Howdy all,

Ive owned my Ranger for about 2 years now and I love it, but I have a problem with the windshield. It seems to be a magnet for rocks, bolts, garbage and other debris on the highway, kicked up by trucks, cars, old ladies on bicycles..you name it. I just had a great big bolt hit my windshield and put a huge crack in it. Ive noticed a lot of people with "bug guards" on their hoods and was wondering if these make any kind of a difference or if its all just for show? Additionally, what can I expect to pay for a used windshield?

Ive lurked here for a few days and Im simply amazed at the amount of information here! Thanks for everything.

Caddo Critter
2000 Ranger XLT
3.0 V6 Vulcan

 

Here's a few thoughts based on my experience:

*Don't tailgate (not an accusation), as every rock that get's kicked up is just that much closer to your windshield.

*When the car in front of you is driving to the right side of the lane, back off. Both of his tires are in areas of the road that get less travel. Therefore, more chances of rocks getting kicked up.

*For oncomming traffic that drives to the right side of their lane, I move far to the right of mine. I now have a greater distance between me and their rock kicking up activities caused by their lack of paying attention to their driving. If the road is known to have above average debris, such as gravel used for traction in the winter, I'll slow down a bit at the same time.

* On gravel roads, slow down for oncomming traffic; less speed = less chance to break your windshield.

* If I come up on a dump truck or trailer with earth moving equipment, I stay way back. I also make it a point to soon pass them, and I do it as quickly as possible.

* In the winter on the freeway or highway, on dry pavement, I stay back from semis and I don't drive along side and/or slightly behind them in the fast lane. They have many tires more than a car does to kick up debris. I get past them quickly, weather permitting.

* Beware of people that stand on overpasses watching traffic below. They have been known to drop things on cars below. Their actions have also killed people. Change lanes if you see people standing above traffic looking down.

I don't understand why you would want a used windshield given the prices of new ones these days. I've noticed that for at least the last 10 years, glass prices are quite reasonable compared to what they once used to be. This is probably due to foreign manufacturer. I am also not sure if a windshield could even be removed without breaking it. The adhesive used today is ultra strong. Many windshields are structural, thus the high bond strength glue.

Not getting a broken windshield also seems to be a matter of luck too. I've gone years on a windshield with no damage; I've also replaced them and got hit by a rock two weeks later. I like to replace them here in the srping, after the streets have been cleaned of debris from the winter.

I've used bug guards for a little over 10 years now. IMO, they won't do much to stop rocks and bolts due to the weight of the object. But in addition to creating a draft that helps to move some (but not all ) bugs over the cab, that draft also helps blow rocks and small gravel out of harms way. Remember, flying sand and small rocks pit a windshield; after awhile this pitting rears it's ugly head, especially when driving into a sunset or when the light is just right.

 

Thanks for the response, Billy.

As a general rule, Im very careful about where and how I drive. I am guilty of tailgating though . The times where Ive had rocks or debris hit my windshield, its been 'out of the blue' with no clear culprit with the exception of twice when I actually saw the rock get kicked up from the car in front of me. In one case, he was 3 lanes over and managed to put a big star on my glass!

As for buying a used windshield, I wasnt aware that new windshields were affordable. I dont know what they cost (guess Ill figure that out tomorrow) but if its more than a couple of hundred dollars, then Im interested in a used one.

Caddo Critter

 

There is an element of pure luck re windshields getting nicked. In over 50 years of driving under every kind of conditions, I have never had a problem, yet my son is on his 4th windshield on his '04 150.
Dono

 

I have driven my trucks for many years and no broken or cracked glass. The last truck (01 Ranger) I had the windshield replaced twice. I think we are all traveling faster and there is more debris on the road. I also wonder if the glass is the same as years past for weight reduction?
Thank god for the coupons on glass replacement in the news paper. Saved me insurance claims.
I hope the 04 Ranger does better on front windshields, time will tell.

 

I installed a painted "Bug Shield" on my 99 Ranger as soon as I purchased it & later on my 94 Taurus too .

Can't say it has done much to totaly eliminate bugs on my windshields though, just moved the impact point up some, has been my expierence.

As far as stones go it HAS surprisingly done a good job of tossing the ones that would have impacted low down, over the top of the vehicle, or deflected or spun the ones that did strike, such that they've not done enough damage to require windshield replacement.

I'm about to have to replace the Rangers shield the second time, because of impact strikes that have caused cracks in the "bug shield".

As the "Ventshade" shield carries a "lifetime warranty" on the shield itslf AND the painting, it's just a minor inconvienence to have it replaced at my local "Leanord" distributor, just BE SHURE to keep the reciept!!!! LOL

I had the shield painted to match the Rangers white color, as the nice smoke colored ones kinda took over, on the white truck, anyway it looks nice & blends right in with the truck, you hardly know it's there.

The shield is the clear one, painted on the BACK side, so the paint isn't scratched or chiped off by bugs & small stones.

So, would I recommend them, in a word YUP, will they stop ALL the stone strikes, not likely as Billy said, but they have sropped the hood damage on my 94 Taurus & 99 Ranger & so far no windshield strikes HARD enough to crack or chip either one enough to need replacement.

Just my expierence over the past 6 years.

BTW Billy, some good tips on avoiding those troublsome stones & strikes.

 

I agree with CowboyBilly9Mile. Just be a bit more aware of other drivers and try to keep your distance on roads that you know to have more debris.

Personally I think the angle of the windshield has a lot to do with it as well. I've had my Ranger for 11 years and have replaced the glass 9 times
Just keep in mind too that most insurance companies won't replace your windshield unless the crack is over a certain length (usually 6 inches) and is in the drivers direct field of view. They will usually opt to "repair" it by not allowing the crack to further expand.

Good luck

 

Thanks for all the replies!

The crack grew another 4 inches today...

My insurance company wasnt much help. I did find a couple of places to buy a new windshield.

I think Ill try that bug guard idea anyway..every little bit helps.

Caddo Critter

 

I am getting ready to replace mine again. First time was when I bought the truck with a blown motor and rebuilt it. I replaced everything wrong. But last fall, we had golf ball size hail, it's an old truck now so no full coverage but I looked up the part and New the windshield itself is $159.00 at least the one from 93-97.

 

I agree with the comments about luck and those about the angle of the glass. I put 3 windshields in in 18 mos, but have not had to do it again for 2+ years..Now I've cursed myself of course.