Pressure Stress Crack or Impact on Windshield?

[KappaDev]

Hi all, just took delivery of my 2021 Model 3 in December (less than a month ago).
Over the past few days we had a rough snowstorm here in New York.
Briefly after the storm I wiped the snow off the car and the next day pre-heated the car using the app for about 20 minutes.

When I got to the driveway I saw this crack on the windshield.

Does this look like something may have hit it (impact) or can it be caused by the difference in temperature between the hot interior of the car and the below freezing temperatures outside?

 

[KappaDev]

December (less than a month ago)

Whoops, this should say little over a month ago*

 

[glide]

Based on your first and second photos it looks like there was some sort of impact. You can see it in the black tinted area.

A stress crack likely wouldn’t form like that.

 

[Avid]

Yep, I have to agree, looks like a impact.

 

[DaveRZ]

Definitely an impact. That likely is what was the start of your crack, and when you froze/heated your car, the crack grew.

 

[MikeyMikeD]

I'm on the impact group as well. Second photo looks like it best shows it and the temperature changes caused it to spread... Tough one, sorry...

 

[MarsOrBust]

Impact probably weakened it then the crack came in.

 

[Gizmo35]

Appears to be damage from impact. I believe you can get it repaired using the app to schedule an appointment.

 

[Vecii]

Impact. Your comprehensive insurance should cover glass replacement.

 

[jabloomf1230]

The same thing happened to me. On close inspection there was an impact on the edge of the glass which eventually caused the split. My comprehensive insurance covered 100% of the cost.

 

[KenC]

Impact about an inch and a quarter inside the left edge. Sorry.

 

[thx1138]

Your photos are IDENTICAL to the crack I have in my windscreen right now. It was surreal seeing your photos!

I took it to Tesla as I was certain it was a warranty fault - some kind of stress fracture or something similar. They pointed out the tiny 'stone chip' in the black surround, and said it would not be covered by the warranty. So now I'm waiting for the Autoglass appointment on Tuesday to get it fixed under the insurance.

I've been driving for 25 years, and never had a crack in a windscreen before. But plenty of stone chips now and then.

 

[AlanSubie4Life]

Sorry that happened. Sometimes luck is just not on your side.

Somewhat related:
If you ever hear a window impact, it's always worth checking the windshield and the black border to look for significant chips with any evidence of cracking. If you find any of significance, immediately call your insurance to have a repair person sent out to fill in the chip (for free, typically). Time is of the essence and it's important to avoid any heating/cooling cycles.

Obviously you don't always hear the impacts, but the point is that usually you can stop these cracks from spreading - if you're aware that they exist.

I got this beauty recently (was going 30mph on a surface street after a rain)! Made quite a noise. Not on the edge obviously, but this one was definitely going to grow. Fixed the next day for free. Hopefully it holds, but I guess normally they're fine. If not, it's no loss.

I used to try to repair these myself (carried a kit), but frankly the professionals are much better at it and have a proper professional repair kit. For road trips carrying a kit might be worth it though.

 

[alexgr]

Ooo... now I see why even small impact chips need to be repaired. I'm sorry for your loss, but thank you a good illustration.
In theory, the propagation of cracks can be a more common problem in EVs because they can start blowing the full heat momentarily in winter. Maybe we'll see statistics prove this after a few years.

 

[Candleflame]

had exactly the same issue. likely a little rock hitting it at the right angle.
had mine replaced by insurance.

 

[DougInCT]

Be sure to get it repaired by Tesla with factory glass. I have State Farm, and while I've had my issues with them, they agreed to have it done by Tesla in the shop.

 

[MarsOrBust]

Did a safelight replacement on older 3 and that was a mistake. Camera never calibrated correctly. The glass quality was the issue despite looking fine to me. Replaced it at Tesla SC with no more issues.

 

[totoro722]

Don’t give up on this until you find an impact point. I had a crack occur on my Model X windshield the first month I had it. Took it to the service center. They were unable to find any impact crater, so it was fixed under warranty. Stress cracks do happen. It took parking mine out in the sun on a hot day, but that made it happen. Temperature changes.

 

[Big Dog]

there is no question that it got dinged which you second pic clearly shows.

Sry to hear your new baby got hurt. It sux, but life in the NE.

 

[Vines]

The impact is obvious, too bad you didn't fill it asap, you could have avoided this most likely. Hard to see when its on the non transparent portion of glass.