OE vs. Aftermarket Windshield

[The Critic]

A large rock hit the Altima's windshield this morning. According to my mom, it's definitely beyond repair.

Safelite wants $253 to install an aftermarket windshield.

I called two local Nissan dealers, one recommended Safelite while the other recommended a local shop. I also called the BMW dealer, who also recommended the same local shop.

The local shop wants $488 to install a new Genuine Nissan windshield.

So, an OE windwhield will cost nearly twice as much as an aftermarket. Is it worth it?

 

[Bluestream]

Glass is glass, there is no difference. Take the cheaper one for sure. You may want to look at it for imperfections before they install, no matter which one you buy. I did have a windshield installed and I year later I noticed a small flaw

 

[VK56VD]

Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Glass is glass, there is no difference. Take the cheaper one for sure. You may want to look at it for imperfections before they install, no matter which one you buy. I did have a windshield installed and I year later I noticed a small flaw


Not true. Cheaper glass fogs over time. Get the Nissan OE glass. Is insurance covering this? They should not have a problem paying for expensive OE glass.

Satellite has a good warranty to back up their work. Compare the warranty for both shops and than have them order the glass from the dealer.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Spartuss
Not true. Cheaper glass fogs over time. Get the Nissan OE glass. Is insurance covering this? They should not have a problem paying for expensive OE glass.

Satellite has a good warranty to back up their work. Compare the warranty for both shops and than have them order the glass from the dealer.

This is out-of-pocket, insurance isn't paying as I have a high deductible policy.

Every dealer in the area seems to recommend this one particular shop. I guess I'll just go with them.

 

[SrDriver]

Satellite replaced a couple of windshields for us and we had no problem. They came to work and after we retired to home and installed them.

I liked their windshield better than the OEM on my Tahoe.

 

[nthach]

some aftermarket glass is either too soft or brittle, or optically distorted - such as the Chinese stuff. Other brands like Safelite don't even come close to OEM when it comes to light transmission - especially how much UV it lets through. I stay away from Chinese glass like ZYG/FYG.

I wouldn't let Safelite touch our cars at all.

 

[NateDN10]

Our Accord had a rock hit the windshield, and it had to be replaced. Insurance paid for an aftermarket windshield. We haven't had a problem with fogging, but there are more wavy-looking distortions than with the OEM windshield. It's hardly noticeable under normal circumstances and certainly not a safety concern, but it's there.

 

[Blokey]

Check the tint, I've seen aftermarket glass that didn't match the rest of the car's factory glass - the tint was visibly lighter. On my S-10, I had the aftermarket windshield replaced with a factory LOF piece for this reason.

 

[hounddog]

OE glass is very seldom used.Very seldom.I worked in dealers 30 years I don't remember a OE front or back glass ever coming through parts dept.Side glass and some others but never a front or back.

 

[Steve S]

What insurance co do you have ? AAA replaces broked windshields for $100.00 co pay on my policy.

 

[DieselTech]

Cheaper glass is usually noisy as it crackles and makes weird noise. After market glass wil alot of times be warped even before install. Anytime you can I highly reccomened factory glass as they are not all the same.

 

[crazyoildude]

if insurance is covering it go for the dealer window otherwise get an aftermarket sometimes they are cheaper than a junk yard i just paid $85.00 for a new winshield for my 04 Blazer

 

[mechtech2]

That's a pretty fair price.
Even if it fails, you can get another one and still be ahead of the factory price!

 

[Steve S]

They use name brand glass.

 

[Quest]

For Hondas, I typically go with Pilkerton replacements; for all others if PPG is avail, go with PPG. Otherwise, I'll try to go with whatever is OEM or mid-grade.

Cheeper grade/low grade stuff tends to fill the market (Spartus is right) and they are either too brittle, too soft, doesn't meet the impact/load handling requirements and/or optically distorted and will give you headaches over time.

Q.

 

[DeeAgeaux]

Originally Posted By: nthach
some aftermarket glass is either too soft or brittle, or optically distorted - such as the Chinese stuff. Other brands like Safelite don't even come close to OEM when it comes to light transmission - especially how much UV it lets through. I stay away from Chinese glass like ZYG/FYG.

I wouldn't let Safelite touch our cars at all.


Ditto

 

[nthach]

Originally Posted By: Quest
For Hondas, I typically go with Pilkerton replacements; for all others if PPG is avail, go with PPG. Otherwise, I'll try to go with whatever is OEM or mid-grade.


Pilkington is the OEM for pretty much all the automakers in the world via their ownership by Nippon Sheet Glass and ownership of LOF and United LN.

PPG no longer makes automotive glass, they've spun it off into a new company - and their aftermarket stuff is made by different companies. I have a PPG branded Viracon which works and looks like OEM.

 

[bdcardinal]

The OEM supplier for most Ford's is Carlite, we either order direct from Ford for hard to get ones, or get glass from a couple different shops in town. We dont install it though, it all gets sublet out.

 

[qship1996]

As a 31 year Nissan/Infiniti owner {multiple vehicles} I can tell you the genuine glass is the way to go.....the few times I thought I would save a few dollare by not using it I have been disappointed- glass was wavy and distorted, or tint did not quite match, or the glass was slightly thinner......never again, especially with a brand new 30K Altima!!!!!!! Spend the extra, then seriously consider lowering your comprehensive deductable to cover these unfortunate unavoidable occurances- you may be shocked to see how little extra it costs to drop your deductable to 100 or even 250 on comprehensive only{ not collision}

 

[fdcg27]

That is really too bad.
After all, this is a new car.
My understanding is that the OEM windshield is a higher quality part, that will hold up better (less delamination over time) and will fit better.
This matters even with a glued in windshield, since it will reduce the risk of leaks over time.
On a new machine, I would go OEM.
What about her insurance?
It isn't a chargable event, it is comprehensive coverage damage, and they will surely contribute something.