[notbatman]

After 10,000 miles of my first ever Mini, the 2022 Mini SE, I've come to the conclusion that besides being the best car I've ever driven, it is also unfortunately a rock magnet and pickup truck wheels are its arch enemy in this regard. Rock hitting glass or paint sends a sickening feeling, followed by a search for the demoralizing damage. Is it just my bad luck, or is anyone else experiencing this?

 

[MichaelC]

It isn't just you. This is my first MINI, too.

I was wise enough to get paint protection film applied to the front of my SE, so my paint has been protected so far.

However, I regret declining the windshield replacement "insurance"--I have only collected one big rock chip (and had it patched), but it's just a matter of time before "the big one" comes and I'll get a crack big enough to need a replacement.

 

[notbatman]

It isn't just you. This is my first MINI, too.

I was wise enough to get paint protection film applied to the front of my SE, so my paint has been protected so far.

However, I regret declining the windshield replacement "insurance"--I have only collected one big rock chip (and had it patched), but it's just a matter of time before "the big one" comes and I'll get a crack big enough to need a replacement.

Thanks. That's comforting to know. I also got ResistAll applied at time of delivery but apparently it's not invincible, although perhaps good enough to limit damage. Just one ding on my poor hood, or 'bonnet', so far. I'm sure the relatively low vehicle height and angle of the glass has a lot to do with the frequency and severity of events respectively. Most modern, smaller car designs use a more raked windshield (Sorry. 'Windscreen'.) that might lessen impact. Anyway, good luck avoiding the rocks.

 

[Mrflyguy]

Unfortunately, flying debris on the highway is a risk we take these days. I've had 3 windshields replaced on my 2020 Subaru Forester with 19K miles - all from trucks throwing rocks at me.

Installing full-frontal Xpel Ultimate is my standard defense. Tint and Spell are the first things I do when take deliver of a car. If you don't have a PPF on the front end, you should seriously consider it if you're daily driving your MINI, especially if on the highways at speed.