Cracked Windshield

For those who have had their windshield replaced; where would you recommend? Rock cracked my windshield a few weeks ago in the desert. It’s non repairable. I’ve heard horror stories with windshields leaking after replacement

 

Where I’m at there is a very good family run glass company that does great work. I have them replace two windshields no leaks ever. So I think it’s more about finding a good reputable installer. Imo the mom and pop small business owners tend to take more pride in their work as it is their livelihood.

 

SafeLite Auto Glass was who I went to with my last vehicle. Can schedule appointment online and they will help locate nearest one to you. You can then either go to them or they come to you. No complaints with their work. No leaks that I could tell. Just follow their guidelines including no washing for at least 24 hours after replacement.

 

When I found the company I used it was because safelight imo over charges. They wanted like 500 for the front windshield installed, the company i used came to my house with the brand windshield I wanted $220 installed.

 

just tell your installer to install like he cares......

Mom & Pop are the best ........

 

I hear the dealer does good work

 

Thanks guys. I’ll do some checking for local places and see what I find

 

Nothing like the original seal. mines been cracked on the passenger continues to grow for 6 years. If it goes to the driver’s side I might change it next spring when warmer weather returns.

 

Mines been cracked all the way across for almost 2 years now...Its low enough that it doesn't bother me

I was always told SafeLights glass is not as strong as OEM, however OEM you'll be charged an arm and a leg more for it.

 

Windshields have to pass a ball drop test where a steel ball is dropped from specified height and has to be stopped by the vinyl interlayer. The glass manufacturer needs to select random samples and do tests at least daily- I can't remember the frequency. So the strength should be the same as they have to pass the test. Saying that, OE glass is better quality as far as scratches, edge chips, etc. For aftermarket, as long as it doesn't have a giant scratch it's good to go. OE is 100X more critical. But, OE glass is waaaay more expensive.

 

Not Safelite.

 

Windshield installation is not a regulated market, thus why so many leaking issues. Installers can "stuff" the windshield which is the fast way to install and cut corners. A good installer removes trim pieces so they set the glass in place, rather than slide it.

& majority of safelite is bad, some good techs do work for them.

 

Had my windshield replaced by Payless Glass this summer.
In Connecticut Insurance covers the replacement.
Cost $280.00 if my old brain is working today.
Tech was great , did it in my driveway.
Tech indicated that in this East Coast area Safelite coordinates the repairs even though Payless did my repair.
No leaks, and the gasket has a diffrent shape probably for streamlining and rain dispersing.
2013 TRD Sport Access Cab

TOMB

 

Dealers typically sublet the work out to a mobile autoglass company. It's incredibly rare a dealer has a glass tech on the payroll.

 

This...

I had mine replaced earlier this summer by SafeLite in my driveway with me watching. The tech did a great and meticulous job and while it was pricey, I have no complaints. I think it was $422 installed at my house.

 

San Tan Ford (big ford dealer in AZ) has a full glass department with 6 employees

Arizona is known for broken windshields.
https://www.santanford.com/San-Tan-Ford-Auto-Glass.html

 

Do you have glass coverage? Your insurance agent agent can probably recommend someone. Either way if it leaks the installer should have to fix it.

I wanted OEM glass on mine but the dealers all subbed the work out to another third party (who wasn't likely to do OEM glass). Ironically it was the same company my insurance agent suggested. I think it'd be tough to provide a recommendation unless it's from someone local. All depends on the tech you get. The non OEM glass is fine I think.

 

Used Safelight twice on two vehicles. It's glass and I can see out.

 

Safelight only installs glass from other vendors, they don't manufacture their own glass.