Is it the glass... or the windshield angle?

[Andrew Bynum]

THIS. This right here!

I’m going to say this for the thousands of people who couldn’t tell you: Speed up or move to the right.

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[Bronco Don]

Oh no... three windshields is rough. Did they all crack in a similar spot, or was it different every time?

They all caught a rock on the top edge of windshield

 

[JaredH790]

IMO ... both

I've had probably 4 to 5 months of ownership (I bought new ... actually ordered it and took 20 months to get way back when) without jacked up front glass in some form or fashion. I refuse to replace it again until it becomes a safety issue for driving (currently only on passenger side).

Definitely going to get the protective film installed when I have to replace my current windshield.

Still love my Bronco though and still think it is awesome!

 

[I’m Groot]

Just lost our first windshield at 10k. Never even heard an impact, and we keep tons of distance on the highway. Ford glass contractor stated it wasn’t the heat cracking issue (it spontaneously cracked after sitting outside in high 90s temp with windows up). Waiting for the replacement to come in. We’ve got an appointment for PPF immediately following the new windshield install.

 

[The Green Flash]

I’m going to say this for the thousands of people who couldn’t tell you: Speed up or move to the right.

Go ahead and use that #2 lane to pass me, Ricky Bobby.

You do you, and don't expect me to get out of your way anymore than I'll expect you to slow it down and cool your jets.

 

[Sherminiator]

Stop driving so close to other cars.

Complete bullshit-my last windshield damage came from a rock from a car going in the opposite direction of me.

 

[Surge]

Stop driving so close to other cars.

This doesn't stop crazy drivers from cutting so close in front of you. I don't tailgate and even I already had to get my windshield repaired. I didn't even notice it happening until I saw a crack starting to develop.

 

[bargoffroad]

Stop driving so close to other cars.

Dumbest and most ignorant take. 80k miles, original windshield, cracks running every which way. Just haven't bothered to replace. I know every single rock chip, and they're all from passing 18-wheelers on Idaho/Utah freeways going 85mph. Don't sit and act like you can't get cracked windshield unless you habitually tailgate.

 

[T800]

Dumbest and most ignorant take. 80k miles, original windshield, cracks running every which way. Just haven't bothered to replace. I know every single rock chip, and they're all from passing 18-wheelers on Idaho/Utah freeways going 85mph. Don't sit and act like you can't get cracked windshield unless you habitually tailgate.

Possibly somewhat valid if you're in a rural area and have the option to 'not follow closely'. I'm in CA and my commute always has traffic. So you can follow a little further back, but that will lead to being passed and cut off haha.

 

[WalkerTR]

According to the Auto Glass Safety Council (which also does repair work but are also involved in the politics), certainly a reason for the Broncos having so many broken windows is the angle. But there is a few things I didn't really think about. Here is some information from their website.

When your windshield is replaced, there are three categories of glass the shop might install:
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) — Glass made by the same supplier that made the windshield in your car at the factory. Same specs, same thickness, same acoustic properties, same optical clarity.
OEE (Original Equipment Equivalent) — Glass made by a different manufacturer to OEM specs. Built to meet the same standards, often from the same raw materials. Functionally equivalent in most cases.
Aftermarket — Manufactured to lower price points. May meet minimum federal safety standards but not necessarily OEM specs for thickness, clarity, or acoustic properties.

Your windshield is a structural component. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 212 requires it to withstand up to 30% of roof crush load in a rollover. A windshield that''s slightly off-spec doesn''t hold the same way.
For vehicles with ADAS cameras, glass optical clarity matters even more. The camera reads through the glass. If the glass has slight distortions that lower-grade glass sometimes has, the camera can''t read the road cleanly. You can calibrate correctly and still have a system that under performs because the glass isn''t right.

 

[Philvis77]

I had one crack in nearly 4.5 years. Got it replaced 2 months ago. Was changing my wiper blades Friday and somehow the wiper arm slipped from my hand without a blade in it. Needless to say, I now have 2 fresh cracks on my passenger side towards the bottom. They seem to be growing daily too. Ugh.

 

[T800]

Jeep has and option for Gorilla Glass. That would be a good option.

 

[EasternSierra]

I had one crack in nearly 4.5 years. Got it replaced 2 months ago. Was changing my wiper blades Friday and somehow the wiper arm slipped from my hand without a blade in it. Needless to say, I now have 2 fresh cracks on my passenger side towards the bottom. They seem to be growing daily too. Ugh.

Of course that's how it works. I let slide for a couple of years a windshield crack on a car I had. Finally replaced it, and the next month a new impact!

 

[husker73]

We've seen this debated quite a bit over the years.

Some people are convinced Bronco windshields use weaker glass.

Others think it's mostly the upright windshield angle taking rock impacts head-on.

After owning a Bronco, what's your take?

Have your experiences changed your opinion?

I believe it is the glass. 5 windshields so far. I also had a 2010 with 0 windshield replacement. Friends of mine have Jeeps and get chips which they can have filled. When my Bronco wind gets a chip it cracks within minutes. All from on coming traffic. i do not tailgate because I don't want a broken windshield but that does not help on coming traffic.

 

[SHANUT]

Stop driving so close to other cars.

This is the right answer. Stop tailgating. It’s free and better for your paint too. 3,000,000 miles and counting and I’ve never had a windshield issue.

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