Searched the forum but didn't find much newer info in the past couple years. So here's my dilemma for my '15...replace with $600 Pilkington glass (not Lexus labelled) or $1200 for Lexus label? Prior posts mentioned special gold content in original Lexus, is this true and if so what impact on interior heat, dashboard melting/exposure, etc.? Any issues with non-Lexus glass in terms of fit and finish and noise? Any resale issue with non-Lexus label replacement? My dealer gave me the name of the company that does all of their work, and they seemed very competent. In fact they were the only company I contacted that asked for VIN# to make sure they quoted the correct replacement. Any advice/experience appreciated. Thanks!

 

I have a non-lexus replacement. No difference at all from factory windshield. My insurance comprehensive covered it.

 

Things to be concerned about are auto high beam, rain sensing wipers and LKA not working as well on a non Lexus windshield.

 

The Lexus windshield, like the side windows is a high UV and Infrared rejection design.

my aftermarket windshield lets more heat in making the dash hotter. You can feel the hot air coming towards you from the dash.

I assume the dash air sensors are calibrated for the oem glass.

i am intending to replace the aftermarket windshields on both our lexus’s with oem glass.

i think the aftermarket glass may pit easier also.

the auto wipers seem to work with the aftermarket windshield.

do they work as well as the oem? No way to know until I restore the windshield glass.

my feeling is while it works it’s not as sensitive as the oem glass would allow.

 

Thanks, I don't have the auto high beams or LKA but do have the windshield wiper deicers and of course the rain sensing wipers...only one company I asked for a quote asked for VIN# as I assume they know the options are important to know for a new windshield...

 

I noticed that Pilkington makes the OEM glass for Jaguar while washing my XF earlier. Also, the previous owner replaced the windshield in my LS460 with Pilkington. I have no issues whatsoever.

 

Thanks for the reply, I will indeed lobby my insurance for a Lexus replacement. It's not so much about the money for me as it is about the proper replacement choice to work with the design specifications and purpose of the car. I am reading a lot about complaints and concerns over color and UV blocking and options interface that lead me strongly to Lexus brand even at twice the price.

 

Russ, your car has the comfort package, any problems with the windshield wiper defroster? ( I also see you are in CA so maybe you just don't need them!). Thanks.

 

I would only accept an OEM Lexus labeled windshield.

 

I have never needed to use them and the car is garaged.

 

My passenger side window was cracked by something hitting it on the freeway. I also opted to get it replaced with OEM. $270 more over the so called “OEM equivalent.”

 

I'd have the windshield installed by a bodyshop too instead of a glass installer.

 

Thanks very much, great to hear first hand report of replacement issues...as for your tip, the company the dealer recommended did say they would use new clips and drip molding so I think they know what they are doing..

 

Great idea, had not considered that....thanks!

 

The last time I got my windshield done, it was replaced by glass from China. I forget the brand. Normally, I could care less, but after a few weeks, I could swear it was louder in the cabin at speed. Turns out, they replaced the glass with one that did NOT have the acoustic layer. In my Ford SHO, they call it "Soundshield" and it's stamped in the glass. I forget what the Lexus version is called....but not all replacement windshields have it.