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

[AmishMike]

That’s why they fold down, it protects them. You people just aren’t putting them in protected highway mode.

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[Supazuk]

I'm gonna jinx myself, but 2 years 69,869 miles (many hard branch slapping, and NH winters ) a few nicks ...

If you think the JL / JT windshield is bad, The MINI countryman R60 windshields are real bad I had to replace 2 in the first years plus a repair, Since I just carry a windshield kit in the car fix it at least once a year

 

[xch47cpt]

We've heard both sides of this debate.

Some owners blame the glass.

Others think Gladiators simply take rock impacts differently because of the windshield design and the places they're driven.

What's your opinion after owning one?

Has your experience changed the way you think about it?

It's 100% the angle, which is to flat to oncoming projectiles. I have the Gorilla Glass, and it made no difference. This is my 1st Jeep and already 2 rock chips/cracks in the first year. All my other vehicles rarely ever get chips/cracks.

 

[JAPE]

I am on my second windshield.
About 2 years ago I encountered a ~6-8" crack. ordered a repair kit, repaired the crack, the crack has not propagated further.
I recommend keeping a repair kit on hand to repair dings and cracks until you decide its time for a new windshield.

Another option I do not use, I believe some insurance policies cover the full price of repair/replacement.

 

[trust]

Id argue glass... my 82 scrambler has a roughly equivalent angle with one Crack straight up and down in the middle in its 2nd ws in the 22 years ive owned it. My gladiator looks like its a batting cage in the third ws in 6 years...

 

[MoxiesDad]

I'd argue that the glass is thinner and weaker. My 2021 Gladiator got a broken windshield during it's third year, just sitting outside during a winter ice and snow storm. My 2004 Wrangler had a small pit in the windshield when I bought it in 2007. It hasn't cracked on me yet and sits more upright than the Gladiator windshield.

 

[RandyO]

Definitely the angle. In 40 years of driving I never had to replace a windshield until I bought a Gladdy. I replaced the windshield last year and need a new one already. All the whacks happened on the highway.

 

[bd100]

Five or so years on the road, repaired a chip once, fine so far.

I'll agree with the thinner glass being an possible explanation. A similar issue is the thinner body panels. We had a hail storm with fist sized hail and all our newer vehicles with aluminum hoods have small dents, but the old pickup with steel is just fine, thank you!

 

[davey]

mopar windshield protection film works great very impressed...

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