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SquatC0bbler OP t1_j8s02mm wrote

I just moved to RI from a state that doesn't do vehicle safety inspections. My car is 5 years old, and I've had a dime-sized chip in the windshield that hasn't gotten any bigger for almost 4 years. I went into a dealership to get a safety inspection today and was told that the car wouldn't pass because of this chip.

I was reading through the state inspection manual on the DMV website and came across this:
"Do not
approve any windshield glass that is damaged in the “AS-1” area in front of the
driver that is wiped by the wiping action of the regular windshield wiper for the
vehicle."

This chip is in the area of the windshield wipers, but on the passenger side, and hasn't gone through the glass (can't feel it from inside the car).

I have a few questions:

  1. Was the dealership being overly picky, or would this truly not pass if I brought it to another mechanic?
  2. If this won't pass, what is a good place to get this repaired or replaced?
  3. What are some good places to get my inspection done?

I'm all for making sure my car is safe to drive, but I'd REALLY like to avoid paying for a new windshield if possible.

Thanks!

UPDATE:

Took my car in to a separate shop (not a dealership) for an inspection today and I passed! Nobody even remarked about the windshield.

So looks like I've kicked this can down the road a couple years, but I may revisit the chip in the coming months.

Thanks so much to everyone who commented with their experience and advice!

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jdmess401 t1_j8s1eex wrote

The RIDMV requires photos to be submitted by inspectors. Inspections used to be a joke in this state, but the DMV has really cracked down in recent years. These shops can face heavy penalties if they miss or pass something they shouldn’t. If in doubt, they’re going to fail it.

Once a car fails, it fails—you can’t take it to another shop with no repair hoping it will pass—since you’re in the system now. But you have something like 10 days (?) to get it repaired and re-inspected.

To answer your questions:

  1. That seems on par based on my experience. I had a small chip (smaller than yours) that was completely hidden by a wiper blade and I failed inspection.

  2. Check with your insurance company. Some will pay for windshield replacement. (Also, if your insurance rate goes up for moving here, consider Amica. They have really good rates for RI and they’re based in the state.)

  3. That would depend on where you are located. I usually go to my Subaru dealer or Pawtuxet Auto in Cranston.

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SquatC0bbler OP t1_j8s1pnh wrote

So my car hasn't failed yet - They didnt start the inspection, but noticed the chip and told me it wouldn't pass, so I asked them to not go forward with it.

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SquatC0bbler OP t1_j8s32ed wrote

To answer your other questions, -the chip has been in place for a long time. I have comprehensive through my insurance but I worry that since its been there for so long, they wouldn't cover it (btw, I have USAA and my rates only went up about $50/mo for comprehensive - appreciate the suggestion though!) -I'm located in Providence.

Appreciate the help!

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theanti_girl t1_j8s5v1m wrote

Your insurance has no way of knowing how long it’s been there. As far as you know, it just happened. The people who do your windshield — who will just do a repair, not a replacement unless there’s a big crack — don’t care either. They see it every day.

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jdmess401 t1_j8s6f9j wrote

I should clarify, I’m not suggesting filing a claim to replace the windshield. Some insurance companies offer free replacement as part of their coverage, but it’s not a claim.

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SeaworthinessLeft88 t1_j8sbejd wrote

I had USAA comprehensive for years. They’ll cover it. Just tell them that it happened during your coverage or you’re not sure when. They’ll send you to safelite, who will fix it with no money out of pocket and no increase in premiums.

They might not even replace the windshield. I just got a chip in my new car’s windshield the first week I owned it, and safelite simply filled it.

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SquatC0bbler OP t1_j8seaba wrote

Oh thats awesome! Also, this did happen during my coverage - I've had USAA since I bought this car new. Hoping this is a quick fix and they can just fill in the crack.

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theanti_girl t1_j8si5zl wrote

The guideline is usually if it’s “smaller than a dollar bill,” it’s repaired versus replaced. It’ll be easy peasy and you’ll have it all set in no time. :-)

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Yz-Guy t1_j8ugv7o wrote

No. Your car did fail. You should've received a failure report. Stating why it failed. But, you do get a time period (commenter said 10 days, it was a month iirc when I was a tech) to get it repaired and go back for a free re inspection. You're also safe from persecution of officers for an expired sticker with that failure receipt. However after the time period, you are fair game to cops and the DMV and will also have to repay for another inspection.

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SquatC0bbler OP t1_j8ukqg3 wrote

It didn't because they didn't start the inspection. I pulled in, the advisor came out to check me in, took a look at the car and said it would fail with the chip and asked if I wanted to proceed and I declined. I'm gonna actually get an inspection tomorrow and if I fail (which seems likely) I'll start the process of getting the repair.

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easedownripley t1_j8sk9tt wrote

okay so this doesn't actually match with my experience. If you fail an inspection, you'll be in the system and it will say you failed, so when you go to another place it will indeed say that you failed but that doesn't stop them from just re-inspecting your car. I did exactly this. My car failed inspection at a dealer, but passed at an independent place.

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jdmess401 t1_j8sneid wrote

It probably depends on the shop, but my understanding is they’re not supposed to pass you if the reason for your failed inspection isn’t deemed fixed. Some shops might be willing to overlook it if it’s a minor issue, but like I said before, they are generally overly cautious now.

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64bit_Tuning t1_j8te9ox wrote

As a RI Inspector, If the chip is below the AS-1 line AND the wiper blade passes over it, I would absolutely fail your car.

Most auto insurance companies will perform a repair for almost zero cost.

The fine folks at Patriot Auto Glass in West Warwick will look at it free of charge and tell you if they can/cannot fix it. Last I checked, they were at 24 Begonia St. Its just off the intersection of Providence St and Wakefield St. Just down the road from the RI Mall.

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SquatC0bbler OP t1_j8tl0oi wrote

Well, this isn't the answer I want to hear, but I appreciate the perspective from a RI inspector. I'm taking it into another location for an inspection tomorrow just so I don't go 5+ days without getting a sticker on my car. If they fail me, I know my insurance will cover a free repair, but I think I have to go through safelite with them.

Part of the reason I cancelled with the dealership is because they told me it was irreparable and I'd a new windshield to pass inspection. I doubt they were trying to upsell me there, but in my experience dealerships tend to push for replacement rather than repair more than a standard shop.

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64bit_Tuning t1_j8tmx4p wrote

The dealer wouldnt be doing the repair either. We certainly dont. It would be outsourced to a glass shop.

Go get your inspection done. If it fails, take your 30 day failure paperwork and head over to Patriot. Have it looked at. They can get the glass in well within the 30 days (if it needs to be replaced) and then you go back to the inspecting garage for a free re-inspect (since youve already paid) and sticker.

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SquatC0bbler OP t1_j8tqj3x wrote

Oh thats awesome the reinspect is free! Thanks for all the info on the inspection process it's super helpful!

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Yz-Guy t1_j8uh3do wrote

This might be legit. If it's a newer car with some time of lane assist or radar that works through the windshield. They can not work correctly if the windshield is cracked or replaced. They usually need to be recalibrated.

Altho I will say, a crack that small and low shouldn't be an issue. But that's the logic behind the dealers decision is my guess.

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SquatC0bbler OP t1_j8ul2vk wrote

The car does have lane keep assist. That said, the chip has been there for years and LKAS has worked without issue, so I'm hopeful it's a repair. Either way, Id like to keep the cost of recalibration out of my pocket...

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radioflea t1_j8tzeg7 wrote

I’ve met a few mechanics that offer inspection services that once told me that they’ll pass a car with potato chip thin brake pads.

You can get the chip filled and it should pass.

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UnicornShitShoveler t1_j8u0fnq wrote

I know a guy if you need the shop name shoot me a message.

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SquatC0bbler OP t1_j92iq9h wrote

The place I brought it to today passed it, but appreciate the offer bro!

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