Tiny Crack in Windscreen (NSW). Can It Still Pass Roadworthy ?

[Deactivated] on 21/02/2019 - 18:20
Last edited 23/02/2019 - 21:29

Hi,
I need to get roadworthy done, just the basic one for rego (Pink slip) .

I had a rock hit it, a while back. Tried repair myself, with the best stuff they had at supercheap, and looked far from perfect, just made it look slightly better .
Was basically a 'bullseye crack' . Only about 5mm across.
Somehow, after a 20 months now, that bullseye crack has slowly spread, with a tiny tiny 'hairline crack' barely visible, but if you look closely, it runs approx 6cm, then turns and about another 7cm. About 13cm all up, coming off the bullseye.

Would this be OK for a pink slip?

If not, what would be the cheapest way to get it sorted?

It is, on the drivers half (though close to the middle).

It is almost at bottom of windscreen, so doesn't obstruct my vision. I don't even notice it, would have have a close up look to see the hairline crack off the bullseye. The bullseye you can see from a distance, but the bullseye is almost on the dashboard it is so far down.

I read the governments PDF about it for NSW, but I am not sure how it works, there is something mentioned about if you have more than 2 of the following defects, on the drivers side.

Also, would the average pink slip inspector mechanic be fussed about such a tiny hairline crack barely visible without looking up close. Ie. Can't really see it when sitting back in drivers seat. You can see the bullseye, but that would be only about 5mm, but if they look for it, they would spot the hairline crack.

I'm thinking to try again with cheap glass repair do-it-yourself kit, and maybe make the hairline crack even less visible.

But then would that mean I can't then take it to the professional glass repair place, maybe they can't easily get the stuff I put in there, out to redo partial glass repair properly.

Edit: pink slip done cheapest CTP insurance by far is QBE , according to the government comparison website.

Might as well close thread I guess.

Thanks for anyone that genuinely tried to be helpful .

Automotive

closed Comments

  • SBOB on 21/02/2019 - 18:34
    +11

    New windscreen..move on

    • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2019 - 19:09

      Any idea the cheapest option for full replacement?
      Its a 2004 Hundai Santa Fe

      • nocure on 21/02/2019 - 19:54
        +8

        Glad wrap

    • Ade99 on 22/02/2019 - 09:27

      Super glue?

  • bdl on 21/02/2019 - 18:39
    +5

    http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/roads/safety-rules/stand…

    6cm is more than 30mm, so new windscreen time

    May not be visible during the day, but put some rain on it at night when oncoming headlights hit it and watch the pretty light show :)

  • EightImmortals on 21/02/2019 - 18:54
    +4

    "I had a rock hit it, a while back."

    Which was when you should have taken it to Windscreens O'Brien and had it professionally fixed. if you had have done that they give you a warranty and everything.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2019 - 19:05
      -2

      Which was when you should have

      Well obviously, in hindsight.

      The repair do-it-yourself kits do seem, to give great results, at a huge saving. I probably did something wrong in the application of it.

      I was reading how some places give lifetime warranty on the windscreen repairs.
      Are you sure they don't fix repairs such as mine, and still offer warranty ??

      And even their expensive professional repairs mention they will make "barely visible" so it might still not be legal to drive after the professional repair.

      • EightImmortals on 21/02/2019 - 19:14

        Yeah pretty sure, they will only risk it if the crack is new and smallish as far as I know. You can ask/send them a pic if you like. :)

        • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2019 - 19:22

          Are O'Brien the best at windscreen repairs (Best quality job and value) ?
          I'm on hold with O'Brien on phone now.

          I'm guessing they have some guidelines for what they will or won't attempt repair on —gets ruler out—.

          I doubt they will have a rule on "new chips" vs old. Would be near impossible to know whether a crack just happened, or happened a while ago.

      • HeWhoKnows on 22/02/2019 - 09:28

        Forget it. They wont touch other peoples work. Would you?

  • loropy9 on 21/02/2019 - 19:38
    +3

    I had arranged a few car windows as well as commercial glass panels replacements. Obrien are very expensive and there are equaly as good and much cheaper repairers. The last time I found a mobile windshield installer with a “rapid” in the name, but thats all I can remember. He was great. Obrien are great too, but about 30-50% dearer than others.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2019 - 19:46
      -2

      Obrien are great too, but about 30-50% dearer than others.

      True, I just finished speaking with O'Brien on phone. I almost hung up on her when she refused to give me windscreen price for my vehicle.
      Instead of just answering me straight when I asked "what's your cheapest price" , she started on with this whole spiel basiaclly saying, "it's not about the cheapest" "we are better than everyone else" , other glaziers will put a used windscreen that isn't safe, etc. Then finally, after badmouthing every other operator in the industry, she quoted $450. My last windscreen was about $220 (fitted and installed).

      • loropy9 on 21/02/2019 - 19:53
        +1

        Wow $220 is great! It may be worth replacing just for peace of mind. You know, accidents, insurances etc.

        • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2019 - 20:07
          +1

          About $220 seems to be about standard pricing, if you shop around.

          Mind you, that was couple of years ago, so may have gone up slightly.

          I was given cheap quote firstly, by my previous mechanic, once he had set that as 'the bar' . Later on when I was looking for myself, I wouldn't pay any more than that.
          I guess there is a bit of relationship there and kickbacks between mechanics and windscreen guys. Might just try my best at do it self repair, then take it to my mechanic who does pink slips, and if he knocks it back ask him who he knows for cheap windscreens round there.

          O'Brien charges $150 ($180 of they come to you) just for a repair, whereas another place charges $77
          https://griffinautoglass.net.au/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvsHHu7zM4…

          No idea why anyone would pay so much to O'Brien, when for a little more you can have a brand new windscreen installed . And the smaller operators, working on lower margins, actually come to you also, in my experience.

          • loropy9 on 21/02/2019 - 20:47
            +2

            @[Deactivated]: Maybe I'm used to the pricing of the small bus and van windshield and $220 sounds cheap. I'm used to $400-800 quotes. Anyway, Obrien is def too expensive.

      • Euphemistic on 21/02/2019 - 20:03
        +1

        O’brien is top dollar. Other places will have the same screen, warranty etc and be a lot cheaper.

      • HeWhoKnows on 22/02/2019 - 09:31

        They need to inspect before they can quote.
        Certainly the receptionist is not in a position to give a price.
        She just answers the phone.
        You are being totally unrealistic and……

        • kale chips suck on 22/02/2019 - 13:51

          Inspect what, exactly?

          When they have the make and the model of the vehicle, tell us, what is there to inspect before giving a quote?

          You have absolutely no clue what you're talking about.

  • SnoozeAndLose on 21/02/2019 - 19:43
    +1

    Can we get a picture?

    • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2019 - 19:58

      I tried, but no good for pic right now as it's raining and getting dark. Tried from inside, but it doesn't really show.

      I will upload pic tomorrow.

      I noticed where the visible crack is, the 'bullseye' it basically only possibly obstructs vision of me seeing part of my own bonnet. My head is touching the roof because I'm tall. Maybe some about 4 foot, it might actually obstruct their vision of the road and other cars etc.

  • Euphemistic on 21/02/2019 - 20:07
    +2

    I see two options.
    1. Take a chance, go and get the pink slip inspection and replace the windscreen if it fails. Downside: will need to take it back to clear the pink slip after the screen is replaced.
    2. Get it replaced now and then get your pink slip. Downside: you might get away with the screen for a while longer so may be paying out money sooner than absolutely necessary.

  • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2019 - 20:12
    +1

    I do want a bit of tinting in windscreen. Does it usually charge extra for a windscreen with tint ?

    • loropy9 on 21/02/2019 - 20:50
      +1

      The last time I got a higher quote for tinted, but can't remember details sorry. It was maybe about 10-15% extra for tinted for a rear windshield.

    • bdl on 21/02/2019 - 23:44
      +2

      Pretty sure you can't tint the front windscreen otherwise you'll fail RWC for sure

    • HeWhoKnows on 22/02/2019 - 09:34

      Yes, of course its more expensive.
      Tinting is only allowed along the top to stop sun glare
      From OP's comments I can see his expections are totally unrealistic.

  • burtie on 21/02/2019 - 20:24
    +1

    How about Supercheap Auto?
    https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/services/windscreen-soluti…

  • No Username on 21/02/2019 - 22:57

    In VIC one tiny little scratch that is barely visible, will result in a failed RWC.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2019 - 23:11

      Really. I did a search online about windscreen cracks and roadworthy. Something came up saying they shouldn't fail roadworthy in VIC unless crack is more than 15cm .
      Something to do with whether the crack penetrated though all layers of the glass though also, and it was from 2015.

      https://www.vehicleinspectionsaustralia.com.au/via-blog/2015…

      • No Username on 22/02/2019 - 13:30

        Idk. Had a friend who needed help getting an RWC. He went to the first mechanic and some of the repairs that needed to be fixed were windscreen. I thought the mechanic was a scammer and told him to look elsewhere the second mechanic also told him that it had to be fixed.

  • magic8ballgag on 22/02/2019 - 08:19
    -2

    These forum questions are getting out of hand.

  • boccos on 22/02/2019 - 08:27

    I saw this trick once. Get some runny superglue and fill the crack with it. Let it dry, then scrape off the residue with a razor scraper. If it works, great, otherwise get a new windscreen.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2019 - 08:51

      That's a great idea, especially since most people already have super glue around, and only costs about $1 a tube, whereas the proper stuff they say to use is around $20.

      • HeWhoKnows on 22/02/2019 - 09:41
        +2

        Sorry but Dumb idea!
        Superglue is NOT intended for such jobs. You will never get it inside the crack. Its too thick.
        You will make a mess of it and stuff it up completely.
        Seems all OP is after is cheap and nasty solutions for everything.
        OP hasnt leant his lesson yet.
        Cheap solutions end up costing you much more!

      • HighAndDry on 22/02/2019 - 10:43

        That's because superglue is superglue, and the proper stuff (the DIY stuff which is still a few levels below commercial grade stuff) is special epoxy resin.

        Seems all OP is after is cheap and nasty solutions for everything.

        Yup. Has a problem because he cheaped out on fixing the windscreen. Now looking for more ways to cheap out on fixing the current issue.

  • HeWhoKnows on 22/02/2019 - 09:19
    +1

    to answer several questions:

    1. False economy doing this yourself. The experts use high pressure injectors that force the resin right through the crack. In most cases it becomes almost invisible and they usually guarantee it wont spread. Unfortuntely its too late to do this now as you have sealed the crack. So OP you shot yourself in the foot on that one. Now you might need a whole new windcreen. Next time dont skimp on such important matters. Use a professional. They are not expensive.

    2. Passing rego depends where the crack is and if it affects your vision AND safe driving of the vehicle. Usually anywhere on the drivers side is a a FAIL since sunlight reflecting off the crack and into your eyes can impair your vision.

    Suggest you take it to your local inspection station and ask for an opinion. OZbargain is not the place to do that.

    Since such cracks can occur instantly and any time after the inspection then the inspector may just overlook the crack if its borderline and suggest it wasnt there at time of inspection.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2019 - 09:59

    If the crack is anywhere that is covered by the sweep of the windscreen it will fail RW.

  • dazeet on 22/02/2019 - 10:40

    Please Google “windshield structural integrity”.

    Windscreen replacement costs can be much higher for vehicles equipped with auto wipers, thanks to the rain sensor(s).

    As much as I love a bargain, windscreens and tyres are two things in particular that I do not skimp on when it comes to owning and running a vehicle. Especially when a windscreen chip has spread to become crack(s).

    OP - for the sake of your and your passengers’ safety, I would not cheap out on this one - just get more quotes and have your windscreen replaced by a business that charges reasonably, with a good number of unbiased ratings at the usual sites.

  • Fier2 on 22/02/2019 - 10:49
    +1

    Just call and shop around. It's not that expensive and some will come to you. I used Glassman at greystanes once and the guy just drove to our place the next day.

    • [Deactivated] on 23/02/2019 - 21:21

      Just call and shop around. It's not that expensive and some will come to you. I used Glassman at greystanes once and the guy just drove to our place the next day.

      My first quote was O'Briens glass for $430 .

      Kept calling round, and found that one of the cheapest by fair bit was actually a smash repair place, that has a guy who does it for them (down to $270). Couple of places quoted $330.

      A few more calls and texts, got down to cheapest $250 :)

      So you're right definitely pays to shop around .

      If anyone is in Wollongong area and needs windscreen. Fernhill smash repairs was the $270 quote.
      Not sure which one text me back for $250.

      And someone from a workshop which couple years back gave me a great price for windscreen, someone in that workshop was nice enough to tell me it is 'working class windscreens' is the best/cheapest around wollongong.

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