James & Michael's Posts - 451 smart fortwo 2010-01-04T00:24:39Z James & Michael http://www.451s.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=2e3qz28ypww8g&xn_auth=no Windshield cracking tag:www.451s.com,2009-05-23:1912846:BlogPost:61755 2009-05-23T18:27:27.000Z James & Michael Less than a month after replacing my original windshield (small chip developed into a 15 inch vertical crack from just under the drivers side wiper) - while driving on the 91 Freeway in Corona, CA - a small piece of debris hit the upper passenger side. By the sound of the impact I didn't think much about it - then noticed a dime size star chip! I freaked! Within five days (after sitting in the sun for an afternoon) a crack has appeared - about 18 inches horizontal across to the mid point of the… Less than a month after replacing my original windshield (small chip developed into a 15 inch vertical crack from just under the drivers side wiper) - while driving on the 91 Freeway in Corona, CA - a small piece of debris hit the upper passenger side. By the sound of the impact I didn't think much about it - then noticed a dime size star chip! I freaked! Within five days (after sitting in the sun for an afternoon) a crack has appeared - about 18 inches horizontal across to the mid point of the windshield. My insurance does not cover glass breakage - so it looks like another out of pocket trip to the dealer.<br /> <br /> I am beginning to think that smart (MB) may be using a poor quality of glass material in the smart windshields. To save weight? Other reasons?<br /> <br /> I have owned many MB's and BMW's in the last 30 years - experienced many debris hits to windshields from mild sounding to startling and have replaced only one windshield due to cracking - on a car with over 140 thousand miles! Never on a car with only 8000 miles on the odometer.<br /> <br /> Does anyone else think that the quality of the glass in smart windshields is less than it should be? Sorry to say - but if the windshield cracks a third time - it might be time to rethink owning a smart.