My windshield on my new E300h cracked after receiving the smallest of intitial chips. It is so small I was thinking that the windshield might be defective.

I was driving the car and watch it crack right in front of me. It was chipped the day before. The chip was so small you could barely see it.

Anyone else have the small issue?

 

It is not uncommon for the windshields (on any car) to have a very small chip quickly spread into a large crack. That is why it is wise to have a small chip repaired as soon as you notice it.

 

I've had my windshield replaced twice so far; the first time, there was no visible damage, but when it was in the dealer for service, it came back with a huge crack running right down the middle of it. Luckily that one was a free replacement. the second time was due to a rock getting thrown up off the road; good size star quickly cracked out in both directions. Insurance covered an OEM replacement(luckily) and so far so good.

 

As strange as it is, the windshield serves as a structural component for the car. It helps the chassis stay rigid when it tries to flex. When you have a small crack, it can quickly spread to a large one. When your vehicle is in motion, the entire body is flexing so you're slowly "tearing" away the windshield whether its by road vibration or through small torsional forces on the body. I've personally had an incident where a crack lead to a 2-feet long tear across the windshield in a matter of 50-miles of driving.

Just do a PPG or Pilkington OEM replacement. The cost will vary depending if you have a rain, humidity sensor, etc.

 

Having the windshield replaced on my wife's 13 ES300h next week for $1,200. They do need the VIN # to determine which windshield needed.

 

Is your insurance covering any of it? Do you have PCS with the camera on the windshield?

 

Are you getting a Lexus OEM? Unless you must have one with the Lexus insignia, you could get a replacement for about a third of that.

 

If one chooses to do a non-OEM replacement windscreen, are the various components removed and glued back to the new glass? Speaking of rain sensing wipers, rear view mirror, pre collision, etc.

 

I've seen reports in threads on this board from people who have gotten non-OEM windshield replacements and who have issues with things like the rain-sensing wipers.

I'm not sure why people would think that they are saving money by going with a windshield replacement other than a genuine Lexus windshield. Windshield replacements should be covered by comprehensive insurance coverage. Many of us have no deductible on our comprehensive coverage, but, even for those who do have a deductible, since even a cheaper non-OEM windshield is likely to be priced higher than the deductible the out-of-pocket expense for the insured is likely to be the same regardless of whether a genuine Lexus windshield is used or whether a cheaper non-OEM windshield is used.

While insurance companies may, at first, want to use a cheaper replacement, in most cases, if the insured is persistent and insistent, they will agree to using the Lexus windshield.

 

There is a misconception that you will get what you want when you "have insurance." This is far from the truth. Most insurance policies will spell out that any repairs they perform will be done with parts that are "like kind and quality." The definition of like kind and quality is always being challenged but for the most part, like kind and quality does not equate to GENUINE manufacturer parts.

OEM parts are what insurance companies will use. OEM parts are the same. These are made by the same manufacturer that produces the Genuine parts under the same tolerance level and specifications. They just do not have the Lexus name stamp on them but they are exactly the same. Aftermarket parts are a different story.

I have not come across an insurance policy that spells out that the carrier is entitled to use aftermarket parts. However, given that there are countless "fly-by-night" insurance companies around, I would not be surprised if they do in fact exist. Under those policies, one may not have a choice as to anything other than aftermarket.

 

Hmmm. I was under the impression that OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) was the same as a genuine part made by the manufacturer of the car (or any other item).

 

Yup. Both the same. Just OEM does not have the Lexus logo, but probably 50% cheaper.
The ones you gotta watch out for is aftermarket.

 

This is an aftermarket windshield, by local vendor recommended by Lexus dealer. Supposed to be same manufacturer, just no Lexus insignia. Insignia costs about $500 more. This price is in line with 2 other prices I received. Going to be replaced at dealer when in for service next week.

No PCS.

With regard to insurance, we have $1,000 deductible, so not worth filing a claim.

 

$1k comprehensive deductable? I didn't think you could go that high. Do they pay you to have it so high?

I have $0 deductable and it costs like an extra $20/yr.