Had a rock kicked up on the freeway in Portland earlier this week, about the size of a lemon. Needless to say, it’s windshield replacement time for my LC. Luckily, it hit squarely in the middle of the screen, so the paint is untouched. What I’d like to know is does the collective have any advice on replacement? I’ve already specified OEM glass - to which my insurance co has agreed...so there’s that. I know that I have to get the camera and sensors re-calibrated at the dealer after the replacement. But is there anything else? Would you trust Safelite (recommended by my insurance co), or find another vendor? I don’t want to screw up my nice, relatively new LC. Thanks for any help...
Windshield Replacement Q
- Thread starter cru1s3r
- Start date
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Markuson
SILVER Star
Safelite is recommended by insurance companies because it is cheaper. Not because it's better.
State Farm made the same recommendation to me...but two of my colleagues (who I had quizzed about glass shops, since we all get nailed by rocks on the same industrial highway near work) had both had issues with Safelite. One had a leak (and re-do) and the other looked funky just visually inspecting it in the parking lot. It looked like someone had used the wrong kit or something... I had two similar issues with another chain, All-star Glass, with my 100 Series.
I had my 200's windshield replaced last week (Pilkington glass...super happy with it).
The glass shop owner (who was highly recommended to me by my super-trusted Toyota service manager--who steers me to excellent, less expensive alternatives to Toyota simply bc he's a great guy the last 16 years) had already finished my windshield...and I'd already noted that he just earned my future business big-time. -Anyway...the owner went on to let me know (without bashing them) that while there are many decent glass repair shops, he would avoid safelite. Just really hit-and-miss, and he gave examples. If you were local, I'd send you to my independent shop without question ...but you are in Oregon.
State Farm made the same recommendation to me...but two of my colleagues (who I had quizzed about glass shops, since we all get nailed by rocks on the same industrial highway near work) had both had issues with Safelite. One had a leak (and re-do) and the other looked funky just visually inspecting it in the parking lot. It looked like someone had used the wrong kit or something... I had two similar issues with another chain, All-star Glass, with my 100 Series.
I had my 200's windshield replaced last week (Pilkington glass...super happy with it).
The glass shop owner (who was highly recommended to me by my super-trusted Toyota service manager--who steers me to excellent, less expensive alternatives to Toyota simply bc he's a great guy the last 16 years) had already finished my windshield...and I'd already noted that he just earned my future business big-time. -Anyway...the owner went on to let me know (without bashing them) that while there are many decent glass repair shops, he would avoid safelite. Just really hit-and-miss, and he gave examples. If you were local, I'd send you to my independent shop without question ...but you are in Oregon.
OP, just call your local Toyota dealer and ask about who they use for windshield replacement. Turns out in Boise, the same guy who does Lexus / Toyota also does MB, BMW, etc. As a side benefit, he's a neighbor and gtg with our insurance company. 
You could also question Satellite, but down here they're like deer in headlights with 100 and 200 series trucks.
ETA...OP, I don't understand "recalibrating" the camera and sensors. The only thing to watch for is absolutely perfect contact between the inside of the windshield and the rain sensor...very easy to see simply by looking from the outside of the windshield.
hth
Steve
You could also question Satellite, but down here they're like deer in headlights with 100 and 200 series trucks.
ETA...OP, I don't understand "recalibrating" the camera and sensors. The only thing to watch for is absolutely perfect contact between the inside of the windshield and the rain sensor...very easy to see simply by looking from the outside of the windshield.
hth
Steve
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I’ve had 3 replaced, all by Safelite because it’s no additional charge for me with my auto insurance. They are fast and convenient, but I’ve had mixed results depending on the technician’s skill level. Never had to recalibrate anything with the dealer.
Safelite seemed to have a lock on our insurance up to 2-3 years ago. Now insurance (Farm Bureau) has pretty much approved anyplace / anyone doing glass as a business...still, I think good to use somebody on a 100 or 200 that's done a few before.
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Safelite did my windshield. They did a satisfactory job. I would certainly prefer oem glass. I'll probably request it next I get a crack.
I don't think my wiper heaters are working though. But I don't think they worked before swapping windshields.
I don't think my wiper heaters are working though. But I don't think they worked before swapping windshields.
Taco2Cruiser
Crazy American Off Road
My family and I have both had pretty terrible results with Safelite (that’s across 4 states), but living in West Texas, it doesn’t really matter. Your getting a broken windshield every 6-12 months, so if the do an okay job, it’s going to get done against soon.
As for OEM glass, you guys know Toyota doesn’t make their glass?
My “factory” glass is made by Nippon in my 2011. My brothers 2017 Tacoma is made by Pinkington. My wife’s Ford is made by Nippon also.
The entire auto glass industry is made up of 5 corporations. When an auto company like Toyota buys glass, companies like Nippon make it to specs and etch a “Toyota” over top of the normal logo.
If you look below the Toyota logo, you can see who makes your glass. No need to ask your insurance or go out of your way to buy glass with a Toyota logo on it, it’s not anything different. Not in the slightest bit.
As for OEM glass, you guys know Toyota doesn’t make their glass?
My “factory” glass is made by Nippon in my 2011. My brothers 2017 Tacoma is made by Pinkington. My wife’s Ford is made by Nippon also.
The entire auto glass industry is made up of 5 corporations. When an auto company like Toyota buys glass, companies like Nippon make it to specs and etch a “Toyota” over top of the normal logo.
If you look below the Toyota logo, you can see who makes your glass. No need to ask your insurance or go out of your way to buy glass with a Toyota logo on it, it’s not anything different. Not in the slightest bit.
Markuson
SILVER Star
The Pilkington unit that finally replaced my 9-year-old stock shield is SWEET compared to the original. Tinting is perfect. Super happy.
Taco2Cruiser
Crazy American Off Road
??? No. There isn’t aftermarket glass. Safelite is just buying from one of the big companies like the OEM.
I’ve had Safelite put Nippon, Pinkington, PPG, Carlite (which is main supplier for Ford), put in my Toyota’s. Windshield glass has some very strick federal laws it needs to follow. It makes it to where the is it any half baked windshield glass even available.
Markuson
SILVER Star
I still wonder about the differences though. On my 100 series, I ended up with a SERIOUSLY crappy windshield once. -Like it was prone to pitting and weird color...optical edge distortions galore. Replaced it again and it was a night and day difference.
Also, there were weird versions with ridiculously blued shading at the top.
Taco2Cruiser
Crazy American Off Road
Reference what you want Tony, it’s a marketing gimmick.
Window Replacement Secrets To Insurance OEM Auto Glass
Talk to any automaker owner body shop manager. They know where they get their glass. I can’t stand Safelite, but it isn’t some inferior glass. In fact long ago I was able to pick up glass with a Toyota logo on it for $100 at a dealership and had Safelite install it, it broke in 3 days. I was pulling out of a gas station and “bam” cracked right down the middle. The Safelite glass lasted the longest on my FJ. It’s all the same. I’m sure there is sketch glass out there, just like any product, but a company as big as Saflite doesn’t want to get sued and more than it already does.
Window Replacement Secrets To Insurance OEM Auto Glass
Talk to any automaker owner body shop manager. They know where they get their glass. I can’t stand Safelite, but it isn’t some inferior glass. In fact long ago I was able to pick up glass with a Toyota logo on it for $100 at a dealership and had Safelite install it, it broke in 3 days. I was pulling out of a gas station and “bam” cracked right down the middle. The Safelite glass lasted the longest on my FJ. It’s all the same. I’m sure there is sketch glass out there, just like any product, but a company as big as Saflite doesn’t want to get sued and more than it already does.
Taco2Cruiser
Crazy American Off Road
Who really knows man. I could be totally wrong, but legally, no one can put in inferior windshield glass in the US. My point of view is from my time in shops, my friends who run dealership maintenance shops, and the law.
My opinion is it’s how good the glass is handled that make the difference. And a huge company like saflite that has to push hard everyday, hire new people constantly, is just never going to be at the level of the good shop that has a small team that has been installing glass for 20 years. It’s the same as a big stealership maintenance departments and the good small town mechanic that never lets you down.
SQRRRL
SILVER Star
I just replaced my windshield and went with the OEM glass. $1000.00 vs.$450.00 for after market. Make sure glass installer replaces gel pad for auto windshield wipers. It should be part of the glass kit.
If “auto” wiper mode acts up make sure windshield is clean. I went with OEM just to be safe and I’m happy.
If “auto” wiper mode acts up make sure windshield is clean. I went with OEM just to be safe and I’m happy.
- Thread starter
- #18
Wow - I am really glad I asked about this topic. FYI - here's a pic of what came stock on my 2017 LC (AGC Automotive, Lamisafe):
My local dealer uses Cascade Auto Glass for windshield replacements. According to them, they install OEM glass on all their cars with damaged windows. They didn't exactly say, but I think they might have obliquely referenced using them on windows that were damaged on unsold (i.e. "new") cars too.
My local dealer uses Cascade Auto Glass for windshield replacements. According to them, they install OEM glass on all their cars with damaged windows. They didn't exactly say, but I think they might have obliquely referenced using them on windows that were damaged on unsold (i.e. "new") cars too.
Markuson
SILVER Star
Agree on installer differences!
My windshield last week arrived at my installer having had the connector broken by the shipper (prior taping for shipping had pulled the delicate electrical connection off). The installer called me and said while they could have repaired it...they didn't want to leave it iffy...so they got another shipped and installed it two days later. I appreciated that they didn't just cobble it back together and hope for the best. So ya, not all installers are equal.
PS. To anyone in the San Diego area...
-Never seen better work than "Mark's Auto Glass" in El Cajon right off the 67...couple blocks north of Bradley exit (and In-N-Out Burger! -Nothing like a 3x3 with grilled onions while you wait for your windshield, though Mark's will come to your parked truck and do it too).
My windshield last week arrived at my installer having had the connector broken by the shipper (prior taping for shipping had pulled the delicate electrical connection off). The installer called me and said while they could have repaired it...they didn't want to leave it iffy...so they got another shipped and installed it two days later. I appreciated that they didn't just cobble it back together and hope for the best. So ya, not all installers are equal.
PS. To anyone in the San Diego area...
-Never seen better work than "Mark's Auto Glass" in El Cajon right off the 67...couple blocks north of Bradley exit (and In-N-Out Burger! -Nothing like a 3x3 with grilled onions while you wait for your windshield, though Mark's will come to your parked truck and do it too).
gaijin
GOLD Star
Wow - I am really glad I asked about this topic. FYI - here's a pic of what came stock on my 2017 LC (AGC Automotive, Lamisafe):
My local dealer uses Cascade Auto Glass for windshield replacements. According to them, they install OEM glass on all their cars with damaged windows. They didn't exactly say, but I think they might have obliquely referenced using them on windows that were damaged on unsold (i.e. "new") cars too.
Same glass came stock on my 2013LC:
HTH
