Replacement Windshields

Finally picked up my 2nd rock chip on my windshield, smack dab in the middle.

I'm paying for this out of pocket and would like to know if there is any "upgrade" windshield option. Normally I would let the insurance company deal with it, but since I'm paying out of pocket I figured I'd ask if there was a better option to go with.

When looking at prices, is there anything to look for to determine the quality of the glass being used?

-Chase

 

Dont let any one scare you about wavy glass and shit. I have a 2011 , I had a windshield wind noise the dealer wouldnt fix. I picked up a rock on the fwy. I call a guy on Craigslist. Came to me, install,new seal ( with no cross noise ) $140. Been 6 years , still looks great, is not all peppered with tiny chips .!!! Fuck Safelight. IMO waste of money

 

I don't even know what wavy glass is lol

 

Some of the OEM Windshield purists say that shit !!!

 

I've never had a bad fitting windshield with a 2nd gen and I've probably replaced in the hundreds. ppg and Pilkington are fine even benson or kyg. you can only see the wavey shit if you stand outside and look at is from an extreme angle. you wont ever notice it driving so I wouldn't really worry about that. you can also get this 3m type film done that's supposed to prevent rock chips. lots of guys had it applied on their sports cars but that can have a glare to it over time.

 

carlite soundscreen is supposed to be "sound proof glass" if your into that kinda stuff lol

 

So it sounds like I can't really go wrong with any replacement. As long as it's installed correctly. I think the closest shop to me is a Go Glass. I'm dreading the price will be close to $400

 

Is it cracking yet, reason I am asking is if a repair may be an option. THey can come and fill it so as you dont need a new piece of glass.

Glass is glass man, find a decent company and the best price.
Have you received any quotes?

For what its worth. I had a local glass replace the windshield on my wifes Pilot yesterday. They charged my insurance $515. I am in a high cost of living area though.

 

It's not cracking yet. I'm more concerned that it's the 2nd chip, and it's much worse than the first one and in a noticeable spot.

I think there is only one dedicated glass company near me, and they don't do mobile fixes. Once I start calling for quotes, I wanted to understand what the pricing would entail and if there are "premiums" you can pay up for, and whether that are worth the premium price.

 

Take a picture man and post it , is it bad?.

I would have that bitch filled!

 

Difference between our glass and the glass in a bentley, is the thickness.
Only premium available to us would be OEM glass, and the only premium aspect would be price!

 

Original chip which is about a year old.



And the most recent. This one is about the size of a dime, and nice and clear around the impact spot.




And you can see my inspection is due so I need to quit procrastinating

 

There's no "premium" available. It'll be one particular NAGS part number which will likely be a FW2500 with a WFTF2500 molding no matter the manufacturer. AVOID SAFELITE AT ALL COSTS. The reason they can undercut everyone else is because they manufacture their own glass (which is subpar quality). They send out commission techs with a list of windshields to replace, so they rush and cut corners and you're stuck with a crap install with crap glass. I've worked at a Toyota certified collision center for the past 12 years and have spoken with high-sitting Toyota reps from Torrence, CA who have said that Toyota does not suggest using Safelite for replacement due to their poor quality.

Keep in mind that quality auto glass, when properly installed, is part of the structural integrity of the truck. Don't take a cheap route as you and your family's safety is at risk.

Most aftermarket glass companies are the same ones that produce the OEM glass for Toyota. If you notice in the photo @Chase8059 posted, underneath the Toyota logo is the world "Pilkington", one of the largest glass manufacturers in the world. Other common OEM manufacturers are PGW (PPG), LOF, Guardian,etc. It really depends on who Toyota had contracted out at the time. Unless you're leasing it and need to replace it with OEM-only, I'd suggest making sure the shop you select is offering you an aftermarket that is a OEM-quality equivalent. Also, make sure they clean and prime all pinchwelds as any scratches on the body made during removal will lead to rust and eventual water leaks, etc. Ensure that they also warranty their installations in case you were to ever have a water or wind issue. Of course, they can't guarantee against rocks, baseballs, and crazy ex-wives.

p.s. In so far as the "wavy" part, you'll often even see such waves in OEM glass on high end cars like Mercedes Benz, BMW, etc. You're rolling a layer of polyvinyl butyral between two pieces of curved glass under heat. Things don't always come out silky smooth. I've worked on $70k Mercedes Benz windshields with horrible rippling in the original glass.

 

Wow, tons of info here so thank you.

How do you get a shop to confirm what they are using is "OEM equivalent" in quality? Do you take their word for it?

 

If you search safelite on Tacomaworld you will find dozens of members that have had great experiences with safelite. Their installs are good and their glass isnt crap.

 

Ask them what brands they sell. If the brands are like what I listed, pull the trigger. Just make sure they guarantee their install.

 

I

I've been an auto glass tech for over 14 years. I've gone behind more than my fair share of Safelite-installed glass which I could push from the body of the car with my bare hands. Hell, I've worked on a Camry that had over $12k of water damage due to a safelite tech missing the corner of a pinchweld when running urethane.

But hey, you don't have to take the word of someone who has made a career in the industry.

 

Thanks for the info. I need to replace the windshield in my Subaru and if they don’t take care of it (it’s a manufacturer defect under warranty) I’m going to shop around.

 

they are all technically oem equivalent. paying more for Pilkington over another brand is a waste of money. only time you would ever want oem is when you have hud because aftermarket glass can give off a double image and that shit would get annoying

 

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That doesn't sound like fun!

Really just comes down to the tech and how competent they are at their job.

And for what its worth, I chose a local glass place for my wifes pilot vs safelite.