Cracked Windshield Thanks to Carwash

[r0tax]

This is why I only go to no touch car washes. Not as effective, but sure are damage-free....

/agree

A weekly or bi-weekly touchless wash, and a hand towel dry afterwards works quite well.

I'm baffled that people are still using touch washes, on new paint/vehicles, in 2026. And that these places still exist, and are continuing to be built. I did it one time, because "new fancy car wash place", and never again.

Touchless, or wash it in your driveway.

And yes, I know these touch washes are everywhere, why?

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[commadorebob]

Sad part is this was never meant to happen. Truck needed an oil change. I was going to have the dealer do it via mobile service. Wife said she'd just take it through their quick lube. While there, she said she would get it washed on the way home since it was dirty.

Alternatively, I had a meeting at my company's client this morning I chose to call into it rather than be onsite, which I would have driven my truck for and done the oil change on another day.

The odds of that truck being in that carwash in time to be dinged by a stuck rock was low. And yet...

 

[Finnster]

Is the replacement accoustic glass?

 

[commadorebob]

Is the replacement accoustic glass?

Should be. I gave them the VIN due to there being "multiple options." So, they should have everything they need to properly replace it.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

Sucks for sure, but most auto-wash places have signs posted everywhere stating they are not responsible for damage. If you can prove some kind of negligence, you might have a case. Otherwise, you are at their goodwill, or lack there of....

Not sure if it is state or local.
But around here there are signs
"Car Wash not responsible for damages to vehicles more than five years old."

So I guess they are responsible for damages to new vehicles?

But only "factory equipment".

 

[Edge Haley]

Have nothing constructive to suggest except I have 300 to 400 car wash dealers using our software and they tend to "have very bullet proof contracts/sign that hold them responsibility for pretty much NOTHING". Losing a customer over cost of windshield doesn't usually matter to them...they have a sign...most carwashes will have attorney's that will defend them for less than a claim.

Only claim I've ever seen them pay is an employee screw-up. Most have a rule that employees don't enter a vehicle - so they can't do any damage or have thieves. Most won't vacuum for same reason, so they give you free access to vacuum yourself. Hearing the stories from MY customer I personally would never use an automated car wash when I can wash mine in 15 minutes, especially as thin as the sheet metal on the Maverick hood and doors, and as expensive as the windshield is.

But at lease 2 or 3 people on this threat discovered that the "acoustics" windshield available on the higher end Maverick models fit any Model Maverick and only cost $20-$30 more and they reported it was well worth it as a replace...might be worth checking.

Without the details...automatic car washing business are extremely profitable....most own 3, 4 or a dozen locations. One of our customers just bought out 8 other carwashes for several million.

 

[Bob The Builder]

That sucks. These places will never accept responsibility for anything bad that happens. Makes me wonder why they even carry insurance.

Anyone up here that even remotely cares about their vehicle's finish would never use a brush type car wash. The brushes are loaded with road salt, sand and road grit. I couldn't believe how bad my neighbor's Ridgeline (black) looks like. He buys the wash until you drop plan so he is there all the time.

 

[MaverickDragon]

The no touch wash is the way to go.
No touch, no scratch, no damage, and no disgruntled employees rifling your interior.

 

[Aherpa]

Is that car wash a 100% touchless wash? Some car washes have one of those bumper rollers that contacts the windshield in just about that exact spot.

 

[MaverickDragon]

If it has a bumper roller, it isn't a touchless wash.

 

[Ranch]

$1,131.66 for full replacement from Safelite. The windshield and labor are only $464. $40 to recycle the glass. The rest is the recalibration of the camera. I also figured I was all-in and so I am having them go ahead and Rain-X treat it while they are here. That was only $45 so it is worth it to me.

I'll post after pictures when they are done on Tuesday.

Just for a comparison I recently got a quote from Safelite for the windshield on my 2002 Explorer. $246.83. That's with a $45 discount they sent me after I didn't bite at the first quote.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

If it has a bumper roller, it isn't a touchless wash.

It would be interesting to find out if, that was the only vehicle that day that end up with a cracked windshield going through the car wash? If so then the Mavericks got a pretty fragile windshield.
Did they shut down the car wash after it was reported??
Was the OP the only one??

 

[Johnkn]

FWIW, “Not responsible” signs generally mean virtually nothing and do not override legal liability, negligence, etc. .

They do ward off many potentially legitimate claims however from the unknowing…



.

 

[MavStangVa]

FWIW, “Not responsible” signs generally mean virtually nothing and do not override legal liability, negligence, etc. .

They do ward off many potentially legitimate claims however from the unknowing…



.

Just an FYI
https://www.slashgear.com/2107560/what-to-do-car-wash-damage-liability/
Likely the cost of a lawsuit and proving negligence would cost far more than a windshield. And no you will not get a million dollars if you win

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Be thankful you weren't behind this guy,,,,,,



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