Scored/Cracked Windscreen
 

Attachment 142494

My 2014 V70 has a scored/cracked windscreen. Options as I see them are:-

1) Do nothing. Not something I'm really happy with, although I have no idea how long the screen has been like this, or how it happened.

2) Seek repair. This is my preferred option as it leaves the original screen bonding in tact, and I won't be worrying about water ingress causing rust or worse damp/wet carpets.

3) Replacement. Opposite reasons of option 2 above why I don't like this option.

The cracks are not joined up but are about 6-8" from top to bottom, and for approx 70% are deep enough to snag a finger nail. The cracks have been highlighted by rubbing chalk into them.

Any comments/suggestions welcome

Cheers
Bob

That's not repairable I'm afraid, that is wait until MOT time and get a new screen on your insurance policy,

I'd say if you haven't noticed it before it's stress cracked itself due to the recent heat expanding the metal body it's attached to, I lost a Vectra one parked on uneven ground one day.

Just for clarification , that is an MOT pass & advise . Neither the crack or the scratches are within the swept area of the screen . However , it is better to replace the screen as soon as you can , because sod's law dictates it will grow in size on the way for your MOT and trying to get a new screen the day before the test will lead to frustration . Also bonded screens add structural strength , so the crack is now becoming a weak point .

I am now thinking about replacement issues….Aviva (my insurer) have their own repairers. But this is surly an all Volvo job? (Screen + fitting)
1) heated screen
2) city safe detection
3) auto wipers.
That’s the windscreen

A) special primers and resins to actually bond the screen
B) the need to pre heat components to a temperature before fitting (not something you mobile fitter has in their van)

…..or have things moved on, and I have become an other nervous old man.?

Finally, how long would you expect a guarantee to last. I’m thinking to cover water ingress, something about I have read several reports on here .

Thanks for previous replies
Cheers Bob

Definitely a replacement job IMO.
I don't think you're being unduly nervous. When I was active on a BMW forum various members reported problems with after-market replacement screens and/or their insurers capping what they would pay for for a replacement. I can't remember the various outcomes, but it's certainly worth getting your ducks in a row to try and avoid the problems you're already aware of. Good luck.

As dingov says it's not an MOT fail it is an advisory though and more to point it will catch your eye every time,

Regarding the replacement, I don't think it needs to be a Volvo one and I've seen tubes of one being replaced out in Asia somewhere and the guy was simply a van man doing it on the road, he did however have a really good set of specialist tools to achieve the job properly,

If you do replace it you should get it done at a time where you can let the car sit for 48 hours after the new screen is fitted to get full bondage and strength.

Volvo will call a company in to do the repair:~
(You potentially pay their mark up)
Plenty of capable windscreen replacement companies about-your insurance company will nominate one and the work is guaranteed, all very straight forward - they do it for a living!
Bob.

When I had some rust spots above the windscreen sorted out on my 2014 V70, the repairers sourced a non-OEM screen, which cracked in transit.

Then they received a non-OEM one that was intact and fitted it, after which it started to crack anyway.

Then, after input from me (with support from my local Volvo specialist, Horton Cars), they sourced an OEM Volvo screen, and that has been fine.

NOTE. Genuine Volvo windscreens all have "Volvo" written on them and non-Volvo ones don't. Also, the heating elements in the non-Volvo windscreen caught the light in a rather annoying and distracting way. Not good.

Correct :cool:

The last screen I had fitted was manufactured by Pilkington Glass:~
(I believe they make for most cars)
Fitted by one of the major companies through the insurance company - never
had a problem with screen or service.
Regards Bob.