I got a quote from Safelite to replace my cracked windshield for $250. They want to throw in wipers for $35 which with their mobile service fee will cost me ~$350. The dealer quoted me $700 which I don't even think is for OEM but whatever the best quality their install guy uses.

I'm curious to find out how after market windshields defer from OEM and especially if they come with the tinted visor strip. I have all my windows tinted (except the windshield but it has the tint strip) with an ebony interior and I'd hate to lose the effect if the replacement windshield is clear. I'm hoping you guys can help save me some money as well as get the windshield look I want. What are my other options that won't break the bank?

 

I have to replace my Mercedes windshield probably once a year - it's apparently a magnet for highway FOD. At some point, I let my guard down and allowed the insurer to begin using aftermarket windshields, installed by Safelite (FYI: in my state, it is legislated that the insurer must replace windshields at no direct cost to the policy holder). In my experience, there is a lot of variation from one Safelite aftermarket windshield to the next and, in general, there is much more wind noise and the wipers don't work as well (they squeak as there seems to be more drag) compared to the MB genuine windshield.

 

Once you replace with aftermarket stuff it will be a bit harder to convince the insurer to use OEM parts the next time. Therefore I will insist on OEM windshield and do whatever tint later on. Good luck.

 

Here in Massachusetts, glass is covered with no deductible. If the car is less than 2 years old, you have the right to request OEM glass. You also have the right to the installer of your choice. The insurance companies try to "steer" you to a glass company that they have special contracted rates with (not in your best interest).

There are independent glass installers that use OEM, Pilkington, Sekurit, and PPG glass. These are all fine products, and I think Sekurit make OEM glass for some auto manufacturers.

 

So which company makes OEM glasses for most of the manufacturers? Is it the same mentioned above or there are other companies too...? Which company does Acura use?

 

I recently had the windshield on our 2014 TL replaced with OEM glass. The total was a little over $1,000 and I think the breakdown was about $800 for the windshield and about $200 for the install. My insurance covered everything.

Gregg

 

Rumor is a lot of Safelite glass is Chinese made crap.
Can't beat oem but some insurance companies won't go oem.
If I had to go aftermarket,I'd only go with PPG or Pilkington

 

this guys is right.. safelite is crap if you go aftermarket at all it must.. and I stress it MUST say PPG or Pilkington on the glass there are companies that will say its a PPG brand or Pilkington BRAND that doesn't mean its straight from them its just a sub company.. being in Oregon ive been through 2 windshields last year and my wifes car needed a replacement recently and I tried my hardest to get either OEM from factory or one of the 2 listed above.. its like pulling teeth I made multiple calls and had to shell out alittle more cash even though my deductible would of covered the typical windshield. Most insurance companies wont pay above a certain amount for windshield replacement so you have to contact them and see what they will cover.. for instance my oem factory glass from acura would be 1200 insurance would only cover 350 of it including install so im stuck paying the rest if I wanted the OEM.. to get an actual Pilkington glass again it was 500$ so I had to pay the difference the insurance wouldn't..

Also another note the Chinese brands and some of the newer ones have this odd thing going on in the shaded band area which led me to want these other windshields that don't have the issue. I cant explain it too well but if you look in different lighting at the blue shaded part it looks like youre looking at ebola through a magnify glass haha its like these little orb bubbles that didn't clear out when the shade was added in the glass press or there was water in the glass press of it I just cant explain it.. but it drove my eye balls nuts so be very aware of it!!!!! if its something you can live with good otherwise it will annoy you too..

good luck