sxn179

Hi Folks,

So back in april I had a rock come out from the truck in front of me and hit my windshield. it wasn't big at all and I didn't know I should get it checked right away, it was small and so I thought I'd let it go until I had to worry about it.

2 weeks ago it snowed, the defroster kicked on high ... the chip is now a 13 inch crack ...

i called it into insurance ($0 windshield replacement policy). they only offer after market windshield replacement. My local dealership said it'd be $1700. I called the specialist who installs it for them ... after market would be about $300 ... insurance has a place for $397.

so the question: its a 2005 rx330 on a lease that ends in january. i'll probably decide to keep the car for another year or so (maybe to 2009 when the new RX comes out) ...

should I get the after market or pay the extra 1200 out of MY pocket for the factory?

I'm obviously leaning toward the after market but thought I'd check on here to see if there is something very wrong with after market windshields.. Past post really didn't have the question i was asking (at least I didn't think so).

Lil4X

Just be sure the insurance company is comparing apples to similar fruit. IF your windshield has the gadgets for the automatic rain-sensing wipers, you may expect to pay more or at least have to employ a little more hand labor to transfer the sensor to the new glass. I replaced the windshield on my RX 300 for about $400 - had it done right in my driveway by the same guy who does the work for the dealer ($900). The part was from LOF, but the installer claimed that the only difference was the "Lexus" etched on the glass - most replacement windshields were made in the same plant. That's a pretty expensive etching. Where does Lexus get its glass, Lalique?

moolman

If you get it from a reputable glass replacement company such as Safelite, they use OEM windshields, so you won't have to worry about it, it's the same thing. They should also know how to appropriately put the rain sensor on too.

Don't skimp on the the front windshield in general. That piece of glass is used to stop your body from crashing through it and being on the side of the road, if the seat belt fails. If you live in Los Angeles, don't go to Mission Blvd to change your front windshield. The sides are not a big deal.

mandyfig

An accredited shop should do the trick, especially it is a listed insurance shop. Good luck.

jfelbab

OEM and aftermarket windshields are not the same. OEM windshields are more expensive because they are slow annealed while aftermarket are not. The reason new cars have OEM glass is because they are required to meet strict federal regulations that aftermarket glass does not.

Your windshield is a large part of the safety features of your car. It's not there just to keep the rain from hitting you in the face. It is the backing plate for the air bags should they deploy. The windshield also provide as much as 60% of the structural rigidity of the roof in the event of a rollover. IMO, I would want OEM glass when it could affect my safety and that of my family and friends.

At the very least, make sure that the price quote is for glass that meets the FMVSS regulations, Be sure that the installer is certified and that his adhesives are fresh and meet the FMVSS regulations. Be aware that you shouldn't be driving that car for 24 hours after the new windshield has been installed as the adhesives have not yet cured. If you are in a severe accident the windshield could just pop out and your airbags will be useless or your roof could crush you. Doing a windshield in your drive way and you driving off a few minutes later is dangerous.

Do some web searching and you will be quite surprised what you will find about aftermarket glass. Also be aware that some of the same companies who make OEM glass also make aftermarket glass.

Aftermarket glass is cheaper for a reason. That reason is that corners are cut and it simply is not as strong as OEM glass.

Think for a minute about new car manufacturers. If they could cut corners on a windshield they could save up to $1,000 a car. Ask yourself why they use OEM and not the cheaper glass in new cars.

Here is a good read.
http://chicago.dbusinessnews.com/sho...pe_news=latest

Here is another.
http://www.ultrabond.com/whywindshields.pdf

I also noticed that in the first article they reference a comment that aftermarket glass might not be allowed under a lease agreement. Best check that out too.

asimo

I had mine replaced twice, its seems that the OEM windshield break easily. I made the shop order OEM windshield which cost around $1000 and my insurance company take care of it. Its twice than the after market but its worth it, especially if you have the rain sensing wiper. Also, safelite usually offer after market and not OEM if you dont request. I dont know why your insurance only offer the after market, since they cannot decide what to replace or which shop you want to go to. Also i think in all insurance policy its stated to restore to the "original" condition which for me means OEM parts.
Hope this helps

sxn179

I definitely agree that the windshield is extremely important part of the structure for the front of the car. Its the only reason I would even think about spending the $1200 out of my own pocket for a factory part.

what "Lil4x" said above is exactly what the insurance company told me. I asked Progressive why they weren't replacing it with factory parts and he said "its the same glass, just no etch". I agree if Lexus could save the $1000 for the part, why wouldn't they (brand/quailty/reliabilty) but maybe they do and who are we to know what glass gets etched with the word lexus. When I talk to them again, I'll use the word "OEM" rather then after market since the article "jfelbab" pointed me to describes a number of major differences.

I do have the rain sensing wiper system, so I'm going to argue with Progressive as to why they aren't paying for OEM. Safelite was the one Progressive recommended so i guess that's a little comforting and a few searches says they're the big replacement company in the world. I'll call them on my own to see the difference in price.

Alright, thank you for all your input. To close the thread out I'll respond with what I go with for any future member to search.

thanks again.

JasDmw

Not only is the glass an important factor, equally so is the installation. Make sure the selected installer knows how to do this properly. My recent installation was through the dealer, who subs to a 3rd party trim shop. They kept the car overnight to allow the adhesives to cure properly. As indicated earlier on, the windshield is an integral piece of the structure of your RX.

The G Man

On the 05 RX, there is not much diff. in OEM and Safelite besides price. I believe from 07 on, the windshield are made from acoustic glass. Any good windshield installer should know how to deal with rain sensors, ask before you sign the papers. If its a lease car, I would definitely not pay out of my own pocket for an oem. IMO, the Safelite is actually more durable than the OEM. I had 2 oem windshield replace on my other Toyotas with Safelite and both Safelite out last the oem by years. Could be just bad luck with the OEM, who knows.

grouch

If your replacing a windshield for a 47' truck that's flat, go cheep. BUT, remember that the more the windshield is angled, the more optically correct it needs to be. Take a flat piece of glass and hold it at the angle of your windshield and look through it. It's not the cost, but the visual acuity you need to watch.

grouch

In Montana, I think the road dept. uses chicken wire to filter road sand so we end up with a lot of cracked and chipped windshields. The insurance Co.'s will cover "chip" repair at no cost to the driver. This helps stop cracks from developing and replacing the glass. FWIW

lexuslover

yes i agree w/ this. it costs like $50-$75 and it guarantees that chips don't turn into cracks. i've had 1 chip fixed this way and have not replaced the original windshield in almost 5 years since i got the car (knock on wood).

Lex2000TL

There is not just the strength of the glass that is important (OEM vs. aftermarket), but also many aftermarket windshields distort the vision. You may end up driving with huge headache from your eyes being strained just after 30 minutes of driving. I’ve seen that couple of times with somebody.

Orzel

iTrader: (1)

Being on our 3rd windshield in the RX I do believe that I can speak with some modicum of authority Just make sure that the installer has the little kit that is required if you have the rain sensing wipers, then make sure he knows how to use it! Our 3rd windshield is essentially an OEM for the Canadian built Lexus, we had severe distortion in the 2nd and it was factory Lexus.

The G Man

Bottom line is a good after market glass such as PPG is no more likely to be distorted than the OEM glass. I have read on other forums that a few people, such as Orzel, who complain about distorted OEM glass as well. PPG makes the windshield for Lexus, all you are doing is paying a 100% mark up for the Lexus logo on the windshield.