1 1/2 years ago i had a new windshield put on my car after having a rock create a huge crack in my windshield. i used a local company called Auto Glass Specialists. no complaints as far as install go, but im curious about the brand of glass they used. they put a Pilkington windshield on my car, any good/bad reviews on them? isnt pilkington oem for some german cars? i thought i rememberd my sisters vw having their windshield. im also just wondering if there are any very good brands out there, and what you should stay away from.
Auto Glass
- Thread starter sxg6
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The physical and optical properties of all autoglass used in vehicles sold and operated in the U.S. is set by Federal law. Regardless of brand, a windshield's permanently applied "DOT" designation and compliance number assures it conforms to applicable U.S. regulations for strength, safety, and optical properties. Don't try to infer rocket science in a regulated commodity.
Standards may be regulated but that does not totally commoditize a product. Safety standards are regulated but that does not make a Kia a Volvo.
I had to replace some auto glass in my last Porsche. The generic stuff was not the same. I bought used Porsche glass for about half the cost of new generic stuff as a result of seeing the difference.
Even the concept of "better" may be relative. A knowledgeable friend told me that the Porsche OEM glass is "softer" than the generic stuff. I assume that it is a statement about brittleness. eg it is more likely to chip or scratch but less likely to break.
There may be very high quality generics out there. The aftermarket choices may actually be "better" depending on your priorities. But that does not make them the same.
I had to replace some auto glass in my last Porsche. The generic stuff was not the same. I bought used Porsche glass for about half the cost of new generic stuff as a result of seeing the difference.
Even the concept of "better" may be relative. A knowledgeable friend told me that the Porsche OEM glass is "softer" than the generic stuff. I assume that it is a statement about brittleness. eg it is more likely to chip or scratch but less likely to break.
There may be very high quality generics out there. The aftermarket choices may actually be "better" depending on your priorities. But that does not make them the same.
"Softness" depends on float glass properties and it differs because of process variations at different glass manufacturers. Optical properties depend more on quality of glass bending process and pvb interlayer.
And I thought it was just another window!
me and my dad both used to have old mercedes i had a 240 he had a 300 both diesels. well we both had to have our windshields replaced. I branch fell on mine and his hood popped up and broke his. well they replaced his first and used whatever the insurance company sent out. There is an OBVIOUS difference. They might meet regulations but it would almost give me a headache to drive his car after that. It almost looked like it had a prescription lens built into it. It distorted the view. So on mine I told my insurance company I wanted original equipment they said no problem but I would have to wait for it. I did and I was very happy that i waited.
Pilkington has been standard glass on Volvos for many years. That doesn't necessarily imply that it is the best choice in all regards. Many think that the OEM Volvo windshields are on the "softer" side, and tend to scratch and chip up faster than they should.
The bigger quality differences are between the cheaper no-name and the OEM/premium replacement lines. This is where you'll start to notice optical and lamination irregularities. The top quality replacement brands are likely as good as OEM. I have a PPG replacement on our one Volvo wagon that is wearing like a sheet of iron and looks just as good as new OEM. But with a Pilkington you can rest easy with your windshield glass choice. Good glass.
It is probably more important HOW a replacement windshield is installed than WHAT glass was used.
Many cheaper windshields are now manufactured using reground glass. Thats why there can be a huge difference in prices quoted from shop to shop. Many of the replacement windshields made in mexico are using this method. It keeps costs down however my experience has been they are eaiser to break and chip.
JHZR2
Staff member
The fiancee had a similar thing done, and the replacement glass was terrible... lots of optical differences as one looked along the windshield, causing the variations and slight 'movement' as you view things up and down or side to side.
She then got a new replacement after a couple years, and I had her get PPG glass. No issues anymore, and optically correct.
A lot of euro glass is on the 'soft' side, they say the same thing about the Sekurit glass on my MBs.
I would use Pilkington with confidence, the worst that it can be is a low end glass, and Id assume that with a name brand product, it is still pretty good.
JMH
She then got a new replacement after a couple years, and I had her get PPG glass. No issues anymore, and optically correct.
A lot of euro glass is on the 'soft' side, they say the same thing about the Sekurit glass on my MBs.
I would use Pilkington with confidence, the worst that it can be is a low end glass, and Id assume that with a name brand product, it is still pretty good.
JMH
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