn thing all but disappears, lol.) *Side note- on this 2,000 mile/ 2 week trip through far northern California to Oceanside, with stops in Sacramento, Orange County, L.A. and San Diego county, I did not see one Stinger! Many cars drove around me (some too close), rubbernecking the car, especially other Kia drivers. Gas station attendants asked what it was. My cousin, who has always worked in the automotive aftermarket performance industries, said it reminded him of a Panamera. Felt like I was driving an exotic. Then, when I returned to Crescent City (pop. <7000), there was a local with a new GT in the same color, lol. The Kia badge throws everyone for a loop. You can see the confusion and disbelief in their faces. It's hilarious. If it weren't for Emmo Fitipaldi, no one would recognize it.

 

[RVance]

The new windscreens in today’s cars can be costly, they wanted $2000 for my KIA K900.

Congratulations for being one of a VERY exclusive club of K900 owners. A fantastic car at a bargain price! At less than a thousand units/year, you must never see another on the road.

 

[Duce_13]

Following. May have to go have a talk with my insurance broker on monday about windshield coverage.

 

[RVance]

Just back from Howard's Body Shop in Crescent City, CA with a new factory windshield. Looks perfect- no trim or alignment issues. Gaps right. Electronics all seem to work. Fingers crossed. Going to let it cure for a while and drive the Mustang.

 

[RandallK]

I just got one myself...

But my deductible is $500... makes me want to burn the car to the ground...

And that doesn’t include it getting retinted..

 

[Mach_Tuck]

I have seen instances where parts are exactly the same but priced differently for the “trim” level of car you own

This wouldn't surprise me one bit. The battery for my M3 can be had from the MINI parts counter for 50% of the cost...literally the same exact battery, same PN. I guess you have to factor the "BMW" and the "M" tax to make it up. I hope, not terribly confident however, that Kia doesnt apply a "Stinger" tax or "GT2" tax to PN that are equal across the trims. Again, would not surprise me if they did.

 

[MattRain]

One good reason to live in AZ. $0 deductible on windshield replacement. Constant battle here. I didn't make it 12 hours off the Lot on Monday, before I had my first chip in the windshield... luckily it was down, outta site, and was an easy fill.

 

[Mach_Tuck]

One good reason to live in AZ. $0 deductible on windshield replacement. Constant battle here. I didn't make it 12 hours off the Lot on Monday, before I had my first chip in the windshield... luckily it was down, outta site, and was an easy fill.

Too bad the insurance companies make it up in other categories such as under and un insured

My windshield has been luck so far...my front lower dark chrome grill...not so much. Chipped that on way to have it clear bra'd