New windshield....happy with replacememt!

[xBa380]

My 2008 Xb developed a common windshield crack from the bottom cowl area up and across the entire windshield. I was worried about who to go to for a replacement, but a local installer around the corner from me installs PPG/PGW glass which I heard good things about, compared to safelite for example. Got it installed today and the quality is fantastic. No waves, distortion, pits or other flaws. Looks perfect. Warrentied from any defects as long as I have my car, including install, stress cracks, noise, etc....

Cost me my $100 deductible through State Farm. The installer was Advanced Auto Glass in the Cleveland area.

Glad to have a fixed windshield again! My other one had 80K miles on it and you could tell. Pits all over!

 

[FoxS]

What negatives have you heard about safelite? I have an appointment next Saturday.

 

[spk2000]

I have a replacement from Safelite and I requested that it have the tinting at the top not the newer style that has black dots and no tint. This was just a way to make the windows cheaper and i personally do not like that. Have had it over a year so far and very pleased with it. It also comes with a lifetime warranty as long as I own the car.

 

[xBa380]

Well when doing research I read mixed reviews on them as far as the glass quality goes. But it depends on the car and which brand they use. I heard they have used PPG as well, but also use others. I heard good things with Safelite as well, but when I called my local place they confirmed the brand for me that I wanted. But I never did contact safelite though to see which they had available. I thought they manufactured their own if I am not mistaken, but I could be wrong.

 

[Kruse]

Originally Posted By: xBa380
a local installer around the corner from me installs PPG/PGW glass which I heard good things about, compared to safelite for example.


About two years ago, I had a windshield installed by Safelite. The guy had to drive about 90 minutes to get here and 90 minutes to get back home. The driver was the most courteous guy that anybody could have wanted and the windshield was of excellent quality. My total bill was around $225. I don't know how they made any money on that one, but I guess that's not for me to decide. It was only after that did I read about some people complaining about Safelite. In my case, there were absolutely no problems and it still looks good today.

 

[xBa380]

I am guessing it really depends on each store and installer, for any place! No doubt.

 

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted By: FoxS
What negatives have you heard about safelite?


It's cheap aftermarket glass. You are better off with Carlite, PPG, or Pilkington.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Kruse
Originally Posted By: xBa380
a local installer around the corner from me installs PPG/PGW glass which I heard good things about, compared to safelite for example.


About two years ago, I had a windshield installed by Safelite. The guy had to drive about 90 minutes to get here and 90 minutes to get back home. The driver was the most courteous guy that anybody could have wanted and the windshield was of excellent quality. My total bill was around $225. I don't know how they made any money on that one, but I guess that's not for me to decide. It was only after that did I read about some people complaining about Safelite. In my case, there were absolutely no problems and it still looks good today.


I wouldnt complain about safelite per se, though Im sure there are some flakes... I complain about their cut-rate Mexican glass, which IME is VERY wavy. Not to my liking at all. But I think that is where they make their money - lowest cost DOT glass, versus higher quality stuff from the majors.

Plus what they charge insurance and others can be highway robbery. IIRC, they wanted $59 or 99 to do a small chip repair, when a dedicated guy that ONLY does that wanted $35.