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Cracked windshields are a way of life for any avid Jeep enthusiast. After the third or fourth Jeep Wrangler cracked windshield, most Jeep drivers just come to expect it. However, with the recent uptick of Jeep owners following all the new Wrangler models and the Jeep Gladiator, many new Jeepsters are pulling out their hair over a cracked windshield on their brand-new Jeep. Thankfully, Jeep is now working with Gorilla Glass to offer a solution. 

A red 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited drives on a forest road overlooking a lake
2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited | Jeep

Why do Jeep Wranglers get cracked windshields so often? 

Jeep is now offering Gorilla Glass windshields to combat the constant cracking and chips that come with having a nearly flat windshield. Jeep Wranglers and Jeep Gladiators have always struggled with this annoying issue. 

On the one hand, the flat rectangular windshield of a Wrangler is one of the defining features that give proper Jeeps their look. On the other hand, it is a deeply flawed design that results in a chip or a crack if even the smallest pebble is kicked up. 

What is Gorilla Glass?

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe driving on a city street
2021 Jeep wrangler 4xe | Jeep

Gorilla Glass is often used in smartphone screens these days. Born from similarly annoying cracked screens, many phone manufacturers started making phone screens from this much more durable material. 

According to CarScoops, Jeep just informed dealers that orders for the Gorilla Glass windshields are now open. Not only are these new Jeep Wrangler windshields stronger, but they are also thinner and lighter. 

How do you get a Gorilla Glass Jeep Wrangler windshield?

A red 2021 Jeep Gladiator, with a diesel engine, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator is one of the most fuel-efficient new pickups
2021 Jeep Gladiator | Stellantis

These new Jeep Wrangler windshields are offered on Wrangler Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, Rubicon 392, Sahara 4xe, and Rubicon 4xe models, as well as the Gladiator Willys, Overland, Rubicon, and Mojave models. The Gorilla Glass windshield will cost an additional $95. 

CarScoops also mentions that this isn’t the first time Gorilla Glass windshields have been used in the automotive world. The latest generation of the legendary Ford GT also has a Gorilla Glass windshield. It is also found as an optional extra on other high-end hypercars like the McLaren Senna. 

Jeep teased its introduction to the Jeep world with the Jeep Wrangler Orange Peelz concept at the 2021 Easter Jeep Safari. That radical Wrangler concept featured the Gorilla Glass windshield. 

This new Jeep Wrangler windshield may not be the most exciting addition to the line, but it is easily one of the most useful additions Jeep has added in a very long time. Mopar agrees, saying that they anticipate at least 80 percent of new Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator orders to come with the Gorilla Glass windshield. 

Bring on the practical changes 

Honestly, for an extra $95, a Jeep customer would have to be a fool not to snag this option. It will pay for itself. Just ask any older Jeep head. Over time, the frustration and money it costs to continuously replace that rectangular piece of glass is enough to make you almost not want a Wrangler. 

Jeep is making tremendous strides to update and become more practical. The Wrangler used to be little more than a toy that you could choose to drive daily if you wish. These days, the Wrangler and Gladiator are full-blown SUVs with real seating, four doors, real roofs, and now a functional windshield. 

It’s a bit of departure from the old days of cheap, rugged, and niche Wranglers, but that doesn’t mean it’s worse. 

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