Aftermarket Windshield
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: ca
<----Also got a Pilkington glass. No probs whatsoever. I don't see how the glass affects the rain sensor. The only difference between a glass with or without rain sensor is the square clear spot on the top middle section.
Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I used Glass Doctor for my 2004 GS430 and they screwed up the installation twice, first replacement they cracked, and second there was a ton of wind noise. I complained and called them over and over before someone who knew what they were doing came out and finally did a good job.
If you use a company like this, be very careful because the biggest issue like everyone else has mentioned, is the install (proper molding removal/replacement, insulation & adhesives), not necessarily the quality of the glass.
I had Pilkington, and i have ML stereo, center channel speaker never sounded the same, until they replaced it with a LEXUS windshield again.
Last edited by s6 4rings; Jan 17, 2012 at 04:17 PM.
)I had my windshiled replaced a couple months ago. They replaced it twice with Pilkington glass. The third time Geico agree to an OEM replacement. I notice reduction mostly in engine noise and road noise (~20% reduction, slight reduction in wind noise). Also, there's slight visual distortion about an inch from the edges with the aftermarket (passenger side). This doesn't really bother me because I only see it while looking horizontally to the windshield.
So, what bothered me was the noise, not the slight visual distortion. If you're not that picky/sensitive about noise or slight distortion at the edge, you can say they are just as good to you ...
I would say aftermarket windshields are not as good (whether they are $130 good vs $1,100 good that's another question )
I had my windshiled replaced a couple months ago. They replaced it twice with Pilkington glass. The third time Geico agree to an OEM replacement. I notice reduction mostly in engine noise and road noise (~20% reduction, slight reduction in wind noise). Also, there's slight visual distortion about an inch from the edges with the aftermarket (passenger side). This doesn't really bother me because I only see it while looking horizontally to the windshield.
So, what bothered me was the noise, not the slight visual distortion. If you're not that picky/sensitive about noise or slight distortion at the edge, you can say they are just as good to you ...
)I had my windshiled replaced a couple months ago. They replaced it twice with Pilkington glass. The third time Geico agree to an OEM replacement. I notice reduction mostly in engine noise and road noise (~20% reduction, slight reduction in wind noise). Also, there's slight visual distortion about an inch from the edges with the aftermarket (passenger side). This doesn't really bother me because I only see it while looking horizontally to the windshield.
So, what bothered me was the noise, not the slight visual distortion. If you're not that picky/sensitive about noise or slight distortion at the edge, you can say they are just as good to you ...
I wonder if the aftermarket windshields have an optional acoustic glass replacement.
I've had the original windshield for a year until I got a bad rock chip and had it replaced with an aftermarket. I didn't notice a difference at all and have had it for 2 years.
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Brett Foote
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,382
Likes: 8
From: Vancouver, BC / Seattle, WA
I know that getting a tint off a rear window can be difficult. My tint person I see, disclaimed that to me up front and told me that there is a risk it may not work and won't be responsible if it does not work. Stat wise he told me at his shop, within the last 6 years, he said only two rear defrost windows did not work after removal out of so many cars worked on for removal of tint.
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I would get it from Lexus because they will stand behind it better. Do you want to spend $400 and have it suck (wind noise, leak, odd glare)? Now you are out a bunch of money on something you cannot return (We have all done this and suffered from it).
I have an aftermarket glass on my is300 and I hate it. And for some reason.... it has this nasty water stain etched into it that I can't get off of it.
When I get my IS350's windshield replaced (thanks to a nasty rock hitting and cracking it on the way to california), I will get the OEM one from Sewell.
When I get my IS350's windshield replaced (thanks to a nasty rock hitting and cracking it on the way to california), I will get the OEM one from Sewell.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 395
Likes: 1
From: --
A few thoughts:
1) Wise used car buyers and (dealers valuing for trade) often look for OEM glass, because if its not present its often an indicator of a problem (wreck etc) and indicates other cheaper substitutions might have been made.
2) UV protection and acoustic properties of OEM glass is almost always better. Non-OEM might turn out great or it might be noisier and more glare prone.
3) Manufacturing variance is likely to be greater on non-OEM parts, so a perfect might occur sometimes but its less likely (can be leaks, moulding problems, etc)
1) Wise used car buyers and (dealers valuing for trade) often look for OEM glass, because if its not present its often an indicator of a problem (wreck etc) and indicates other cheaper substitutions might have been made.
2) UV protection and acoustic properties of OEM glass is almost always better. Non-OEM might turn out great or it might be noisier and more glare prone.
3) Manufacturing variance is likely to be greater on non-OEM parts, so a perfect might occur sometimes but its less likely (can be leaks, moulding problems, etc)
