Windshield Replacement - Does brand matter?

[Joe1]

My cracked windshield needs to be replaced before inspection. I'm leaning towards Safelite as they are a national company. Is there any risk in taking it to a "mom and pop" place to get this done?

 

[StevieC]

I don't think Mom/Pop using any substandard products (depending where you go of course), I think it depends on the company and whos running it and whether they take pride in selling good quality products. I had the windshield in my Ford Tempo replaced by a Mom/Pop shop and I found out later that I got a better price for the same brand of windshield that I would have paid for from a "chain". Just do your research on brands to find out whats the best then seek out the best price/quality workmanship. I don't know where in the US is the best place to go but in Canada the best chain is "Apple Auto Glass" They really do excellent work IMO.

 

[TooManyWheels]

I have had great luck with Apple also. We had another thread on here about a year ago on this subject, so you might try the search. I am not a fan of Safelite - big is not automatically the same as good.

 

[mcrn]

Yes it does make a difference. My dad had a 82 300D MB and I had a 83 240D. Well he had his windshield replaced and in Fl your insurance company pays for it for free. Well he let the insurance company replace with whatever brand they wanted. It looked like it had some kind of eye glass lens effect to it. So when my windshield got broke I asked the insurance company for the factory part. They said it would take a week longer to get. I said that was fine because my dads was so bad that it would drive me nuts driving around with that and it did give me a headache when I drove my dads car. Im sorry I do not know the brand name of the either. Also make sure you get the factory gasket if you are replacing that.